Fast-Break Friends

By Jake Maddox and Jesus Aburto

Anthony Duran has been Ricky Lau’s best friend and basketball buddy since they were little. But now that Ricky has moved schools, the boys find themselves on different middle school basketball teams. With few new friends, Ricky still wants to shoot hoops with his best bud. Anthony, on the other hand, doesn’t want to practice with an opponent. Ricky is willing to do whatever it takes to get his friend back. But what if that means letting his new team down?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: Jul 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781663911216

Jake Maddox

Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler – or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps – literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers.

Book preview

Jake Maddox Sports Stories: Fast-Break Friends by Eric Stevens, Illustrated by Jesus Aburto Martinez

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover

Title Page

Chapter 1: The New Kid

Chapter 2: Old Friend, New Problem

Chapter 3: Season Opener

Chapter 4: Hard Throw

Chapter 5: Worn Out

Chapter 6: Salty

Chapter 7: In It To Win It

Chapter 8: A Long Weekend

Chapter 9: Blowing It Again

Chapter 10: Not Just Teammates

Chapter 11: Getting Over It

Author Bio

Illustrator Bio

Glossary

Discussion Questions

Writing Prompts

More About Youth Sports

Explore More

Copyright

Back Cover

Cover

Title Page

Table of Contents

Start of Content

Cover

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Back Cover

CHAPTER 1

THE NEW KID

Ricky Lau didn’t fit in at Bader Ginsburg Middle School.

All the kids at BGMS had gone to Warren Elementary for the last six years. Ricky, on the other hand, had gone to a charter school across town. All his old friends now went to Chisholm Middle School. That included his best friend, Anthony Duran.

That first Monday back from Thanksgiving break was the longest day yet. Outside, it was cold and windy. A driving, frozen rain pelted the school window.

Ricky walks alone through the busy school corridor. Davis Cree carrying a basketball in his hands walks behind him.

Ricky had spent the long weekend hanging out with his old friends. But now he was back among the new faces at BGMS.

It was also the first day of basketball practice. To Ricky, any day with something great waiting at the end