SPOON

A seemingly harmless game has unexpected consequences.

Linden High student athletes must follow a strict code of conduct or face being benched or suspended. Varsity volleyball player Macy has been on the starting lineup all season, but after she injured her ankle, the coach moved new student Alliyah into the starting spot for the playoff matches. One evening after a game, Alliyah convinces Macy to drive her home—even though Macy has a junior license that means she can only drive with family members in the car. If discovered, this infraction would cause trouble for Macy at home and on the team, and Alliyah takes the opportunity to extort a favor from Macy in exchange for keeping the secret. Alliyah also introduces a schoolwide game she calls Spoon, in which each student carries a decorated spoon and must produce it within five seconds if challenged. The game becomes increasingly intense and affects team morale, in large part owing to Alliyah’s behavior. Macy knows that she should tell their coach about Alliyah’s divisive actions, but it would mean owning up to her own missteps. Believable peer conflicts propel this well-paced novel for reluctant readers, which is packed with detailed descriptions of volleyball matches. Most characters present white; Alliyah has brown skin and black hair, and Macy’s crush is cued Black.

A tense, realistic novel with especially strong appeal for sports lovers.