Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game

When they piled into cars and drove through Durham, North Carolina, the members of the Duke University Medical School basketball team only knew that they were going somewhere to play… Read More →

  • Lexile: 1170
  • ATOS: 5.7
  • Dewey: 796.32307'7
  • Copyright: 2015

Reviews

“It’s a great story. . . . [Use] for a readaloud on teams who challenged segregation.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books View →

 

“[T]he kind of story from which ‘inspirational’ movies are made. . . . This book adds new heroes to the pantheon.”—The New York Times Book Review View →

 

“Coy’s succinct narrative is well paced, compelling, and multilayered. . . . A fascinating story, with appeal far beyond sports and history fans.”—The Horn Book Magazine View →

 

“This book offers a slice of history and an inspiring portrait in courage . . . [An] exciting account of a landmark game played ahead of its time.”—starred, Booklist View →

 

“[A]n account brimming with suspense and emotional tension . . . skillfully highlights both the energy and importance of the game and the dangerous social climate in which it was played.”—starred, Publishers Weekly View →

 

“This interesting but little-known story is an important one. . . . A strong work with themes of sports, history, and human kindness.”—School Library Journal View →

 

“[A]rresting illustrations play up the basketball action and the emerging camaraderie that conjured the possibility of defeating Jim Crow….[A] charming read for young basketball fans.”―Kirkus Reviews View →