“A gift!” #1New York Times-bestselling author Jason Reynolds

Shake’s dream of making the varsity basketball team is in peril when he gets injured. Can he rebound and make his way back onto the courtand back to feeling like himself? For fans of Kwame Alexander and Jason Reynolds.

Beautifully designed with illustrations.

“Absolutely vibrating with energy and heart . . .a masterful middle-grade novel.” Newbery Honoree Jasmine Warga

Malik Pagethough unless you’re his mama, call him “Shake”dreams of making the Marshall Grove varsity basketball squad as an eighth grader. Then he’ll be on his way to joining the ranks of Chicago legends like his pops and late Uncle Kenny. But when Shake fractures his ankle in a championship game, he’s sidelined for the first time since his first dribble.

As his world is turned upside down, Shake feels like theres ginger ale bubbling in his chest and sweat slicking on his palms. With a best friend whos getting more distant by the day, a growing silence between him and his dad, and varsity tryouts fast approaching, Shake will have to cross up every obstacle to find a way back onto the courtand back to being himself. Thankfully in Marshall Grove, the sky is always full of hope.

Perfect for readers who love:
Sports Stories (though non-sports fans, you’ll love this one too!)
Short, Quick Reads
Hopeful Depictions of Anxiety and Mental Health
A Main Character Who Exudes Swagger
Humor and Heart

“Readers, make permanent room on your shelvesand in your hearts for thiswittyandpoignantnovel.” National Book Award winner Elizabeth Acevedo

“Stunning.This book ispowerful.”Newbery Medalist Tae Keller

“Witty, electricandprofound,Randalls verse dribbles, twists and weaves highlighting the complicated inner world of a middle-school boy with nuance and care.” National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride