Danger Zone (Point Signature Series) ANNOTATION
When he joins a predominantly black "Teen Dream Team" that will be representing the United States in an international basketball tournament in Rome, Jimmy Doyle makes some unexpected discoveries about prejudice, racism, and politics.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
When he joins a predominantly black "Teen Dream Team" that will be representing the United States in an international basketball tournament in Rome, Jimmy Doyle makes some unexpected discoveries about prejudice, racism, and politics.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Alexandria LaFaye
International Youth Basketball, death threats, racism, poverty, and romance are the interwoven issues in this fast-paced sports novel. Jimmy Doyle, known as the Snowman by his teammates, is honored to be selected to represent the U.S., but he gets more than he bargains for when he accepts. As the only white and inexperienced member of the team, Jimmy must prove himself worthy. Klass has a way of giving blow-by-blow descriptions of the basketball games that thoroughly involves the reader. He broaches many important topics with candor-Neo-Nazism, race relations in Los Angeles and in Europe, and the ethics of the media and politicians. He also provides a personal flavor to the novel by revealing the Doyle family's struggle to deal with the death of Jimmy's father and the bankruptcy of their family business. An intriguing novel that has a lot to say to today's young adults.
The ALAN Review - John H. Bushman
Klass has created a most suspenseful novel that brings together elements of sports, racism, and international politics. Jimmy Doyle, an accomplished basketball player from a very small town, finds himself faced with hate and racist views as he accepts the honor to play for an American Dream Team in international competition in Italy. In addition to his own self doubt - can he really compete at this level? - Jimmy meets Augustus LeMay, a teammate who sees Jimmy as a white boy instead of a basketball player. The growth of Jimmy, as he interacts with Augustus, faces imminent danger from people with nationalist views, and understands his own abilities and how they can contribute to the team, makes for a strong, powerful work of literature. A wonderful read for sports enthusiasts as well as for those who like suspense.
School Library Journal
Gr 7-10-Basketball, racism, and international terrorism are all ingredients in Klass's latest offering. Jimmy Doyle, high school junior and standout guard from Minnesota, is one of 10 players selected to represent the USA in an international tournament to be held in Rome. Upon arriving in Los Angeles for team practices, he's thrown together with ethnic and culturally diverse teammates who quickly open his eyes to a much wider world. He immediately clashes with team star and South-Central L.A. native Augustus LeMay, who feels Jimmy is on the team only because he is white. As the tournament in Rome unfolds, the American team is subjected to verbal abuse by a group of skinhead fans from Germany, which escalates into a physical confrontation, and later results in a death threat against the U.S. squad. The Americans still manage to make it to the championship game, which culminates in a last-second game-winning basket and also a gunshot. Told through Doyle's eyes, the narrative features memorable characters and thought-provoking situations. While the terrorist threat may seem a bit extreme, the racial tension throughout the book rings true, and readers seeking lots of hoop action will be thoroughly satisfied.-Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI
BookList - Candace Smith
In Granham, a small town in Minnesota, Jimmy Doyle is a basketball legend, the one the fans count on to sink the three-pointers and save the game. So when promoters pick an American High School Dream Team for a tournament in Italy, Doyle is offered a starting spot. The problem then becomes persuading himself and the talented African American inner-city kids who make up most of the team that he deserves the opportunity. The pace never lags, and Klass does a convincing job of capturing the feel of the game and depicting Doyle's attempts to be accepted by his teammates, as well as showing what happens when some terrorists add fear to the list of the team's opponents.
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