On the Devil's Court - by Carl Deuker (Paperback)

About the Book

After reading "Dr. Faustus," Joe considers the merits of selling his soul to the devil. Suddenly, he finds himself changing from a lousy basketball player and a C student to the star athlete he always dreamed he could be. But is achieving his dreams worth what he may have given up?

Book Synopsis

What would you give to be your school's superstar? After reading Dr. Faustus, Joe considers the merits of selling his soul to the devil. Suddenly, he finds himself changing from a lousy basketball player and a C student to the star athlete he always dreamed he could be. Even though he isn't sure if he actually made a deal with the devil, he can't help but enjoy the benefits that come with his newfound abilities. But is achieving his dreams worth what he may have given up?

In this coming of age sports novel, Joe learns the power of belief and that the only goals worth attaining are the ones that you earn -- on your own.

Review Quotes

Praise for On the Devil's Court:
An ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
An ALA Best Book for Reluctant Readers
A South Carolina Young Adult Book of the Year

* "A clever blend of family conflict, superstition, and exciting sports action. Adolescent readers will empathize with the mind games that Joe plays as he struggles for self-identity and independence; teachers will delight in the literary references and analogies; and librarians will praise this fine addition to sports fiction." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Deuker skillfully blends gritty basketball action with well-rounded characters to create a vivid contemporary morality tale." - Publishers Weekly

"A rites-of-passage portrait with an unusual twist." - Booklist

"A rare sports novel with complex plot and characterizations as well as gripping game play." - TheBulletin for the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Carl Deuker is a teacher in the NorthshoreSchool District outside of Seattle. His novels have won numerous awards, including being selected as Booklist Top Ten Youth Sports Books, VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers, Book Sense 76 Picks, and ALA Best Books for Young Adults.