This novel sits perfectly in what can sometimes be a tricky reading space between upper-middle grade and lower-young adult. Harris successfully bridges the two with her use of a fast-pace narrative and a compelling story.
Set during the first six months of Year 8, we follow 14-year-old Harry Portelli, his uber-passion for basketball (even while playing for ‘the worst team in the school’), his dream to play professionally and navigating a family tragedy.
The opening chapter immediately immerses readers: we see his positive relationships with his parents and best friend; we’re shocked by an accident; and from there we delve into his now upside-down world. Harry’s first-person perspective gives readers genuine insight into his raw, mixed and complex emotions, including confusion and anger. The well-drawn, wide-ranging side characters bring depth to Harry’s world, be they adults at home and school, or classmates and teammates his own age. Their storylines crossover into his, highlighting the importance of connection, belonging and community.
A broad range of themes is expertly tackled, namely grief, which is central; but resilience, overcoming adversity, competitiveness and self-development run close behind. Family, friendship, teamwork, and the importance of trust, honesty and open communication within those spheres are explored using accessible language. Dialogue and banter are realistic and funny, providing a happy counterbalance to the sadness.
Descriptions of actions and the unsaid are evocative.
As with Susan White’s Take the Shot, readers don’t need to be basketball experts to enjoy this engaging, propulsive story. Full of heart, this novel is layered with heavy themes, but is ultimately hopeful, which, for this reviewer, is key to any book targeting this readership.
Reviewed by Alida Galati
Age Guide 10+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Harris is an award-winning author, scriptwriter, and actor with over twenty years of experience across publishing, television and theatre. Over the past thirteen years, she has penned forty-seven books, including two adult fiction novels The Drop-off and The Pick-up; the middle grade fiction novel, The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks; five books and two graphic novels.
Fiona co-created the award-winning comedy web series, The Drop Off, with her husband, Mike McLeish, and in 2025 they co-adapted the script for the Dolly Parton musical, Here You Come Again, for Australian audiences.
Visit Fiona Harris’s website here
0 Comments