Coming off a knee injury, African American senior D-Bow (Next; Slump; Pull) is ready to take his basketball skills to college. But there's a new white kid in school gunning for his spot, and family and girlfriend problems are distracting him. Will he flame out in the end? Detailed game action and a well-balanced emotional story line bring the series to a satisfying conclusion.

Gr 8 Up-n this conclusion to the YA sports series, Derrick returns to Marion East for his senior year. Now that he is back in playing shape after his junior year injury, he is expecting a year full of adulation and recruiting trips. Instead, Derrick finds that he has a new teammate who is an aspiring point guard and giving him a run for his money. When the new player is made starting point guard, pushing Derrick back to shooting guard, the protagonist becomes concerned about his future in basketball. As in prior volumes, Derrick must learn lessons about life and teamwork in order to lead his team to a triumphant season. The author presents a realistic portrait of a young African American man growing up in an inner city environment. The setting makes clear the challenges that those raised in such a place face, but it also shows good models of success juxtaposed against examples of those who lack proper emotional support and go astray. Those who see themselves in Derrick's off-court world will find this book affirming; those who do not will find the setting eye-opening. VERDICT This title delivers the conclusion that fans of the previous volumes have been waiting for. Lots of detailed basketball action and a peek into the life of an elite player will draw in basketball fans, even those who are reluctant readers.Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH