Reading Metrics
Description
Craig and Tom have been best friends for years, but Tom's erratic behavior causes Craig to question their friendship. When Craig learns about Tom's abusive home life, he realizes that his friend needs him more than ever.
Quick Summary
When Craig notices his longtime best friend Tom acting erratically, he starts to wonder if their friendship is worth the trouble, especially when the two are on the same middle-school basketball team and a big tournament looms. The story mixes the fast-paced world of youth basketball with the raw reality of Tom's abusive home life, giving readers both the adrenaline of a last-second shot and the ache of seeing a friend in pain. It's a great pick for kids who love sports stories but also appreciate a dose of real-world emotion, and it works especially well for reluctant readers who want a page-turner that doesn't feel overly heavy. Parents will appreciate that the book tackles a serious issue sensitively, offering moments of humor and warmth alongside the harder scenes, though there are a few tense moments that may require a discussion about abuse and loyalty. The writing is straightforward and keeps the focus on Craig's choices, showing how a single act of standing up for a friend can change everything. If you've enjoyed "The Crossover" but prefer a more traditional narrative style, "Fouling Out" delivers a similar blend of sport and heart.