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Hoops: A Graphic Novel
A work of fiction inspired by a true story, Matt Tavares’s debut graphic novel dramatizes the historic struggle for gender equality in high school sports.
It is 1975 in Indiana, and the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team is in their rookie season. Despite being undefeated, they practice at night in the elementary school and play to empty bleachers. Unlike the boys’ team, the Lady Bears have no buses to deliver them to away games and no uniforms, much less a laundry service. They make their own uniforms out of T-shirts and electrical tape. And with help from a committed female coach, they push through to improbable victory after improbable victory. Illustrated in full color, this story about the ongoing battle of women striving for equality in sports rings with honesty, bravery, and heart.
It is 1975 in Indiana, and the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team is in their rookie season. Despite being undefeated, they practice at night in the elementary school and play to empty bleachers. Unlike the boys’ team, the Lady Bears have no buses to deliver them to away games and no uniforms, much less a laundry service. They make their own uniforms out of T-shirts and electrical tape. And with help from a committed female coach, they push through to improbable victory after improbable victory. Illustrated in full color, this story about the ongoing battle of women striving for equality in sports rings with honesty, bravery, and heart.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2023
19 people are currently reading
3881 people want to read
About the author
Matt Tavares
36 books134 followersMatt Tavares was born in Boston, and grew up surrounded by books and reading. From the time he was very young, his mother read to him every night, and his family made countless trips to the public library. Years later, as a studio art major at Bates College, he rediscovered his love for picture books, and decided to try to make his own.
For his senior thesis project, Matt wrote and illustrated a story called Sebastian's Ball, which eventually became Zachary's Ball, Matt's first published picture book. Zachary's Ball went on to win a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and was named one of Yankee Magazine's 40 Classic New England Children's Books.
Since then, Matt has published eighteen more books and has won several awards, including three Parents' Choice Gold Awards, an Orbis Pictus Honor, and two ALA Notable books. His artwork has been exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration, the Brandywine River Museum, and the Mazza Museum of Picture Book Art.
When Matt's not working in his studio on his latest book project, he travels the country speaking (and drawing) at schools, libraries, conferences, and bookstores. He has presented at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Eric Carle Museum, the White House Easter Egg Roll, and he's even done a few book signings at Fenway Park.
Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.
For his senior thesis project, Matt wrote and illustrated a story called Sebastian's Ball, which eventually became Zachary's Ball, Matt's first published picture book. Zachary's Ball went on to win a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and was named one of Yankee Magazine's 40 Classic New England Children's Books.
Since then, Matt has published eighteen more books and has won several awards, including three Parents' Choice Gold Awards, an Orbis Pictus Honor, and two ALA Notable books. His artwork has been exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration, the Brandywine River Museum, and the Mazza Museum of Picture Book Art.
When Matt's not working in his studio on his latest book project, he travels the country speaking (and drawing) at schools, libraries, conferences, and bookstores. He has presented at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Eric Carle Museum, the White House Easter Egg Roll, and he's even done a few book signings at Fenway Park.
Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
March 2, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Judi plays a lot of pick up basketball games with her brothers in early 1970s Indiana, but when she enters high school, she joins the cheerleading squad with her best friend Stacey. When a girls' basketball team is started because of Title IX, she goes to the tryouts to check it out. Everyone makes the team, but the playing conditions are less than ideal. They have to practice at an elementary school, and there's not even a coach, because the administration thinks it should be an unpaid, volunteer position, but the coach fights to be paid, and for the girls to have the high school gym at 7 p.m. for practice. There are still no uniforms, so the girls put their numbers on white t shirts with electrical tape. Judi quits cheerleading, which angers Stacey, but she makes new friends in fellow teammates Tree and Lisa. The school won't bus the girls anywhere; the coach borrows a relative's Winnebago to drive them. Tree's boyfriend is on the track team, and the boys there loan the girls their warm up suits. There are no team meals, so Judi buys babyfood meals at a convenience store. The girls even work together to sell tickets, since the principal says the boys get perks because the school makes money on their games. Sadly, even though they sell tickets, no one shows up. They publicize their games on the radio, and as the season progresses and they do well, they manage to get some support from the community. When they make some demands to even the playing field, they meet a lot of resistance. Will they be able to successfully make their case for equality and have a successful basketball season?
