Triple Threat

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Powell,
Ohio.

Only three days into their summer vacation, Nick and Kia are already
bored with playing one on one on the driveway. When Nick’s mom gives
them permission to go to the recreation centre by themselves, they enjoy
their newfound freedom. But their fun is soon cut short when several
teenage bullies refuse to let them use the basketball court. Nick is
frightened, embarrassed, and humiliated, but Kia is angry and determined
to fight for their right to use the court.

The outspoken Kia shares their story with NBA basketball star Jerome
“Junk Yard Dog” Williams. During an amazing game of three on three,
Williams helps Nick and Kia gain the bullies’ respect, and shows the
bullies a way for them to become responsible leaders and role models to
the younger kids at the centre.

In addition to the exciting play-by-play game strategy and action, Eric
Walters’s basketball stories have always modelled solid moral
standards. It is a fitting place for Williams to inform young basketball
fans about his JYD Project, a program he has undertaken in the community
“to inspire youth to excel in academics and to develop their
self-confidence.” The story is more overtly didactic than other titles
in the series, but the message is delivered in a respectful way, and the
messenger’s status as a popular NBA star makes what he has to say all
the more significant for young fans. Recommended.