This was a simple book about a boy growing up in a tough Oakland, Ca neighborhood. The story line is simple and easy to follow for middle school kids, but some of the urban language and themes may be more geared towards a high school audience. The story follows a teenage boy who has to decide what kind of future he wants for himself. He has the need to fit in with the guys in the neighborhood or pursue "his dreams" on his checklist. These dreams include his love of books and reading. Not something you would necessarily want to share with the boys from the local gang.

Justin's a teen having a rough summer in his Oakland, CA neighborhood. His alcoholic father shows up everywhere, challenging him to a game of hoops. His stepfather and mother are boring, and have spent way too much money on a pair of sneakers that he didn't really want, but kind of made them think he did. He took on a crazy dare and ended up destroying a local business - literally - and now he's got to defend his neighborhood basketball court against Ghosttown, a take-no-prisoners team. He pulls together a group of players and faces the upcoming game.

This isn't just a story about a basketball game: Justin's got plans for himself, and this first Blacktop book is all about letting us walk through his coming of age with him. He's got a list of goals for himself, and he's trying really hard to achieve them. He knows he's going to be someone, someday, and he knows he needs time to "figure it out". The narrative is fast-paced, and the basketball descriptions will appeal to fans of the game. I'd suggest this for teen audiences; more reluctant readers. There are four books in the Blacktop series.

A must-have for high schools and public libraries. While this first slim volume in the Blacktop series looks like an update on the Bluford High series or a hi-low book from Orca Publishing (I've had luck with both of these in the past, so I'm not criticizing), it's actually a tight, entertaining character study that is as appropriate for general readers as it is for "reluctant" readers. Alonge's writing is impressive, and he makes room for more than just the motions of the plot, which is often the kind of story lower readers in grades 8+ get stuck with. This is also not just a "basketball book." Justin, the protagonist, is actually not that great at basketball. He enjoys playing, but he also enjoys comic book mythology and reading. All members of the diverse cast are well-rounded in this way. Looking forward to reading the next volumes in the series.

Recommend to: readers of realistic fiction in grades 8+