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Description
Juniper Jackson is the tallest girl on the team. She might also be the least interested. But with the kind of height that gives her a serious advantage, Juniper needs to figure out how to find something to love about the game.
Quick Summary
If you've got a kid who loves sports stories or could use a character who learns that trying something new doesn't have to mean loving everything about it right away, Juniper Jackson is someone they'll root for. She's stuck on a basketball team because of her height, but couldn't care less about the game and I love how Maddox lets her stay a little grumpy about it instead of forcing some magical transformation where she suddenly becomes a star player. The story finds humor in her reluctant participation while also showing her genuine growth as she discovers real reasons to show up for her teammates, even when she's still not thrilled about the sport itself. It's quick and energetic, perfect for readers in that 4th-6th grade range who want something fun and fast, especially reluctant readers who might be intimidated by thicker chapter books. Parents will appreciate that it handles the message subtly no lecture, just a girl figuring things out at her own pace. Fans of books like "The Badger Club" or other Jake Maddox sports stories will feel right at home here.