Spoiler: Fifty years later, we are still waiting for sports equality.
Strengths: This was not only a fun read, it's important for young readers to know what life was like. I frequently tell my students that my high school didn't have a girls' cross country team until 1981, and they are flabbergasted. The level of detail about the challenges the girls faced was perfect, and I loved the notes about the real players on whom this is based! The fashions, the way the buildings looked, details like eating the babyfood (the fruit desserts are the best, by the way!), even Judi's Toni Tennille haircut are spot on. Judi clearly loves basketball, has grown up in a cultural that values it, and wants her own chance to be in the spotlight with her formidable skills. Excellent, excellent book!
Weaknesses: The characters' names weren't used very much, so it was hard to remember what they were. The illustrations really captured the look of the 1970s except for the sleds. They look like the plastic ones my children had in the early 2000s. Flexible Flyers would have been the sled most people had in the 1970s, although I'm not prepared to do a deep dive into the history of sleds to back this up!
What I really think: I knew this author from his Growing Up Pedro, but I have to say that his real strength is graphic novels and he should devote his entire life to writing them from now on. Forget picture books. There are plenty of picture books. Sports graphic novels, not so much! It is interesting that graphic novels are heavily skewed towards female characters, but more boys seem to read them. While boys might not pick up regular novels with girls as the main characters, they will pick up ANY graphic novel, so I see an evil plan brewing there somewhere. Love, love, loved this and will buy two copies. Pair with Wilson's Play Like a Girl and Maraniss' Inaugural Ballers.
Judi plays a lot of pick up basketball games with her brothers in early 1970s Indiana, but when she enters high school, she joins the cheerleading squad with her best friend Stacey. When a girls' basketball team is started because of Title IX, she goes to the tryouts to check it out. Everyone makes the team, but the playing conditions are less than ideal. They have to practice at an elementary school, and there's not even a coach, because the administration thinks it should be an unpaid, volunteer position, but the coach fights to be paid, and for the girls to have the high school gym at 7 p.m. for practice. There are still no uniforms, so the girls put their numbers on white t shirts with electrical tape. Judi quits cheerleading, which angers Stacey, but she makes new friends in fellow teammates Tree and Lisa. The school won't bus the girls anywhere; the coach borrows a relative's Winnebago to drive them. Tree's boyfriend is on the track team, and the boys there loan the girls their warm up suits. There are no team meals, so Judi buys babyfood meals at a convenience store. The girls even work together to sell tickets, since the principal says the boys get perks because the school makes money on their games. Sadly, even though they sell tickets, no one shows up. They publicize their games on the radio, and as the season progresses and they do well, they manage to get some support from the community. When they make some demands to even the playing field, they meet a lot of resistance. Will they be able to successfully make their case for equality and have a successful basketball season?
Spoiler: Fifty years later, we are still waiting for sports equality.
Strengths: This was not only a fun read, it's important for young readers to know what life was like. I frequently tell my students that my high school didn't have a girls' cross country team until 1981, and they are flabbergasted. The level of detail about the challenges the girls faced was perfect, and I loved the notes about the real players on whom this is based! The fashions, the way the buildings looked, details like eating the babyfood (the fruit desserts are the best, by the way!), even Judi's Toni Tennille haircut are spot on. Judi clearly loves basketball, has grown up in a cultural that values it, and wants her own chance to be in the spotlight with her formidable skills. Excellent, excellent book!
Weaknesses: The characters' names weren't used very much, so it was hard to remember what they were. The illustrations really captured the look of the 1970s except for the sleds. They look like the plastic ones my children had in the early 2000s. Flexible Flyers would have been the sled most people had in the 1970s, although I'm not prepared to do a deep dive into the history of sleds to back this up!
What I really think: I knew this author from his Growing Up Pedro, but I have to say that his real strength is graphic novels and he should devote his entire life to writing them from now on. Forget picture books. There are plenty of picture books. Sports graphic novels, not so much! It is interesting that graphic novels are heavily skewed towards female characters, but more boys seem to read them. While boys might not pick up regular novels with girls as the main characters, they will pick up ANY graphic novel, so I see an evil plan brewing there somewhere. Love, love, loved this and will buy two copies. Pair with Wilson's Play Like a Girl and Maraniss' Inaugural Ballers.
March 10, 2023
Hoops is a fantastic, historical middle grade graphic novel about equality and basketball set against the backdrop of the rise of a female basketball team in the 1970s. Filled with fast-paced storytelling, beautiful graphics, and a protagonist everyone will be rooting for, this graphic novel is sure to become a fast favorite. It challenges the idea that women’s sports are less than those of their male counterparts and encourages girls to follow any interests or career paths they choose. Fans of sports graphic novels and basketball books will love this!
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/hoops-...
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/hoops-...
February 10, 2024
Awe-inspiring!
Set in the 1970s, this book is inspired by basketball legend Judi Warren and Warsaw High School girls' basketball team. I had no idea it was based on real-life events until the author's note at the end, which was illuminating and left me pleasantly surprised.
It's a very quick and engaging read, especially with vibrant illustrations and perfect text-to-picture ratio. One thing I didn't like was how the characters seemed to have always the same few expressions (Judi is wearing the same smile almost all the time lol) but the author did say this is his debut graphic novel.
The book also reads more like YA than middle-grade, with a very straightforward plot and minimal conflict. I wish the story had been more fleshed out instead of being so fast-paced.
However, the author still does an impactful job in highlighting an important part of history, societal issues and the fight for gender equality, particularly in high school sports. I also loved the characters.
There is a lot to learn from this book and I would definitely recommend it.
Set in the 1970s, this book is inspired by basketball legend Judi Warren and Warsaw High School girls' basketball team. I had no idea it was based on real-life events until the author's note at the end, which was illuminating and left me pleasantly surprised.
It's a very quick and engaging read, especially with vibrant illustrations and perfect text-to-picture ratio. One thing I didn't like was how the characters seemed to have always the same few expressions (Judi is wearing the same smile almost all the time lol) but the author did say this is his debut graphic novel.
The book also reads more like YA than middle-grade, with a very straightforward plot and minimal conflict. I wish the story had been more fleshed out instead of being so fast-paced.
However, the author still does an impactful job in highlighting an important part of history, societal issues and the fight for gender equality, particularly in high school sports. I also loved the characters.
There is a lot to learn from this book and I would definitely recommend it.
March 22, 2023
A straightforward bit of historical fiction based on a real Indiana girls basketball team in the 1970s. (The author read about them in We Were There, Too!: Young People in U.S. History by Phillip M. Hoose.)
Thanks to Title IX, Judi Wilson's school is launching a new girls team, but its a half-hearted and dismissive effort at first without a coach or uniforms or a bus for rides to away games. The story unfolds in a steady, gentle, predictable manner like a Disney movie, even allowing for little asides for BFF conflict, but still satisfies as the team makes its run at the state's championship tournament, one of 360 teams vying for the title.
Thanks to Title IX, Judi Wilson's school is launching a new girls team, but its a half-hearted and dismissive effort at first without a coach or uniforms or a bus for rides to away games. The story unfolds in a steady, gentle, predictable manner like a Disney movie, even allowing for little asides for BFF conflict, but still satisfies as the team makes its run at the state's championship tournament, one of 360 teams vying for the title.
April 6, 2023
This was just fantastic! Historical fiction featuring one of the first high school girls basketball teams in Indiana. Think Hoosiers with girls. Brilliantly illustrated and executed.
September 10, 2023
For many years, my husband and I have had season tickets to BYU’s women’s basketball games, usually sitting court-side. Back when the WNBA had a team in Utah, we had season tickets to those games for a couple of years, sitting on the second row of the arena. We can/could afford such things only because this is women’s basketball and tickets are in lesser demand than tickets to the corresponding men’s games.
It’s been over 50 years since Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibited sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It’s because of Title IX that I have the opportunity to watch college and professional basketball played by women at all, but despite the progress, we, as a society, still have work to do and specifically in basketball, gender inequalities persist in facilities, media coverage, and perception.
I, of course, read the graphic novel Hoops within the context of my personal experience as well as the history of women’s basketball. As a result, I found it to be not only a feel-good story about overcoming adversity and but also a deeply moving exposition about how society fails women and girls in so many ways.
Summer Reading 2023 32/33
It’s been over 50 years since Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibited sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It’s because of Title IX that I have the opportunity to watch college and professional basketball played by women at all, but despite the progress, we, as a society, still have work to do and specifically in basketball, gender inequalities persist in facilities, media coverage, and perception.
I, of course, read the graphic novel Hoops within the context of my personal experience as well as the history of women’s basketball. As a result, I found it to be not only a feel-good story about overcoming adversity and but also a deeply moving exposition about how society fails women and girls in so many ways.
Summer Reading 2023 32/33
February 15, 2023
This is a must read and a must have book for schools and libraries! So important to represent girls' sports and then to have it in a graphic novel format is a bonus. I loved the illustrations also!
March 30, 2023
Fun fact: Judy Warren was a my elementary PE teacher!
December 26, 2023
In 1972, Title 9 passed in the United States. That meant that, essentially, all public schools needed to offer just as much sports to girls as to boys. Up until that point, most schools concentrated on boys teams.
But, as the principal in this story points out, there may be a law for it, but there is no money for it. So, he agrees to let them practice in the gym as long as they fund raise their own money to play.
This story is based on a girl’s basketball team that made it all the way to the top of the state games, on a shoe string budget, the first year they played. The author said at first he was going to write this using the real team, but in making this a fictionalized version he found it gave me more space to play.
Yes, he said, he kept the same elements, that they had to make their own uniforms, that they didn’t have a bus for away games, and that in the beginning the stands were largely empty.
Enjoyable, quick read. It is important to tell stories of when sports for women were considered an oddity, or an afterthought. And even though we have come a long way from there, there are still inadequacies in the way women athletes are treated.
But, as the principal in this story points out, there may be a law for it, but there is no money for it. So, he agrees to let them practice in the gym as long as they fund raise their own money to play.
This story is based on a girl’s basketball team that made it all the way to the top of the state games, on a shoe string budget, the first year they played. The author said at first he was going to write this using the real team, but in making this a fictionalized version he found it gave me more space to play.
Yes, he said, he kept the same elements, that they had to make their own uniforms, that they didn’t have a bus for away games, and that in the beginning the stands were largely empty.
Enjoyable, quick read. It is important to tell stories of when sports for women were considered an oddity, or an afterthought. And even though we have come a long way from there, there are still inadequacies in the way women athletes are treated.
April 7, 2023
3.5-this was a pretty straightforward graphic novel. I wanted some more depth to the players and situation. Didn’t quite have the Dragon Hoops feel but it would be great for young kids getting used to graphic novels.
August 29, 2023
What would it be like to be part of the first girls team for a sport at your high school? Fint out in this entertaining graphic novel about the first girls basketball team at Wilkins High School in Wilkins, Indiana.
Not only for teens and young adults, give this one to graphic novel fans of all ages.
Not only for teens and young adults, give this one to graphic novel fans of all ages.
