The Moves Make the Man
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1984
280
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • 1960s
1984
Middle grade
12-15 years
1150L
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
1,339 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
1,339 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
280
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • 1960s
1984
Middle grade
12-15 years
1150L
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