Review: Foul Trouble by John Feinstein

Foul Trouble by John Feinstein.

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869648

Review: Have you ever been put in a place when you had to make a decision that would affect your whole future and career? Well, two eminent high school basketball players named Terrell Jamerson and Danny Wilcox find themselves in such a situation. In Foul Trouble by John Feinstein, two extremely talented high school basketball players face the quandary of picking which NCAA college to go to. The overflow of coaches from varying colleges after a very tiring basketball game doesn't sound terribly enjoyable for Terrell and Danny. The two best friends go through tough challenges but they go together in unity and conquer those obstacles.

Terrell Jamerson is the total star of the team. His extraordinary dribbling, his almost unerring shots, and his personality are what everyone likes about him, especially the coaches. Danny Wilcox is the team's point guard. He is the one who gets the ball to the net. Basically, he runs the offensive line. Terrell is the one everyone is talking about and Danny just keeps getting asked questions about Terrell in their interviews. Through challenges with jealousy, distrustful friends, and the stress of making a life-changing decision, the two very close companions plow through all the challenges no matter what lies ahead.

Foul Trouble is fantastic for people who love basketball! My favorites parts of the story are when they are playing the their intense games. Feinstein's writing makes you imagine that you are watching the games on the bench. John Feinstein does a terrific job illustrating the exciting games through descriptive words that hook you into the story. I enjoyed it so much that I would definitely read a sequel of what happens to them in college. Another trait I like about John Feinstein is his ability to take a "basketball" book and make it so much more. I really enjoy when a story is not just about one thing, and Feinstein does an excellent job incorporating side stories that do not take away from the primary plot. In my opinion, I get entertained when there is a side plot. Or in this case, the life outside of basketball. This is an outstanding book for middle school and high school readers! Foul Trouble would be fantastic for boys and girls who love basketball. I suggest all basketball lovers to read this astonishing, well-written novel written by John Feinstein.

Review written by Kenneth (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Foul Trouble for this review.

Have you read Foul Trouble? How would you rate it?