Ian MacDonald

Ian MacDonald
Game
Walter Dean Myers
Realistic Fiction
Holiday
P. 218

1. At this point in the book, Drew's team lost the regional finals to Lane. Drew was devastated because this meant he wasn't going to the state championship and he was afraid he would not be seen by the scouts. To make matters worse, in the days after the game most of the other players were getting college scholarships and he hadn't gotten any offers. Even Sky, a mediocre player, got a scholarship from a division one college. Drew was really disappointed until he got home one night and found the coach for DePaul University sitting in his living room talking to his family. When he left, Drew's family was ecstatic because he will be the first one in his family to go to college.

2. I think this is a great book because basketball players can relate to the problems in the story; trying to get noticed by college scouts, dealing with a teammate that you don't particularly like, or losing a really important game. I also like how the story is so relevant to what is going on in cities today. There are kids trying to get out of the projects and into a good colleges by playing basketball.

3. I think the theme in this book is perseverance because Drew never gives up. Every time the team loses or his coach yells at him he learns from his mistakes and moves on. For example, his coach, House, benches him to try to teach him how to be a team player. Drew shrugs it off and tries to learn from that experience. Another example is when Thomas continues to try to befriend Drew even though Drew blows him off.

4. My favorite character is Thomas. The story of his family is really interesting and I realized how hard it would be to move to Harlem and fit in. And even though he is a really big guy, he doesn't push people around on the basketball court. He never dunks over anybody he just dribbles and does a weak layup that is usually blocked.

5. My least favorite character is Sky. I don't like him because he is a show off. During practice he is always goofing around and not trying. Because of Sky, the team lost the regional finals.

6. My prediction is that Drew will play basketball for DePaul and do really well. I don't think he or any of his teamates will make it the pros because it is very hard to get drafted. I do think that no one will end up on the streets because they will get a good education at college and they will be able to make something out of their lives.