This book presents some topics near-and-dear to Bunny and Nasir that students can investigate. I thought things were going one way (and so did Bunny!), and bam. Additionally, there is this rug-pulling moment with a girl from Bunny’s new private school that really impressed me. This is such a good reminder of the weight our students shoulder. Both kids have families who support them in very different ways, and both feel strong obligations to their families.

I also loved the supporting cast in this novel. I also noticed that Ribay built characterization through Bunny’s playing style. They can truly immerse themselves in the narrative voices, because of course these narrators will use jargon. Second, I can tell that it’s written for those kids in my class who love basketball. First, it helps expand my knowledge and horizons. I love when a book makes me do this for two reasons. That is an epic accomplishment!Īs a person who knows next-to-nothing about basketball, I had to Google terms like “double double”. Because Nasir and Bunny spend most of this book at odds, the reader develops strong empathy for opposing views. The perfect alternating perspectives book makes you root for both characters and understand their perspectives. I picked up a copy of After the Shot Drops (2018), knowing it would be awesome, too. Last year, we had the pleasure of reading Patron Saints of Nothing for the YA Cafe Podcast and it was one of our 2019 favorites. Told from alternating perspectives, After the Shot Drops by Randy Ribay is a heart-pounding story about the responsibilities of great talent and the importance of compassion. When Wallace makes a bet against Bunny, Nasir faces an impossible decision-maybe a dangerous one.

Nasir can’t help but wonder why the neighborhood is falling over itself to help Bunny when Wallace is in trouble. While Bunny tries to fit in with his new, privileged peers, Nasir spends more time with his cousin, Wallace, who is being evicted.

Here’s my review & teaching ideas.īunny and Nasir have been best friends forever, but when Bunny accepts an athletic scholarship across town, Nasir feels betrayed. Looking for a book rec for your sports loving students? I recently read (and loved) After the Shot Drops by Randy Ribay.

Randy ribay