True Legend by Mike Lupica

True Legend is an inspirational realistic fiction book about being a team player, on the court and in life. Drew Robinson is a famous basketball player at his high school. His teammates call him True, for true talent. He gets passing grades he doesn't deserve so he can play, and his mom's job was given to her because of his skills. Pretty soon, the whole "true" thing starts to go to his head, and gets him in trouble, in school and out.

One night on the playground basketball court, Drew sees someone playing who is amazing. He turns out to be Urban Donald Sellers, a famous basketball player. He is a guy who knows about being a legend and the game of basketball. He teaches Drew how to get back on track, and what it really means to be a legend.

One thing I really liked was that the book taught about basketball terms without flat out saying them. The words used would imply what it meant very easily, which is good for someone who is not familiar with all the terms. I also liked that the book is more than just basketball. True Legend teaches about how to handle jealousy and being a team player and the consequences of not being one.

Drew was a very interesting character. He got easily distracted from real life and often lost himself. Drew did not know who he was, and he let everyone take care of him, so he didn't really take care of himself. Donald helped him come out of his shell, and I really liked to watch how Drew changed and progressed, good and bad, throughout the story.

I highly recommend that you read this book!

Title: True Legend
Author: Mike Lupica
Publisher: Philomel Books

Pages: 304

Series: No

Rating: 5 Stars

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