On the Line

Marcus is the high scorer and best rebounder on his basketball team, but he has one weakness: free throws.
  • ISBN: 9781561455119
  • Publication date: 10/01/2009
  • Page Count: 103
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 7-1/2"
  • Age Range: 8-12
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  • Price:
  • Age Range: 8-12
  • Price:
  • ISBN: 9781561455119
  • Publication date: 10/01/2009
  • Page Count: 103
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 7-1/2"
  • Age Range: 8-12
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 8-12
  • Price:
  • ISBN: 9781561457151
  • Publication date: 12/01/2012
  • Page Count: N/A
  • Age Range: 8-12
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 8-12
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Description

Marcus is the high scorer and best rebounder on his basketball team, but he has one weakness: free throws.

So when he misses four free throws at the end of an important game and his team loses, he turns to Mr. Dunn, the school custodian, who has just the trick to help Marcus get back on top: the “granny shot.” Mr. Dunn shares with Marcus how former NBA star Rick Barry used this unorthodox way of shooting foul shots.

Despite his success in practice, Marcus refuses to use the “granny shot” in an actual game. It looks ridiculous! But when he finds himself on the foul line again at a crucial time in an important game, will he be able to overcome his pride and score for his team?

Another fast-paced story about conquering weaknesses and vanity to become your best. In the afterword, learn more about real-life NBA player Rick Barry and his infamous “granny shot.”

Author/Illustrator

Fred Bowen

Author

Fred Bowen is a lifelong sports fanatic who has coached youth league baseball, basketball, and soccer. His kids’ sports column “The Score” appears each week in the KidsPost section of the Washington Post.

Reviews

“Basketball fans will empathize with an eighth-grade star center’s struggle…. Marcus learns a valuable lesson about self-image and open-mindedness. Fast-paced court action, vivid game descriptions, and an upbeat ending will lure middle-school and reluctant readers…. Bowen scores again with a satisfying blend of historical sports commentary and fiction.” ―School Library Journal

Resources

Resources: Teacher's Guide

Teacher’s Guide

More Details

AR Level: 4.3
F&P: GRL Q, Gr 4, Genre RF
Lexile: 550L
Themes: Basketball, Practice, Teamwork
BISAC 1: JUV032020 JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Basketball
BISAC 2: JUV005000 JUVENILE FICTION / Boys & Men
BISAC 3: JUV044000 JUVENILE FICTION / Readers / Intermediate