Shot Clock

Former NBA All-Star Caron Butler and acclaimed author Justin A. Reynolds tip off the first book in a new middle grade series about a young boy trying to make his mark on an AAU basketball team coached by a former NBA star. This powerful story about teamwork and friendship is perfect for fans of The Crossover and the Track series. A Junior Library Guild Selection!

Tony loves basketball. But the game changed recently when his best friend, Dante, a hoops phenom, was tragically killed by a police officer. Tony hopes he can carry on Dante’s legacy by making the Sabres, the AAU basketball team Dante took to two national championships.

Tony doesn’t make the team, but Coach James likes what he sees from Tony at tryouts and offers him another chance to find his place: join the team as the statistician. With his community reeling and the team just finding its footing, can Tony find a path to healing while helping to bring the Sabres a championship?

A Powerful Story of Grief and Healing: After the tragic loss of his best friend, Dante, Tony must navigate his emotions while fighting to keep his friend’s basketball legacy alive. Finding Your Place: When he doesn’t make the team as a player, Tony gets an unexpected offer to join as the team’s statistician, forcing him to see the game—and himself—in a new light. The True Meaning of Teamwork: Guided by a former NBA star, Tony discovers that contributing to the team isn’t only about what you do on the court. Social Justice for Young Readers: This timely story tackles the difficult subject of a police shooting with sensitivity and hope, making it a perfect conversation starter for families and classrooms.