Famous at Night: The Night They Became Basketball Stars

“Famous At Night by Samantha Andersson does a lovely job of getting inside a child's head during a moment of real pressure, and any kid who's ever hesitated on the field, the court, or even just in the classroom will recognize exactly what Jack is going through. Samantha keeps the writing simple and easy to follow, which makes it a great choice for younger or less confident readers, without losing any of the emotion behind the story. The pacing suits the story really well, slow and cozy at home, then fast and chaotic once the dream game kicks in, before easing right back down again once Jack finds his rhythm. The dream sequence itself is a clever device, letting Jack face the same pressure a second time without any real-world consequences, and it makes his eventual shot feel properly earned rather than convenient. There's some nice back-and-forth on the court too, with the game action giving the story real energy in the middle section. At its heart, this is a gentle lesson about believing in yourself, even after you've made a mistake, and it's a great pick for young sports fans or any child who struggles with self-doubt when the pressure is on.”

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— Anne-Marie Reynolds, Readers' Favorite

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