Fast Break

Growing up is a team effort in Fast Break, a contemporary middle-grade graphic novel about family, friendship, and one girl's drive to succeed on the basketball court and in life-perfect for fans of The Tryout and Ride On.Mikayla Thomas is a star basketball player determined to be the best at everything she does, including helping her family move across town for her mom's new job. With Mom working longer hours and Dad staying home to care for her baby brother, Mikayla knows her parents are making major sacrifices for their family. The least she can do is keep her head in the game and give them nothing else to worry about. When the girls' coach at Mikayla's new school refuses to let her try out for their lineup, her plan proves harder than she thought. Instead, she finds her way to the Firebirds, a ragtag coed-league team where Mikayla might make some new friends as well as teammates. Even though the Firebirds aren't great at hoops, if joining their roster is the only way to play this season, then Mikayla is ready to lace up and win like she always does. She'll just have to do it by herself. But as she faces challenges on and off the court, at home and at school, Mikayla begins to realize that the path to success isn't a solo journey-it's a team effort.