For teens navigating complex personal changes and discovering who they are, this book offers a reflective journey through the challenges of growing up.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating the social and emotional turmoil of a new school or town, especially if they feel like an outsider because of their background. "In the Break" follows fifteen-year-old Jamie, a talented basketball player whose family moves from a diverse city to a predominantly white suburb. The story sensitively explores his struggle to find his place on a new team and in a new community, while grappling with his biracial identity, microaggressions, and the pressure to conform. For ages 13 and up, this quiet and introspective novel is an excellent choice for starting conversations about resilience, self-acceptance, and what it means to stay true to yourself when you feel alone.
Some occasional, mild teen language that is authentic to the setting.
Sad ThemesMild
Deals with themes of loneliness, isolation, and identity crisis.
Sensitive Topics
The book's central theme is racial identity and the experience of being a minority in a homogenous environment. The racism depicted is less about overt violence and more about the impact of microaggressions, stereotypes, and casual prejudice. The approach is direct and seen through Jamie's internal monologue. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: Jamie finds his footing and builds key relationships, but the underlying social issues are not magically solved. The book's perspective is secular.
Ideal Reader
A teen, aged 13-16, who is feeling like an outsider, particularly after a move or starting a new school. It’s especially resonant for a biracial or minority teen navigating a predominantly white space, or any young athlete dealing with the pressures of team dynamics and performance.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold, as it doesn't contain overly shocking or graphic content. However, parents may want to be prepared to discuss the subtle forms of racism and exclusion Jamie faces. It's a great opportunity to talk about what microaggressions are, how to be an ally, and the courage it takes to speak up or simply be yourself. A parent notices their teen has become withdrawn and quiet after moving to a new town. They might overhear their child say something like, “I just don’t fit in here,” or “No one gets it.” The trigger is observing a child's struggle with social isolation and identity in a new environment.
Age Experience
A younger reader (13-14) will likely connect strongly with the universal themes of being the new kid, making friends, and the drama of high school sports. An older teen (15-17) will be better equipped to appreciate the nuanced exploration of racial identity, code-switching, and the social commentary on class and suburban culture.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many sports novels that focus solely on the big game, "In the Break" uses basketball as a lens through which to explore a quiet, internal journey of identity. Its strength lies in the authentic, introspective voice of its male protagonist and its realistic portrayal of navigating the emotional weight of everyday microaggressions.
Read plot summary
Fifteen-year-old Jamie, a talented basketball player of Latino and white heritage, moves with his family to a wealthy, predominantly white suburban town. The novel chronicles his difficult adjustment as he joins the high school basketball team. He confronts loneliness, subtle and overt racism from teammates and classmates, and internal conflict over his identity. The story focuses on Jamie’s journey to navigate new social dynamics, stand up for himself, and find a sense of belonging without losing who he is.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jamie often stays silent when he hears casual, prejudiced comments from his teammates. Why do you think he chooses not to speak up at first? What events lead him to find his voice?
2
Compare Jamie’s way of handling the move to his older brother David’s. How are their experiences in the new town similar or different? Whose approach do you identify with more?
3
Throughout the book, Jamie's father gives him advice, including telling him to 'be water.' What do you think he means by this, and how does Jamie apply this advice to his life on and off the court?
4
Besides the racial differences, what other things make Jamie feel like an outsider at his new school? How does the book show that feelings of not belonging can come from many different places?
