Plot Summary

The Moves Make the Man

Bruce Brooks
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The Moves Make the Man

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1984

Book Brief

Bruce Brooks

The Moves Make the Man

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1984
Book Details
Pages

280

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • 1960s

Publication Year

1984

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-15 years

Lexile Level

1150L

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Super Short Summary

The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks is set in 1961 during the Civil Rights Movement and follows Jerome Foxworthy, an African-American boy newly integrated into an all-white school. He befriends Bix, a blunt white baseball player, and their bond deepens through basketball. Themes of racism, domestic violence, and family tragedy are explored, as Jerome recounts their friendship and Bix's struggle with honesty and mental health challenges.

Inspirational

Challenging

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,339 ratings

61%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews for Bruce Brooks' The Moves Make the Man generally praise its compelling blend of sports and coming-of-age themes. Critics commend the deep, layered characters and thoughtful exploration of friendship and personal growth. Some find the narrative slow at times, and the basketball jargon can be challenging for non-fans. Overall, it's widely appreciated for its emotional depth and unique voice.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Moves Make the Man?

Readers who would enjoy The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks likely appreciate coming-of-age stories that address themes of friendship, race, and personal growth. Fans of books like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli will find it compelling.

4.1

1,339 ratings

61%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

280

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • 1960s

Publication Year

1984

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-15 years

Lexile Level

1150L

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