Summer Ball

by Mike Lupica

Book Overview

In the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Travel Team, old rivals and new battles leave Danny wondering if he really has what it takes to stand tall. For the smallest kid playing a big man's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399244875
• ISBN13: 9780399244872
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.2"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Tied With First Book

The beginning made me unsure but once he got to camp (or met Tarik) I knew it would be good. I was worried that Danny would walk over everyone, but between Rasheed (at first) Lamar ( He doesn't deserve to be Named after Lamar Odom) and Coach "My Way" Powers I had plenty of people to hate (Teddy was absent because Richie told the mafia to get him). Powers was tied with Lamar and Teddy for biggest jerk in history, his quotes, (after Danny wins the game by using his own play) "You used your own play didn't you? No more secrets Mr. walker. Are you ever going to learn?" (after Danny asks to be traded to another team) " Mr. Walker let me give you to think about. Soccer. It's full of fast little guys like you." He destroys anyone with creativity and run an run mindedness (If he coached the Phoenix Suns Nash, Barbosa, Marion and Amare would be chewed out nightly and get 5 minutes of play each)

A SLAM DUNK of good reading!!!

Hey! I'm a 15 year old guy that loves sports and plays them with passion. This book, Summer Ball, brings back loads of memories from sports camps that I've attended, especially those competitive ones. In this book, the main character is again Danny Walker just like it was in Mike Lupica's other basketball book, Travel Team. This book highlights many things that a teenage boy would definitely want to do. That includes sneaking out to meet girls, playing sports, and hanging with friends. This book almost comes to life as the characters seem like real people -- kids that you would want to hang out with. That is how good of a job Mike Lupica did on this book. In this story, Danny Walker is a 5'3 mini-baller, but Coach Ed Powers from the competitive "Right Way" basketball camp doesn't think he has what it takes to be a top-notch baller. Coach Powers thinks Danny is one of those small, scrawny fast kids that should play soccer. This book incorporates lots of emotions that teens have to deal with when they are put down or put into a position of making a team. Danny's attitude is great in this story, and it helps him to become a key player of his camp Celtics team. It is a great lesson learned and it shows that a teenage boy that is very determined can definitely get the job done. Therefore, if you like sports and you liked the book Travel Team, and then this Mike Lupica book is for you! When you pick it up, be sure to follow each and every drive to the dish with Danny and friends for a SLAM DUNK of good reading!!!

'Slammin'' story for the class!

I just read Summer Ball to my class, and let me tell you it was phenominal! My class was so excited to read this story every day. I started out reading a chapter a day but my class could not get enough! One day during a rainy recess my student's requested that we read the story as our activity for recess. The story is of a 13 year old boy who goes to a basketball summer camp. He has the stigma of being short, however it seems to have gone away by when he mentors a younger camper. Lupica captures the nerves of leaving home and the desire to be the best. Reading this to my homeroom has been a Slam Dunk!

Danny Walker's Biggest Fan

I am an 12 year old boy and I have read all of Mike Lupica's books. I couldn't wait until this one came out because Travel Team was my favorite and I knew that this was another book about Danny Walker. Mr. Lupica makes you feel as though the characters are real people and people you wish you could hang with. The stories make you want to keep reading until you find out how it all works out. I loved Summer Ball and wish I hadn't read it so fast.

Finally, the Travel Team sequel

Just finished Summer Ball and it exceeded my expectations. I was of the opinion that Travel Team was the best book ever written....WRONG! Summer ball grabs you at the beginning and never lets go. Mr Lupica has displayed in his artful way what freindship and loyalty is all about. You want to stand and cheer for a basketball player that anyone would pull for. This is a must read, enjoy!