Guy Friday- The Spin

Stroman, Marcus. The Spin (#2)

September 26, 2023 by Aladdin

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Young Marcus dealt with family issues and anxiety in The Grip, and continues on in this new book as the school year progresses. Basketball season is just starting, and Marcus feels that no one takes his interest in basketball seriously, since his father is convinced that he will be a famous baseball player. Coach Fuller believes in him, and he also meets with a mental health coach who helps him cope with his anxiety about sports and life with various mental exercises, as well as understanding his reactions. School work is important to both of his parents, who are divorced, but sometimes it is hard to get everything done as he attends practices and has to go between households. He still practices baseball with his father every morning. He has a new project at school, and his class is learning how to consume news and read articles critically. After Mrs. Tyler puts them through their paces in regards to assessing articles, the class learns that they are going to write a newspaper. There is already a school newspaper, that is printed and given away in the cafeteria, but the students don't always read the articles, except for the interviews with students. Their teacher talks about what their purpose should be, and soon the class is working hard at reporting. Marcus is very careful to make sure he includes the facts, but he feels that an article about his performance in the latest basketball game is unfair. Melanie knows basketball (her father is a coach with a professional team), but he feels that he was quoted out of context, and that she, too, feels he is only good at baseball. It doesn't help that his friend Robbie made an error with the online posting, and comments are enabled. Students say many unkind things about him before the teacher has them disable the comments. The class manages to discuss whether this article was factual and fair, and they do come to some agreements about how news should be reported. Marcus works through his feelings about basketball and baseball with his mental health coach, and is able to talk to his parents about his feelings. A family camping trip with his mom and Sabia helps him clear his mind and focus on his feelings as well. 

Strengths: Marcus' concerns with mental health are definitely on trend, and readers who have used the "five senses" focusing technique will find it interesting to see this reflected in a book. I enjoyed the family dynamic, and the description of Marcus and Sabia's schedule going between houses. There are enough basketball and baseball details to keep sports enthusiasts turning the pages. Marcus has some good friends, and is willing to discuss his feelings and how they affect his playing as well as his school work. 
Weaknesses: There's a lot more discussion of media literacy and mental health than basketball, and this slows the story down. It felt like the same issues were rehashed several times. 
What I really think: Basketball books circulate a lot more than baseball books in my library, so if I can get basketball fans to pick up The Grip, I'll purchase this second volume in August. It's a good choice for readers who enjoyed Derek Jeter's The Contract series or the Barbers' The Kickoff.