Nikki on the Line

November 15, 2018
Nikki wants to play sharp on the basketball court, explore the truth about her sperm donor father, and keep her social life afloat--but first she must build the confidence to take a shot.Roberts' debut novel features an inviting first-person perspective from Nikki, an eighth-grader of only medium height who nevertheless makes the cut for a choice basketball league. To afford the pricey team fee, Nikki agrees to watch energetic younger brother Sam every day so her single mom doesn't have to pay for after-school care. The author balances passionate play-by-play from the basketball court with reflective Nikki's efforts to learn about her "Sperm Donor dad." In between practices, homework, and Sam duty, Nikki finds connection with the stories of classmate Booker and (fictional) WNBA hero Mia McCall, who both have experience within non-normative family structures. Middle school growing pains such as friendship strains, crushes, and confidence building are woven into a believable, nontragic character whose experience is underrepresented in children's literature. Pacing is so steady among Nikki's pursuits that it is difficult to pinpoint a clear climax--this may prevent reluctant readers from finishing but will keep invested readers turning pages. Nikki and Booker are both white; their classmates are diverse, indicated mostly with references to skin color, hairstyle, and naming convention.An optimistic middle-grade novel melding heartfelt realistic fiction and sports fare. (Fiction. 10-14)

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March 1, 2019

Gr 5-7-Nikki is excited to join an elite eighth-grade basketball team, but struggles to find her place among so many talented- and tall-players. Nikki's mother is supportive but clueless when it comes to athletics, and Nikki wonders if her "sports gene" came from her biological father, a sperm donor whom she has never met. Nikki bonds with new friend and potential crush Booker, who was adopted after his parents succumbed to drug addiction. Basketball fans will appreciate the detail poured into team strategies, training drills, and the games themselves, which are fast-paced and dramatic. Nikki's determination makes her a sympathetic character, and even non-players should identify with her struggle to balance a consuming hobby with other commitments. Nikki's grades and friendships suffer, and she begins to lose her love of basketball. Nikki and Booker are both white. Nikki's best friend Adria has a Brazilian mother, Coach Duval is described as having brown skin, three girls on the team are described as having African American hairstyles, and another teammate, Kim-Ly Tran, has a Vietnamese name. Written in clear, accessible language, the story successfully utilizes sports to address the push and pull of establishing an individual identity, and how one can benefit a team. VERDICT This accessible coming-of-age story comes alive in its descriptions of basketball and the game's resulting life lessons. Recommended for most collections.-Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library

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January 1, 2019
Grades 5-8 Nikki has always loved playing basketball, so when she gets the opportunity to play for an elite club team, she is ecstatic. But Nikki finds herself with taller, more athletic girls and playing different positions than she is used to, which causes her to doubt if she has what it takes to make it. Additional challenges creep into her life when her best friend begins spending time with another girl from the team; Nikki has to take care of her younger brother after school; and her science teacher gives an assignment that might force Nikki to reveal her most embarrassing secret?her father was a sperm donor. Nikki learns to push herself and succeed where she never thought it possible. She stands up to a competitive team parent, learns to believe in her skill and herself, and figures out how to navigate middle school and personal relationships with vigor and heart. Filled with basketball games, middle-school friendships, and complicated families, this charming and heartfelt debut is perfect for fans of Ali Benjamin and Kwame Alexander.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)