Hoops by Matt Tavares

Hoops by Matt Tavares. Candlewick Press, 2023. 9781536201369






Rating:  1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4



Format : Hardcover graphic novel



Genre: Historical fiction



What did you like about the book? When Judi Wilson was young, she loved watching her brother and his friends play basketball in the driveway while she half-heartedly practiced cheerleading routines with her best friend Stacy.  Their town’s high school boys’ basketball team had won many state championships, and Judi dreamed of being able to play for the Bears herself.  During her senior year, as a result of the recent Title IX amendment, the school announced there would be a girls’ team, and Judi was excited to try out, even though it meant leaving Stacy and the cheerleaders behind.  She made the team, and bonded quickly with the other players.  The girls connected not just because of their mutual love of the game, but also over their frustration about glaring inequities.  At first relegated to practicing at the local elementary school, they gain access to the high school  gym – but only in the evenings after all three of the boys’ teams have had their practices.  They have to make their own with plain white t-shirts and electrical tape.  Even as they put together a successful winning start to their season, there’s no bus to take them to away games, so their coach borrowed her uncle’s Winnebago to transport them.  Worst of all, they were met with empty bleachers at their games and derision and disrespect from school officials, classmates, and some community members.  In spite of all these obstacles, the “Lady Bears” (a nickname they hate) advocate for themselves and don’t give up; ultimately they take their persistence and fighting spirit all the way to the state championships.     



Matt Tavares’ first foray into graphic novels is a winner.  Based on the true story of the 1976 Warsaw, Indiana high school girls’ basketball team, Hoops is a history lesson and an inspiring story of perseverance rolled into one enjoyable, fast-paced read.  It features a very straight-forward, easy-to-follow comic panel layout and deceptively simple illustrations with clean lines and solid fill but loaded with background details.  The story of the basketball team’s success is the central plot, but there are several subplots about Judi’s friendships – with Stacy and with her new teammates – that add relatability for readers that aren’t into basketball.  Readers will also empathize with Judi and the other girls as they contend with sexist attitudes, and cheer them on as they are victorious on and off the court.  Author’s notes provide important historical context and background information.  



Anything you did not like about the book? No



To whom would you recommend this book? Realistic fiction graphic novel readers in grade 3 and up will enjoy rooting for Judi and her team!  It’s a great fit for fans of series like Sunny (Holm) and Real Friends (Hale) .



Who should buy this book? Public and elementary school libraries



Where would you shelve it?  Graphic novels



Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles?  No



Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City:  Leigh Russell King, Lincoln Street School, Northborough, Massachusetts.



Date of review: April 20, 2023