Horn Book Review
Mallory is psyched about her town's new girls' basketball league but dismayed when her best friends don't share her enthusiasm. Mallory joins anyway, and even though she's not the best player, she moves outside her comfort zone and makes new friends. Readers will learn a little about basketball and may be inspired to try something new. Friedman's long-running series continues to be enjoyable. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Mallory looks forward to playing basketball when she signs up with a league, but after she freezes up and makes mistakes during games, anxiety sets in. With support from her coach, family, and friends, she begins to relax, improve, and enjoy her first experience on a sports team. Mallory's first-person narration reports her thoughts and emotions with play-by-play immediacy, while the many grayscale illustrations portray this appealing fourth-grader in action, on and off the court. Two mean-girl teammates change their ways in time to create a happy ending for the book, for its heroine, and for fans of the Mallory series.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist
