Game Time, Mallory! by Laurie Friedman

Game Time, Mallory!

Laurie Friedman
Illustrated by Jennifer Kahlis

This chapter book is told in the first person.  Mallory takes the reader on a journey with her involving the first time her school had a girls’ basketball team.  Mallory’s excitement in the new league, uniforms and fame is somewhat dampened by some of her friends’ lack of enthusiasm to join up.  Despite the fact that Mallory’s best friends decline the invitation to join the basketball team Mallory finds that she can make friends with the other girls on the team.  The story explores individual initiative and goals balanced with team work and sportsmanship.  In humorous episodes throughout the book the author also helps readers understand that playing a sport isn’t all fun and games.  Through Mallory’s eyes and narrative the reader is drawn into the understanding that being on a team takes practice, dedication, commitment, perseverance and being able to adjust to difficult situations.  Mallory learns that having a good attitude is as important as being able to make a good shot.  The coach’s pep talk at the end of the book before their last game brings it all together.  As he reminds them to do their best and focus on the positive Mallory realizes it has been worth all the effort to be on the basketball team and that she has enjoyed herself. 

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.