MSBA Nominee 2009-2010

I liked this book, and for a Myers book, it was very cheery, but I have to admit I don't understand/care for basketball, so I think that it would be better for someone who really was interested in the sport.

Katherine, after being in the convent for years and not having heard from her family, decides to leave knowing all she wants is a husband and children. So when she leaved and gets on a ship on her way to Ireland, back home, the ship is captured by pirates and she is a prisoner of Liam O'Neill, the pirate captain, who refuses to let her go. Katherine refuses to give in to the feelings and the desire she starts to feel for Liam, knowing she deserves more than to be a mistress to a pirate, that she deserves love, marriage and a family of her own. Liam is the king of Games, and ever since he first saw Katherine, he knew he would keep her, and even though he has a secret cause he will do everything he can to Win! The Game is the 4th in the de Warrenne series, and I have always enjoyed Brenda Joyce and all of her books for the most part, and even though this was a bit longer, it was still a enjoyable read but far from my favorite of her books. The one thing that I really loved about this story, was how there was always a surprise at the next turn of the plot, something I would have never expected to happen, and left me excited to see what would happen next. The title for the book "The Game" is perfect, and fits it with exactness. The characters were fascinating to get to know. Liam would just make me laugh at times, and other make me want to hug him, and other I wanted to throttle him. Katherine however, it took me a while to really warm up to her, she seemed a bit selfish and naive especially in the beginning, but she grew on me as the story started to really develop. Overall it was a really enjoyable read with lots of intrigue and mystery, romance and passion and series of events that might just make your head spin!!

I tried to read this book last year and just couldn't get into it, BUT then one day, I began thinking back and realized I hadn't given the book a chance, so I tried again. I'm very glad that I did. I rate this book a 4 star because it was (when trying to read the book with interest) very intriguing the way Brenda Joyce, not only created characters, but also gave historical figures life that can be related to by the reader.

Senior Andrew Lawson knows that he has great basketball skills- enough to see the team to a championship and get a scholarship to go to college. However, when two new players join the team and get the coach's attention, Drew has to learn to keep his cool and play like a team.One of the main themes in the story is determination. Drew is determined to make good choices, unlike so many young men in his Harlem neighborhood. He knows he does not want to hang out with the wrong people like his friend's brother who ended up in jail. He is also determined to win the basketball championship and be chosen to play at a college. His dream is to be a NBA player, but for right now, he has to focus on one game at a time. Drew must learn to deal with his frustration and disappointment when his coach focuses his attention on the new players, otherwise he could mess up his chances at playing ball in college. Although he knows he has to be a team player who can be coached, he finds it difficult to understand his coach's choices and get along with his teammates. He learns that he must get along with his team, but does not have to be best friends with all of them. Throughout the story, Drew continues to mature, although he is sometimes messes up. This is a great book for those who like basketball, those who want to read about a story about not giving up, and for those who are interested in the power of individual choices. Honors and Awards: Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice