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Reviewed by: Ashley Poulin, Elementary School Librarian Title: Hoops Author: Matt Tavares
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Year: 2023 Good for Grades: 3-8 Genre/Type of Book: Historical fiction/Graphic novel
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: no Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: I tend to read the full length graphic novels I purchase, and I was excited to see a sports book featuring a girls' team
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Review:
Hoops is based on the true story of the first girls basketball team at Warsaw High School in Wilkins, Indiana, in 1970. It’s very much set in the 70’s, right down to the haircuts! The main character is Judi (based on the real Judi Warren) who is thrilled when her school announced they were starting a girls team after Title IX passes. However, they get off to a rocky start, with no uniforms, limited gym time, only 8 players, and no coach. Despite their inexperience, the team bonds quickly and is actually quite good! The book follows them through the entirety of their first season playing. Despite the fact that the book features high school students, I think it’s a great fit for elementary and middle school libraries. Other than one very chaste kiss between a couple who is dating, there is no mature content. It actually reads and looks too young to appeal to the majority high school students.
One of the reviews said this was a “feminist graphic novel,” and those themes are seen throughout. Their coach refused to come to practice until she was paid for her time, the team discusses the inequities between how they’re treated and how the boys team is, a side character works at a hardware store and is constantly patronized by the male customers, etc. These issues are all discussed in ways that are easy for young students to understand and relate to. The cast is diverse, but diversity is not explicitly discussed in the book. This book will definitely appeal to graphic novel and sports fans.
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Find this book trailer and more resources for Hoops at TeachingBooks.net
For more information about this book, see the Author's Website