March 27, 2023
Outstanding!
Read
March 19, 2023In HOOPS by Matt Tavares, readers get to take a trip back to 1976 to witness the beginning of competitive girls' basketball. Title IX was introduced to allow girls to compete on a level playing field with boys. Well, not quite "level," but it gave them a chance to compete against other schools and not just on an intramural level.
HOOPS tells the fictional story of a group of girls who were able to form a team that made it to and won at the state championships. Judi loved basketball. Learning and playing the game in the driveway court made her want more. The day she decided to skip cheer practice to try out for the new girls' team changed everything.
In his graphic novel Tavares tells about the ups and downs of this new idea of girls competing in sports. They didn't get to use the high school gym until the boys' practice was over. They had to find their own transportation to away games, and they had to make their own uniforms. It was an uphill fight to be recognized and allowed to have the same thing as the boys' teams.
HOOPS is a gritty story that may surprise today's girls. There is still a lot of inequality when it comes to men's and women's sports, but things have come a long way. This graphic novel should be in every library and classroom collection.
HOOPS tells the fictional story of a group of girls who were able to form a team that made it to and won at the state championships. Judi loved basketball. Learning and playing the game in the driveway court made her want more. The day she decided to skip cheer practice to try out for the new girls' team changed everything.
In his graphic novel Tavares tells about the ups and downs of this new idea of girls competing in sports. They didn't get to use the high school gym until the boys' practice was over. They had to find their own transportation to away games, and they had to make their own uniforms. It was an uphill fight to be recognized and allowed to have the same thing as the boys' teams.
HOOPS is a gritty story that may surprise today's girls. There is still a lot of inequality when it comes to men's and women's sports, but things have come a long way. This graphic novel should be in every library and classroom collection.
March 20, 2023
So many people seem to love this book but for me it was very light on detail. The main focus of the story is telling the historical details of the team and how they broke through barriers, which some kids will love. The characters just seemed a bit flat to me and the illustrations are quite bland. It would be ideal for kids looking for sports graphic novels.
June 12, 2023
This was well done. It's my favorite type of graphic novel -- based on a true story, great illustrations, a bit of history sprinkled in.
March 16, 2025
It’s March Madness season and the perfect time to share this book. In fact, I read it while watching the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Go Hawkeyes! If there is a Caitlin Clark fan in your house, get this book!
HOOPS is set in 1976. Judi is a high school senior and wishes she could play basketball like the boys. However, her school didn’t have a girls’ basketball team until it was announced that there would be a practice for any girls interested in basketball. Eight girls show up, including Judi, and even though they don’t have a coach or uniforms and have to practice at night after the boys practice, they don’t give up.
This book is based on a real 1976 girls’ basketball team and actual players like Judi Warren in Indiana. Kids will love how the girls persevere and advocate for themselves and their team. They even had to use electrical tape to create numbers on t-shirts for uniforms. These girls didn’t give up and ended up having a winning season and making it to the Indiana State Tournament. I was lucky to grow up in a high school that had girls’ basketball, and I even played for a couple of seasons (6 on 6, if you know what that means). I loved this book and hope you share it with a basketball fan in your life.
HOOPS is set in 1976. Judi is a high school senior and wishes she could play basketball like the boys. However, her school didn’t have a girls’ basketball team until it was announced that there would be a practice for any girls interested in basketball. Eight girls show up, including Judi, and even though they don’t have a coach or uniforms and have to practice at night after the boys practice, they don’t give up.
This book is based on a real 1976 girls’ basketball team and actual players like Judi Warren in Indiana. Kids will love how the girls persevere and advocate for themselves and their team. They even had to use electrical tape to create numbers on t-shirts for uniforms. These girls didn’t give up and ended up having a winning season and making it to the Indiana State Tournament. I was lucky to grow up in a high school that had girls’ basketball, and I even played for a couple of seasons (6 on 6, if you know what that means). I loved this book and hope you share it with a basketball fan in your life.
