THE HOOP AND THE HARM // An Enlightening Novel for Young Athletes

By -


Inspired and informed by the experiences and journey of Canadian author Jawara Pedican, the YA novel The Hoop and the Harm features the life and internal struggles of a university student who has dedicated his life to the game of basketball. 

Pedican, a former varsity athlete at McGill University and the University of Toronto, uses his wisdom to share the fictional story of  Udoka (aka "Yoosie") Clendon, who is working to overcome challenges with his confidence, family influences, and his vision for the future...in addition to navigating everyday circumstances growing up in Toronto as a young Black man.

There are many energetic in-game descriptions that make this an exciting sports novel, but there is also a rare intimate look offered in this text, highlighting the thoughts and emotions of a star athlete with infinite potential for success.

Through discussions with his therapist, and special chapter segments focusing in on "Feldbrook's Lesson," there is amazing advice provided, and countless parallels that can be drawn for not only student athletes, but athletes at any stage of their development. It introduces ideas and challenges that all readers can relate to, but also brings a unique perspective to the role of an athlete and the effects that can have--positive and negative---on other relationships, processes, and life in general.

Most importantly, young athletes can use Yoosie's journey to guide their own development (particularly with goal setting, and navigating mental health concerns) and to frame their experiences as they transition from collegiate to professional athletic performance.

This book would be great for team discussion and reflection, as well as independent learning. It's available for order online through the publisher, or through Amazon. Indigo, and other booksellers.

Imprint: James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers

Publication Date: 4 April 2023

ISBN: 9781459417151

Page Count: 272

Interest ages: 13-18

Reading level: Grade 4


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top 100 Jamaican Names

By -
Image
I'm sorry, this may be irrelevant, but I think it's hilarious. I've compiled this list from a variety of random online sources, and can not take credit for any of it! Please enjoy the Top 100 Jamaican Names. Traditional names, common names, old-fashioned names. If you are Jamaican I bet you can find the name of at least 20 relatives on this list! 01. Ainsley 02. Alethia 03. Alton 04. Anne-as a prefix for females 05. Antionette 06. Audry 07. Barrington 08. Beres 09. Bernice 10. Beryl 11. Brenton 12. Bunny 13. Carmen 14. Cecil 15. Charmaine 16. Cherry 17. Claudette 18. Cletus 19. Clifton 20. Dawn 21. Delores 22. Delroy 23. Desmond 24. Donavan 25. Dwayne 26. Earl 27. Eggbert 28. Ernestine 29. Errol 30. Euda 31. Eunice 32. Fabian 33. Ferdinand 34. Fitzann 35. Fitzroy 36. Ford-as a suffix for males 37. Garfield 38. Garnette 39. Glenroy 40. Glenville 41. Hopeton 42. Horace 43. Hortense 44. Hubert 45. Hyacinth 46. Icilda 4...
Read more

Movie Review: Annie (2014) aka "Black Annie"

By -
Image
The new 2014 feature film version of the 1982 hit movie Annie was fabulous, and I enjoyed every minute of it because of the nostalgia wrapped up with familiar music and cultural advancement. It warmed my heart. "Black Annie" (ever since the Saturday Night Live sketch, I can refer to it as nothing else, lol) follows the original plot, where a foster kid hopelessly waiting for her parents to return for her stumbles into some luck when she connects with one of the richest men in town. Given the opportunity to spend some time with him, she manages to win the ol' guy over with her charm, escape foster care forever, and dance her way into a happy and secure future filled with true love. Nothing has changed, story wise. The sadness of the orphanage/foster home and the meanness of the foster mother are still the same. Annie's optimism and mischief are familiar. But what happens with this version is that society has changed, and some of the old elements have a new swi...
Read more

Redefining Toronto, the "Screwface" Capital

By -
Image
It is time to eradicate the use of "Screwface Capital" in reference to the city of Toronto. The power of a great brand is undeniable, which is why I do not understand why so many have adopted and perpetuated the use of "Screwface Capital" to define a city that they love, and represent proudly to the world. Screwface by definition: -a mean face -a dirty look -an ice grill -to gawk -to scowl -deeply pissed off -highly intoxicated -a dirty or inappropriate facial expression -revealing nothing As a brand/nickname, "Screwface Capital" is definitely memorable...but is it favourable? Hardly. To say that we believe we are the "Screwface Capital" is to say that we don't think much of ourselves. Canadians in general have always struggled with defining our identity. Defining our culture and our people in relation to the Americans, in relation to the British, and accurately reflecting what we believe about ourselves. To promote the fact that we as Canadi...
Read more