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55 pages 1 hour read

Summer Ball

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2007

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Book Brief

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Mike Lupica

Summer Ball

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • Contemporary

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

910L

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Super Short Summary

In Summer Ball by Mike Lupica, 13-year-old basketball prodigy Danny Walker attends an elite summer camp called Right Way, where he must confront his insecurities about his height and prove himself against some of the nation's best young players. Danny faces various challenges, including strained relationships, bullying, and self-doubt, ultimately learning valuable lessons about perseverance and self-belief.

Adventurous

Playful

Inspirational

Exciting

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

8,511 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Summer Ball by Mike Lupica has garnered praise for its engaging narrative and relatable protagonist, making it a hit among young readers, especially basketball enthusiasts. Critics commend Lupica's portrayal of teamwork and personal growth. However, some note that its plot can be predictable and characters stereotypical. Overall, it remains a compelling read for sports fans.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Summer Ball?

Readers aged 10-14 with a passion for basketball and underdog sports stories will enjoy Summer Ball by Mike Lupica. Fans of John Feinstein’s Last Shot or Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover will find this tale of friendship, competition, and personal growth captivating. Perfect for those who love dynamic characters and fast-paced plots.

4.4

8,511 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Danny Walker

A 13-year-old basketball prodigy known as "the smallest basketball magician in America," who faces challenges related to his height but excels through his strategic intellect and supportive relationships.

Danny’s father, a former professional basketball player who stands as a model of hard work and perseverance despite being under six feet tall, sharing with Danny a strong moral code and a history of overcoming height-related challenges.

Danny’s mother, an English teacher known for her warmth and resolve, who supports Danny’s personal growth alongside his father, emphasizing emotional resilience over athletic achievement.

Danny’s best friend and a teammate, whose humor and laid-back attitude often ease the tension and provide comic relief.

Danny’s other best friend and basketball teammate, recognized for his exceptional basketball skills and quiet support for Danny.

Danny’s tall, athletic friend with whom he shares a bond over sports, known for her intelligence, strength and no-nonsense attitude, playing a pivotal role in helping Danny maintain his self-confidence.

A friendly and witty new acquaintance from the Bronx who quickly becomes an ally with a positive attitude and a unique slang vocabulary that amuses Danny and his friends.

A highly talented but ill-mannered basketball prodigy known for his contentious personality, whose behavior often causes friction with others at camp.

A young basketball talent from Connecticut who, initially shy and lacking confidence, finds comfort and courage through basketball and friendship with Danny.

An exceptionally skilled basketball player with a calm demeanor, who commands respect on and off the court and shares a mutual understanding with Danny despite a rocky start.

A retired college basketball coach known for his rigid coaching style and grudge against Danny’s father, often undermining Danny’s confidence.

A college basketball player who befriends Danny, leading by example with integrity and encouragement for shorter basketball players.

The camp director recognized for his efforts to maintain peace at the camp, often excusing questionable behavior in favor of reputation management.

A point guard for the Boston Celtics and the camp founder, admired by Danny for advocating fair play and fostering young talent.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • Contemporary

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

910L

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