Lupica, Mike.

TRAVEL TEAM
New York : Philomel Books, 2004
IL 5-8, RL 6.5
ISBN 0399241507

(2 booktalks)

Danny Walker wants to follow in his absent father’s footsteps and be a great basketball player, but when Danny tries out for the basketball travel team, which he has been a member of in years past, he is cut, not because he is not a good player but because he is short.The coach who cuts Danny just happens to be one of Danny’s father’s high school basketball rivals and the father of the local basketball star. When Danny’s father suddenly arrives in town, a group of misfits are gathered into another travel team to challenge the league in an inspirational sports story about the importance of friendship, character, and never giving up.  Black-eyed Susan Award nominee 2005-2006

Booktalk #2

Just imagine, basketball is your life.  Your dad was a hometown basketball star and at your age had made it to the NBA.  Now, at age twelve, after being a top player for the traveling team in your town, you are cut from the seventh grade team.  The reason:  you are too short!  (Is it really the true reason?)  All of this happens to Danny Walker.  His dad’s NBA career was cut short by an auto accident.  Will Danny’s dreams end now?   He is ready to give up basketball when his dad comes back to town. Will this change Danny’s life?  See what can happen when you hold on to a dream and never give up even when the odds are against you.  (Jean B. Bellavance for Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2007-2008)