Reviewed by Brandon Mandrell, 13, Grade 8, Fairfield Middle School, Fairfield, IA

Turner Publishing Inc. Copyright 1995

The story is based in the on the award-winning documentary film of the same title. It is set in the late 80's through the early 90's in the gang ridden inner city of Chicago. Two fourteen-year-olds, Arthur Agee and William Gates, love to play basketball on the neighborhood courts, and for them it's an escape from the ghetto and their problems at home. They both dream of playing in the NBA. The book is highlighted by guest stars such as Isiah Thomas and Dick Vitale. To Arthur and William it's Hoop Dreams! Walker uses a brilliant style of writing in this book. With the quotes made by the players and coaches, he makes it seem as though the people are standing right in front of you talking. About the only thing I don't like about this book is in some places it kind of drags on with both long and short boring parts, but the book always comes back with exciting parts and such detail it makes you think you're really there. This book is very easy to get caught up in. Although it won awards, I found that the movie was not as good as the book!

Language Arts Teacher: Virginia Broz, Fairfield, IA

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