Overview

Fourteen-year-old Johnny Huttle -- nicknamed Hustle by his best friend, Rex -- comes from an inner-city neighbourhood, where the streets are tough and the street ball games are rougher. More than anything, Johnny wants to shine as the school's star basketball player. But the one thing standing in his way is his best friend, Rex, who outshines Johnny effortlessly at everything, on and off the court. This makes Johnny angry enough that his game and their friendship suffer. When Rex starts getting into trouble in the neighbourhood and is suspended from the team, Johnny has to put his jealously aside to help his friend -- and his basketball team at the championship.

Full Product Details

9781459406056

Table of Contents

Reviews

A great hi-lo interst book, <em>Hustle</em> is part of Lorimer's Sports Stories series written to entice students to read. Author Johnny Boateng does a great job of making the book exciting on many levels, and the book is full of adventures . . . The basketball theme is strong and carries the plot well. Boateng obviously knows the game and effectively conveys the action and tension on the court . . . The characters are believable and easy to relate to. --Mary Harelkin Bishop, CM Magazine (05/30/2014)

Boateng knows his basketball lingo. Sports fans will appreciate this feel-good story about not giving in to peer pressure.... As with any of the books in the [Lorimer] Sports Stories series, the language is accessible and the story interesting--a plus for struggling readers. --Angela Thompson, Resource Links (06/30/2014)

Part of the publisher's Sports Series, this slim novel's short chapters and more mature content make it perfect for older reluctant readers. Its no-frills story is fast-moving and touches on many teen issues, while promoting a positive message of independent thinking and being a team player. --Julia Smith, Booklist (09/03/2014)

Author Information

JOHNNY BOATENG played division basketball in Indiana and at Simon Fraser University. He starred as a ballplayer in video games, movies, and commercials before an injury sidelined his basketball career. He lives in Vancouver, B.C., where he founded The Dream Hoops Basketball Academy and serves as a mentor for disadvantaged youth.

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