Boy21

Boy21 tells the story of Finley McManus, the only white student on his high school’s varsity basketball team. Finley narrates this piece of young adult fiction that deals with the violence and, tangentially, the racism prevalent within American society.

The novel begins in Finley’s memory: he is learning how to play basketball as an escape from the trauma within his Bellmont community. He meets a girl, Erin Quinn, who becomes his best friend, and they practice basketball together and eventually date, though they break up for basketball season. The novel fast-forwards to their senior year of high school, when Finley’s basketball coach introduces Finley to a new student, Russ, who also goes by the name of Boy21, and who believes he is from outer space. Russ’s parents were recently murdered, and he is an incredibly intelligent basketball prodigy, so Coach enlists Finley’s help in making sure Russ adjusts to his new life in Bellmont and, above all else, to make sure Russ returns to playing basketball. Coach also explains that Russ’s past must remain a secret, as there are many college recruiters who would interrupt the boy’s reintegration into society.