In this final volume of the 4 for 4 series, friends Jackson, Gig, Diego, and Isaac are navigating their way through sixth grade and basketball season. Jackson has a lot on his mind: working up the nerve to ask Ruby to the school dance, worrying about Isaac leaving their basketball squad to play on the more competitive traveling team and Diego not being able to play at all when games conflict with his work commitment, stress over his mother’s upcoming marriage, and concern about Gig’s dad who has been injured in Afghanistan. When these credible challenges of growing up threaten to fracture the boys’ strong friendship, they figure out ways to support one another when they need it most. As in the earlier books in this series, plenty of sports action balances the interpersonal plot lines. (Ages 9–12)

Middle school and life on and off the basketball court are what four friends deal with in this satisfying conclusion to the 4 for 4 series. Here are four very different boys dealing with family, friends, school, and sports, told in a believable and accessible style. John Coy writes sports stories that run deep, and this series scores more and more readers each season. You'll win big fans in readers who like Mike Lupica, Chris Lynch, and Matt Christopher if you introduce them to the boys from 4 for 4.