September 5, 2025
The book Hoops takes place in Indiana 1971-1976. This is about a new team of girls playing basketball and they think it is unfair. They think it is unfair because the boys basketball team is getting better treatment because they have been here for longer and their school principal doesn't believe in they, but Judi Wilson believes that they can do it.
The girls are practicing in elementary school gym and have no coach for the first couple practices. After many practices she comes and they play game after game and win all of their games. Now they are heading into a girl basketball tournament with 64 teams around the country. They win again game after game after game.
They are in the semifinal game and they are down at halftime, but comeback and win the game. Now they are in the championship game. When there was 1 second left in the game Judi shot the ball she made it it was tied, but there was a foul on the play she got two free throws if she made one they won the game. She had flashbacks when she was younger and she shot them she made it they won.
Why I liked this book is because they didn't give up on what they wanted to do. This book is for people who like long graphic novels an to do what the want to.
The girls are practicing in elementary school gym and have no coach for the first couple practices. After many practices she comes and they play game after game and win all of their games. Now they are heading into a girl basketball tournament with 64 teams around the country. They win again game after game after game.
They are in the semifinal game and they are down at halftime, but comeback and win the game. Now they are in the championship game. When there was 1 second left in the game Judi shot the ball she made it it was tied, but there was a foul on the play she got two free throws if she made one they won the game. She had flashbacks when she was younger and she shot them she made it they won.
Why I liked this book is because they didn't give up on what they wanted to do. This book is for people who like long graphic novels an to do what the want to.
July 9, 2023
This book, right from the first page, was a time warp for me. In September of 1970 I started my last year of high school. The years dropped away as I became immersed in this story. We had girl basketball and volleyball teams when I was in high school, but they didn't get nearly the status or attendance as the boys teams.
Matt Tavares' "graphic novel dramatizes the historic struggle for gender equality in high school sports." It's based on a true story of a girls basketball team in Indiana. He tells the story of the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team. In 1975, the rookie team, without any support from the school, ended up winning the first state championship.
It's a wonderful read about determination, resilience, and friendship.
Matt Tavares' "graphic novel dramatizes the historic struggle for gender equality in high school sports." It's based on a true story of a girls basketball team in Indiana. He tells the story of the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team. In 1975, the rookie team, without any support from the school, ended up winning the first state championship.
It's a wonderful read about determination, resilience, and friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
I am on a graphic novel kick right now and Hoops did not disappoint—4+ rating.
Although the characters are seniors in high school for most of the story, this book will easily be enjoyed by upper elementary and junior high readers.
Matt Tavares’ author note gives great info about the real-life basketball team that inspired this story. The 1970s setting was fun. It’s frustrating that the same inequality still exists today.
Side note: I finished reading this as my husband and I watch the Iowa Women’s Basketball team (wooo, Caitlin Clark!) take on Maryland. Iowa is down 1 right now, but even for someone who doesn’t love sportsball (🙋♀️), it is super fun to watch and to see how jam packed the arena is.
Although the characters are seniors in high school for most of the story, this book will easily be enjoyed by upper elementary and junior high readers.
Matt Tavares’ author note gives great info about the real-life basketball team that inspired this story. The 1970s setting was fun. It’s frustrating that the same inequality still exists today.
Side note: I finished reading this as my husband and I watch the Iowa Women’s Basketball team (wooo, Caitlin Clark!) take on Maryland. Iowa is down 1 right now, but even for someone who doesn’t love sportsball (🙋♀️), it is super fun to watch and to see how jam packed the arena is.
March 18, 2023
Set in Wilkins, Indiana, this historical middle grade graphic novel is full of heart and perseverance. It’s 1976, and the newly formed girls’ basketball team lacks resources, including uniforms, equal access to the high school gym, and buses to away games. But Judi, Lisa and Cindy aren’t ok with being treated as “less than” the boys’ team, and through hard work, grit, and teamwork, they’re able to show their community that heroes are the people who are stand up for what they believe in.
