BOOK BRIEF

Ball Don't Lie

Matt de la Peña
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Ball Don't Lie

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007

Book Brief

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Matt de la Peña

Ball Don't Lie

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

280

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Venice Beach, California • 2000s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

710L

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Super Short Summary

Ball Don't Lie by Matt de la Peña follows a young individual named Sticky who navigates life in foster care and street basketball courts. As he struggles with trust and belonging, basketball becomes his outlet and guiding force. The narrative explores themes of resilience, identity, and the impact of past experiences on one's future.

Gritty

Emotional

Challenging

Inspirational

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

1,819 ratings

70%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Matt de la Peña's Ball Don't Lie receives acclaim for its authentic portrayal of street basketball and compelling character development. Reviewers praise its gritty realism and emotional depth but note that the language and mature themes may not suit all readers. The narrative's intensity captivates, though some find it occasionally predictable. Overall, it's a powerful read that resonates with young adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ball Don't Lie?

A reader who would enjoy Ball Don't Lie by Matt de la Peña is likely interested in urban stories with gritty realism and compelling character development. Fans of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas or Hoop Dreams by Ben Joravsky may find this novel engaging due to its focus on basketball and a young protagonist overcoming hardship.

4.2

1,819 ratings

70%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

280

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Venice Beach, California • 2000s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

710L

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