Dragon Hoops

Dragon HoopsDragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
Published by First Second on March 17, 2020
ISBN: 1626720797
Pages: 446
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Dragon Hoops is the new graphic novel illustrated and written by Gene Luen Yang. Hoops is an interesting blend of memoir, sports history, and journalism. Yang reflects on his journey as a writer, he illustrates the beginnings of basketball and weaves the story of the Dragons’ basketball team and its players at the high school where he works in Oakland, CA. In less adept hands, these three threads could be confusing, but Yang is an expert and uses it to build suspense. Readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting to follow the Dragons’ battle for the state basketball title. The extra Notes section at the back of the book is a great addition. Yang adds even more information about the Dragons’ players and team; it should not be overlooked by the reader. The Bibliography is also a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of basketball. Recommended for Grades 7 and up for fans of basketball or of Yang’s previous work. 

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars