Slam

Reach for this book when your teenager is a superstar in one area of life but feels like they are failing everywhere else. It is the perfect choice for a child who struggles with school or authority and uses defensive anger to hide their fear of the future. The story follows Greg Slam Harris, a talented basketball player in Harlem who must navigate academic probation, changing friendships, and the realization that talent alone cannot carry him through life. Parents will appreciate how it tackles the disconnect between potential and performance without being preachy. It is an honest, realistic look at the pressures of high school through the eyes of a boy learning to take ownership of his choices. This book is best suited for ages 12 and up, especially those who prefer gritty, authentic voices over polished narratives.