Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Walter Dean Myers deserves his flowers—he's a titan of YA literature who brought real Black urban experiences to the page when few others did. Hoops tackles sports corruption with moral seriousness and fast-paced basketball action.

But let's be real: this is a tough, mature read. The profanity, sexual content, and hard-boiled ghetto depiction got it challenged for good reason when sixth graders brought it home. It's designed for older teens who can handle street realism and complex moral gray areas.

The bigger issue? It's showing its age. Originally published 1981 and reissued 2012, some elements feel dated, and the intentionally rough grammar—while authentic—can be a barrier. For modern teens who aren't already basketball obsessed or drawn to gritty urban fiction, this might not land as powerfully as Myers' other work like Monster.

If you've got a 15+ reader who loves hoops and can handle mature content, this delivers substance. But it's not the easy win for younger teens that the 'sports book' label might suggest.

Age Fit

Best for 15+ who can handle mature urban realism. The profanity, sexual content, and street life depictions are too raw for middle schoolers despite the teen protagonist. High schoolers interested in basketball or social justice will get the most from Myers' authentic voice and moral complexity.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

58

A gritty, realistic portrayal of life in Harlem with moral complexity around sports corruption and tough choices. Models determination and mentorship, but Common Sense Media notes poor grammar for realism, sexual content mentioned in kid reviews, and profanity/derogatory language that led to a challenge in 2019. The ethical dilemma at the core—whether to throw a game—provides substance, but the harsh urban setting and adult themes limit wholesome appeal.

Imaginative

52

Straightforward sports narrative focused on basketball tournament drama and corruption. Myers is a groundbreaking author who influenced a generation, but this particular story is plot-driven realism rather than imaginative world-building. The 'what would you do?' moral dilemma invites some ethical imagination, but it's more about gritty authenticity than creative exploration. Fast-paced but fairly conventional in structure.

Safe

45

Multiple safety flags for younger readers. Common Sense Media confirms 'hard-boiled depiction of life in the ghetto,' kid reviews cite 'too much sex,' and the book was challenged in 2019 by a parent of sixth graders for profanity, derogatory language, and sexual content. While not graphic or triggering in a trauma sense, the mature urban content—crime, gambling, adult situations—makes it inappropriate for younger teens to encounter unexpectedly. Designed for older YA readers who can handle street realism.

Enriching

72

Strong moral center about integrity, corruption in sports, and making choices under pressure. Myers, a 3-time National Book Award finalist and National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, brings authentic voice to Black urban experience. The mentor-mentee relationship between Lonnie and Cal provides depth, and the sports corruption angle offers real insight into systemic pressures athletes face. Common Sense Media praises 'compelling writing' that 'illuminates the life of a street-smart kid.' ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults. Builds empathy and critical thinking about tough choices.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Walter Dean Myers is a legend—3-time National Book Award finalist who brought authentic Black urban voices to YA lit
Real talk about sports corruption and the pressures athletes face when money and futures collide
The mentor relationship between Lonnie and Cal adds emotional weight—both learning from past mistakes
Fast-paced basketball action keeps reluctant readers engaged
Tackles genuine moral complexity: no easy answers when survival and dreams are on the line

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What to Watch For

Profanity, sexual content, and derogatory language throughout—this got challenged by parents of 6th graders in 2019
Hard-boiled depiction of ghetto life including crime and gambling underworld
Intentionally rough grammar for authenticity may frustrate some readers
Originally published 1981, reissued 2012—some cultural references and attitudes may feel dated
Dark themes about corruption and selling out—not a feel-good sports story

Conversation Starters

"If you were Lonnie in those final seconds, what would you do? What if your family needed the money from throwing the game?"
"Why do you think Cal warns Lonnie so hard about pressure? What do you think happened in Cal's past?"
"The book shows how betting and corruption can infiltrate sports. Have you heard about this happening in real life?"
"What does integrity mean when the stakes are your entire future? Is there ever a good reason to compromise it?"
"How does Lonnie's environment in Harlem shape his choices and opportunities?"

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Hoops Walter Dean Myers