MAY 2019 - AudioFile
Narrator Christine Lakin provides a determined voice for Nikki, who joins one of the best club basketball teams in town as a step toward her goal to play high school ball one day. In order to pay the club’s many fees, she must babysit her younger brother, whose youthful voice perfectly reflects his energetic personality. The pressure of the tough practices, extra responsibilities at home, and a new school project cause Nikki to second-guess her decision to join the team. Listeners will cheer her on as this unique sports story explores the difficulty of transitions—whether on the basketball court, at home, or at school. M.D. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Praise for Nikki on the Line:
A Spring 2019 Indies Introduce pick
A Spring 2019 Indie Next List pick
"A tremendous book about basketball, taking risks, and becoming your true self."—Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor-winning and bestselling author
"I rooted for Nikki both on and off the court as she navigates changing friendships, tough competition, and the mystery of what makes us who we are."—Wendy Mass, New York Times bestselling author of A Mango-Shaped Space
"In Nikki on the Line, Barbara Carroll Roberts crafts a compelling story of a girl trying to fit the pieces of her identity together at a time when everything around her is shifting. Layered, compassionate, and utterly engrossing."—Anne Ursu, author of The Lost Girl
"This charming and heartfelt debut is perfect for fans of Ali Benjamin and Kwame Alexander."
—Booklist
"This accessible coming-of-age story comes alive in its descriptions of basketball and the game's resulting life lessons."—School Library Journal
"An optimistic middle-grade novel melding heartfelt realistic fiction and sports fare."—Kirkus Reviews
"Readers who enjoy sports stories as well as those who enjoy realistic fiction will instantly connect with Nikki."—School Library Connection
School Library Journal
03/01/2019
Gr 5–7—Nikki is excited to join an elite eighth-grade basketball team, but struggles to find her place among so many talented— and tall—players. Nikki's mother is supportive but clueless when it comes to athletics, and Nikki wonders if her "sports gene" came from her biological father, a sperm donor whom she has never met. Nikki bonds with new friend and potential crush Booker, who was adopted after his parents succumbed to drug addiction. Basketball fans will appreciate the detail poured into team strategies, training drills, and the games themselves, which are fast-paced and dramatic. Nikki's determination makes her a sympathetic character, and even non-players should identify with her struggle to balance a consuming hobby with other commitments. Nikki's grades and friendships suffer, and she begins to lose her love of basketball. Nikki and Booker are both white. Nikki's best friend Adria has a Brazilian mother, Coach Duval is described as having brown skin, three girls on the team are described as having African American hairstyles, and another teammate, Kim-Ly Tran, has a Vietnamese name. Written in clear, accessible language, the story successfully utilizes sports to address the push and pull of establishing an individual identity, and how one can benefit a team. VERDICT This accessible coming-of-age story comes alive in its descriptions of basketball and the game's resulting life lessons. Recommended for most collections.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library
MAY 2019 - AudioFile
Narrator Christine Lakin provides a determined voice for Nikki, who joins one of the best club basketball teams in town as a step toward her goal to play high school ball one day. In order to pay the club’s many fees, she must babysit her younger brother, whose youthful voice perfectly reflects his energetic personality. The pressure of the tough practices, extra responsibilities at home, and a new school project cause Nikki to second-guess her decision to join the team. Listeners will cheer her on as this unique sports story explores the difficulty of transitions—whether on the basketball court, at home, or at school. M.D. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2018-10-28
Nikki wants to play sharp on the basketball court, explore the truth about her sperm donor father, and keep her social life afloat—but first she must build the confidence to take a shot.
Roberts' debut novel features an inviting first-person perspective from Nikki, an eighth-grader of only medium height who nevertheless makes the cut for a choice basketball league. To afford the pricey team fee, Nikki agrees to watch energetic younger brother Sam every day so her single mom doesn't have to pay for after-school care. The author balances passionate play-by-play from the basketball court with reflective Nikki's efforts to learn about her "Sperm Donor dad." In between practices, homework, and Sam duty, Nikki finds connection with the stories of classmate Booker and (fictional) WNBA hero Mia McCall, who both have experience within non-normative family structures. Middle school growing pains such as friendship strains, crushes, and confidence building are woven into a believable, nontragic character whose experience is underrepresented in children's literature. Pacing is so steady among Nikki's pursuits that it is difficult to pinpoint a clear climax—this may prevent reluctant readers from finishing but will keep invested readers turning pages. Nikki and Booker are both white; their classmates are diverse, indicated mostly with references to skin color, hairstyle, and naming convention.
An optimistic middle-grade novel melding heartfelt realistic fiction and sports fare. (Fiction. 10-14)
