Title After the Shot Drops

Author Randy Ribay

Publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Format Hardcover
Dewey # -Fic-
ISBN 1-32870-227-8
Cost $15.49
Age March 6, 2018
Grade Level 9-12
Length 325 pages

Summary “Bunny and Nasir have been best friends forever, but when Bunny accepts an athletic
scholarship across town, Nasir feels betrayed. While Bunny tries to fit in with his new,
privileged peers, Nasir spends more time with his cousin, Wallace, who is being
evicted. Nasir can't help but wonder why the neighborhood is falling over itself to help
Bunny when Wallace is in trouble.

When Wallace makes a bet against Bunny, Nasir is faced with an impossible decision--
maybe a dangerous one.

Told from alternating perspectives, After the Shot Drops is a heart-pounding story
about the responsibilities of great talent and the importance of compassion.” -From the
Publisher
Rationale This book will appeal to the male audience at my school. Recently, we have had a few
of our students change to a catholic school on a basketball scholarship. This book
instantly made me think of the team and how each of their lives were impacted.
Reviews “Despite its downbeat aspects, the story nevertheless manages to infuse humanity into
the boys’ lives by showcasing the importance of family, the value of friendship, and the
role of courage in the face of difficult situations.” (Booklist 11/15/2017)

“Ribay alternates the first-person points of view of Bunny and his best friend, Nasir,
and avoids heavy-handedness through authentic-sounding dialogue. The story revolves
around basketball, but it will have wide appeal as a tale of friendship and trying to do
the right thing.” (Horn Book Guide Fall 2018)

“A well-executed book featuring complex, diverse characters we rarely meet—a real

winner for its heartbeat, compassion, and integrity.” (Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2018)