cover image Fieldhouse

Fieldhouse

Scott Novosel, illus. by Sam Sharpe. Fieldhouse, $24.99 (64p) ISBN 978-0-9768353-8-7

Scott Novosel may not be the best player and may never be a star, but he works ceaselessly year after year to earn a spot on the basketball team that he has idolized since childhood: the Kansas University Jayhawks. Along the way, he battles injuries, others’ disbelief, and his own doubts and mistakes. Novosel’s autobiographical narrative of self-determination inspires and delights, in large part because it isn’t a lofty tale of grandiose achievement but a humble one; he merely wants, and earns, a chance to show what he’s got. Sharpe’s skillful cartooning subtly evokes mood changes and facial expressions, though with little exposition to ground readers, it can be difficult to keep some characters straight. Rendered in a bright palette featuring plenty of KU crimson and blue, the art is consistently attention-grabbing, especially in fast-moving action sequences during basketball games and training sessions. The depiction of Scott himself—who looks like a 12-year-old boy throughout, even though he is in his early 20s by story’s end—is somewhat jarring, but readers nursing their own athletic dreams should find Novosel’s hard-won victory more than satisfying. Ages 8–up. (BookLife)