On the Line

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."

Fred Bowen was a Little Leaguer who loved to read and is still a lifelong sports fanatic. He is the author of the action-packed Fred Bowen Sports Story series, currently totaling more than twenty titles. For thirteen years, Bowen coached kids' baseball and basketball teams. He has also written a weekly sports column for kids in the Washington Post since 2000. He was a lawyer for many years before retiring to become a full-time children's book author.Bowen lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife Peggy Jackson. They have two grown children.

"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