October 28, 2014

Star of the Team by Beverly Stowe McClure

MG contemporary

I'm posting a rare review today for a spirited middle grade book by Beverly Stowe McClure. Beverly is a valued critique partner of mine, but this book made it into the world without me seeing it first. I've been SO excited to read it. Beverly is such an inspiration to me and I love her quiet and kind writing style. She says so much through her characters while you (the reader) grin like a loon—not even aware of the fact that you've learned an important lesson. 

My review:

Star of the Team by Beverly Stowe McClure has many of my favorite middle grade elements. Our main character, Kate, is a perky and likeable kid, who loves to play basketball. New girl, Emily, joins their team and her gloating attitude rubs Kate the wrong way. When Kate is injured and can’t play, she worries that Emily will out score her and earn the Star of the Team honor.

I enjoyed the genuine dynamics among the kids and with the adults. Kate works hard to solve her problem—often with humorous results—while also accepting her new place on the team. She might not like being the assistant's assistant, but she does it to stay involved. But I think what I liked the most was her genuine love of basketball. It seems strange in this enlightened age we live in that I am saying this, but it’s so nice to see a book about girls playing sports and taking it seriously.

Star of the Team is a well-written book that models good behavior in undesired circumstances, and demonstrates how a person can gain more by redefining their goals.

About the book:

A girl.
A dream.
An accident.
A dream shattered.


Will Kate succeed? Or will Emily ruin Kate’s plans?

Available from:
Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/18r6ox4

Beverly Stowe McClure:


 Best of luck to Beverly and Star of the Team!


  1. Thank you, Kai, dear crit partner who catches all my goofs and your great comments and suggestions. Thank you for a lovely review. It touched my heart in a wonderful way. I'm so happy you like Kate and her story. The book took many years to find publication, years before I had such wonderful critique help. Just shows, never give up. You are an inspiration to me with the number and quality of books you write every year. I'm anxious to see what Polar and Source learn in your latest, which I am reading, lest you think I've forgotten. I'm just slow. :)

    1. You're so welcome, Beverly. I'm happy for you that Kate's story has been launched!

      I didn't think you'd forgotten my super villains. You've been a bit busy! And yay for that!! Besides it hasn't been that long.

  2. Replies
    1. It really is, Heather. I also enjoyed all the basketball knowledge. I'm only familiar with the sport. Bev is obviously a fan. Or she did a lot of research.

    2. Thanks, Heather. It was fun to write.

    3. I'll tell you a secret, Kai. Shh, but I know nothing about basketball. It's okay, but not my favorite sport. I did a lot of research and my editor knew a lot about basketball and corrected what I had wrong. :)

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