Hoop Crazy! - (Orca Young Readers) by Eric Walters (Paperback)

About the Book

Nick and Ned are cousins, but about as different as two boys can be ball is Nick's passion. Ned is crazy about bugs. But when Nick needs another teammate for a tournament, Ned might be the only solution.

Book Synopsis

When Nick and his pals suddenly find themselves short a man for the NBA-sponsored three-on-three tournament they plan to enter during the summer holidays, the solution seems simple enough. Nick, Kia and Mark are the key players on the team, so the fourth, though mandatory according to the rules, doesn't really have to be good at the game. A surprise visit from Nick's mother's cousin brings Ned, who is exactly Nick's age but not exactly an athlete, into the picture and onto the team. The other three teammates figure that as long as they don't actually have to use Ned in a game they will be fine. Then Mark sprains his ankle and can't play in the tournament. Suddenly Nick and Kia must find a way to make Ned an integral part of the team. This turns out to be no small task!

From the Back Cover

Nick and Ned are cousins but about as different as two boys born on the same day can be. And they don't get a long. Nick cares mostly about sports, and basketball is his passion. Ned is crazy about bugs and lives in a national park, three hours' drive from the nearest basketball court. As far as Nick is concerned, Ned is a nerd. But when Nick and his pal Kia lose their teammates for the three-on-three hoop tournament they're entered in, they must quickly find a way to make Ned a part of the team. This turns out to be easier said than done. Eric Walters lives in Mississauga, Ontario, and spends as much time as possible visiting kids in classrooms all over the country.

Review Quotes

"Walters' text is approachable for all readers beginning to feel comfortable with chapter books."-- "Quill & Quire"