Inspired by a true story, this is a must have for my 4/5 classroom library. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end!
Inspired by a true story, this is a must have for my 4/5 classroom library. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end!
November 8, 2023
I loved this graphic novel based on the true story of Judi Warren and the Warsaw High School girls basketball team in 1976. In their first year having a girls basketball team, they won the Indiana state championship, led by Warren. Treated like second class citizens to the boys, the girls team did not have uniforms or a team bus, and had to practice later in the evening after the varsity, junior varsity and ninth grade boys teams were done. The girls stood up to the athletic director and demanded equal rights, and even though nothing changed at first, the girls proved their point on the floor. Highly recommend!
May 12, 2024
A Maine Student Book Award Nominee for 24|25
A fantastic graphic novel about the struggles for gender equality at the start of Title IX. This is the story of a small town high school basketball team that struggled with access to all of the things the high school boys team had (like jerseys, buses and use of the high school gym). When they win the state championship; they change the face of women’s sports in the United States.
A very well done graphic novel. I know many of my students will love this.
A fantastic graphic novel about the struggles for gender equality at the start of Title IX. This is the story of a small town high school basketball team that struggled with access to all of the things the high school boys team had (like jerseys, buses and use of the high school gym). When they win the state championship; they change the face of women’s sports in the United States.
A very well done graphic novel. I know many of my students will love this.
May 30, 2023
Graphic novel inspired by the 1976 Warsaw High School girls' basketball team, which was assembled for the first time and aimed to compete in the first girls' high school state championship in Indiana.
Full color illustrations were clean, panels laid out nicely, characters never became sloppy or distorted - and for my aging eyes, I appreciated the text was easy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the story- no spoilers, but it did have me in tears at the end!
🏀🏀🏀🏀
Full color illustrations were clean, panels laid out nicely, characters never became sloppy or distorted - and for my aging eyes, I appreciated the text was easy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the story- no spoilers, but it did have me in tears at the end!
🏀🏀🏀🏀
October 8, 2024
HELEN RUFFIN READING BOWL 2024-2025
“Hoops” is the debut graphic novel from Matt Tavares. In this quasi-historical story, high school girls fight for the right to have equality in women’s sports (paid coaches, access to a gym, uniforms, a bus, meals, etc.).
The art is simple, cartoony. The narrative moves at a very quick pace. The ending is a bit predictable.
I’m kind of surprised this was a selection for my students’ reading bowl list. It was fine. It wasn’t great.
“Hoops” is the debut graphic novel from Matt Tavares. In this quasi-historical story, high school girls fight for the right to have equality in women’s sports (paid coaches, access to a gym, uniforms, a bus, meals, etc.).
The art is simple, cartoony. The narrative moves at a very quick pace. The ending is a bit predictable.
I’m kind of surprised this was a selection for my students’ reading bowl list. It was fine. It wasn’t great.
August 11, 2023
My 9-year-old daughter checked this book out at the library and she liked it so much she suggested I read it too. A cool graphic novel inspired by the real life girls basketball team that won the Indiana State basketball championship in the 1970’s. Inspiring and heartfelt!
January 23, 2025
I'm giving it a five because I think kids should read it. I wasn't a fan of the illustrations, so that would make it a four in my book. (But what do I know about art?!) I loved that it's from 1976 and based on real characters that shared their stories with the author.
May 2, 2025
Middle school appropriate. I loved that this was historical fiction based on real events. It was empowering and showed regular kids doing real achievable things. They faced frustration and kept going. A neat read.
April 16, 2023
Loved!
April 19, 2023
Wonderful graphic novel inspired by a true story of girls persevering over adversity in the early years of Title IX.
August 24, 2023
girls CAN do anything!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews