43 pages • 1 hour read
Travel Team
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Middletown, New York • 2000s
2004
YA
10-14 years
930L
Super Short Summary
Travel Team by Mike Lupica follows 12-year-old Danny Walker, who is heartbroken after failing to make the Middletown Vikings basketball team due to his height. His estranged father, Richie, a former professional basketball player, starts a new team, The Warriors, with Danny and other overlooked players. Despite initial struggles, the team learns the importance of fun and perseverance, ultimately competing against the Vikings. Themes of family dynamics, resilience, and overcoming personal challenges are central to the story. Richie deals with alcoholism in the narrative.
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Challenging
Emotional
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
11,397 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mike Lupica's Travel Team captivates readers with its inspirational story and well-drawn characters, particularly benefiting young sports enthusiasts. While praised for its engaging narrative and motivational themes, some find it predictable and reliant on clichéd elements. The book's positive message and realistic portrayal of challenges in sports and personal growth are main highlights.
Who Should Read Travel Team?
A reader who would enjoy Travel Team by Mike Lupica is likely a young sports enthusiast, particularly someone who enjoys basketball and themes of overcoming adversity. Similar readers might appreciate Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli or Million-Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica for their sports-centric, inspirational narratives.
11,397 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Richie Walker
Richie Walker
Danny's father and a former professional basketball player whose past achievements and personal struggles influence his relationship with Danny and the community.
Ali Walker
Ali Walker
Danny's supportive and strong-willed mother who balances work and parenting while encouraging Danny to grow emotionally and maintain his passion for basketball.
Tess Hewitt
Tess Hewitt
Danny's intelligent and supportive friend who becomes involved with the basketball team and shares a close bond with Danny.
Will Stoddard
Will Stoddard
Danny's best friend known for his talkative and humorous nature, who is supportive of Danny's aspirations and struggles.
Mr. Ross
Mr. Ross
The coach of the rival basketball team, whose focus on physical attributes and winning contrasts with other characters' values and approaches to the game.
304
Novel • Fiction
Middletown, New York • 2000s
2004
YA
10-14 years
930L
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