Boy 21

Boy 21

By Matthew Quick

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Curriculum subjects: Sports: Basketball, Personal Development, Sports/Teamwork/Competition

Grade: 7-12

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Basketball has always been an escape for Finley. He lives in broken-down Bellmont, a town ruled by the Irish mob, drugs, violence, and racially charged rivalries. At home, his dad works nights, and Finley is left to take care of his disabled grandfather alone. He’s always dreamed of getting out someday, but until he can, putting on that number 21 jersey makes everything seem okay.

Russ has just moved to the neighborhood, and the life of this teen basketball phenom has been turned upside down by tragedy. Cut off from everyone he knows, he won’t pick up a basketball, but answers only to the name Boy21–taken from his former jersey number.

As their final year of high school brings these two boys together, a unique friendship may turn out to be the answer they both need.

PRAISE

★ “This book is the answer to all those angst-ridden and painfully grim novels in  the shortcut lingo of  short attention-span theater. Hugely enjoyable.” –  School Library Journal