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Bluford High #15
Schooled
Bluford It's not just school--it's real life.
There's no backing down for Lionel Shephard. With a dream of joining the NBA, all he wants to do at Bluford High is play basketball. But everyone's trying to stop him. His father thinks basketball is a waste of time, his teachers don't know he can barely read and threaten to fail him, and his dropout friend, Jamar, wants him to quit school. Unsure where to turn, Lionel must make a choice. Will he pursue his dream--or get caught in a nightmare?
There's no backing down for Lionel Shephard. With a dream of joining the NBA, all he wants to do at Bluford High is play basketball. But everyone's trying to stop him. His father thinks basketball is a waste of time, his teachers don't know he can barely read and threaten to fail him, and his dropout friend, Jamar, wants him to quit school. Unsure where to turn, Lionel must make a choice. Will he pursue his dream--or get caught in a nightmare?
144 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 22, 2008
104 people are currently reading
2910 people want to read
About the author
Paul Langan
25 books531 followersBorn in Philadelphia, Paul Langan spent his early childhood in the city before moving with his single mother to southern New Jersey. There he attended public school and worked a variety of jobs—including salesperson at a shoe store, attendant at a horse ranch, landscaper at a mental hospital, and a night-shift stockperson in a warehouse store near Atlantic City. “Each job,” he says today, “could be the topic of several juicy novels.”
In 1991, he enrolled at Camden County College and a year later transferred to La Salle University, where he studied creative writing and literature, earning a B.A. in English. While at La Salle, he lived with international students, traveled to his roommate’s home in Kenya, became a prison tutor, and found “the courage” to write.
After graduation, he worked for a nonprofit agency in Philadelphia and then joined Townsend Press (TP) as an Assistant Editor. After he contributed to a number of TP textbooks and taught English at a community college, Paul reconnected to his interests in creative writing through the Bluford Series. Originally working as an assistant with the Bluford novels, Paul’s role steadily grew. He now serves as both editor of the series and author or coauthor of several novels, including The Bully, The Gun, and The Fallen. His stories reflect his personal experiences, including the difficulties of growing up without a father, being the “new kid” in school, and dealing with the loss of a loved one.
In 2001, Paul completed a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to expanding the Bluford Series, he dreams of writing a successful movie script, preferably a “supernatural thriller.” Today Paul lives with his wife and three children near Philadelphia and stubbornly clings to the hope that he will one day see the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl.
In 1991, he enrolled at Camden County College and a year later transferred to La Salle University, where he studied creative writing and literature, earning a B.A. in English. While at La Salle, he lived with international students, traveled to his roommate’s home in Kenya, became a prison tutor, and found “the courage” to write.
After graduation, he worked for a nonprofit agency in Philadelphia and then joined Townsend Press (TP) as an Assistant Editor. After he contributed to a number of TP textbooks and taught English at a community college, Paul reconnected to his interests in creative writing through the Bluford Series. Originally working as an assistant with the Bluford novels, Paul’s role steadily grew. He now serves as both editor of the series and author or coauthor of several novels, including The Bully, The Gun, and The Fallen. His stories reflect his personal experiences, including the difficulties of growing up without a father, being the “new kid” in school, and dealing with the loss of a loved one.
In 2001, Paul completed a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to expanding the Bluford Series, he dreams of writing a successful movie script, preferably a “supernatural thriller.” Today Paul lives with his wife and three children near Philadelphia and stubbornly clings to the hope that he will one day see the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
May 17, 2017
This book is about a boy named Lionel that goes to Bluford High School. His dream is going to the NBA, but his dad thinks its a waste of time, his teachers think he won't make it because he can't read, and his friend Jamar that dropped out of school is telling Lionel to drop out also. I think this book is good because it relates to me and I like to play basketball.
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March 8, 2013 The book is named schooled written by Paul Langan. Lionel is really good at basketball but he can’t keep his grades up. He is thinking of dropping out of school. The book was kind of bad at the beginning then at the end of the book was really good.
There is a kid named Lionel he is a freshman at Bluford High. His dad is a trucker and his mom is in the army and his also has one little sister. Lionel goes to school on Friday and his first class is English with Mrs. Henley. Lionel is talking in her class and saying how dumb school is and the Mrs. Henley gets of a poem and asked Lionel to read it all. Then Lionel is asked Mrs. Henley why does she always call on him to do stuff. Then Lionel said that he can’t read and then Mrs. Henley tells him to just read it and the he starts to read it and he is a quarter of the way done and the bell rings. Then everyone ran out of class and right before Lionel ran out of the classroom Mrs. Henley called him back to her desk and gave him a envelope. Then Mrs. Henley asked Lionel to give the envelop to his dad for him to sign it and the she said to Lionel that he was not participating in class that well. Then later that day after school Lionel was walking home from school with a textbook in his hand to study the poem so he could read it better and faster. As Lionel was walking home some kids were laughing at him because nobody ever takes textbooks home with them to study. After school Lionel went to the basketball court and started to play basketball with Steve. Steve is a senior that also goes to Bluford High. Then started the game of one on one and Lionel was winning by one and then Steve got so mad he elbowed Lionel in the face and Steve made to baskets in a round and Lionel loss. After the game Lionel caught up with his friend Dontrell and then Dontrell said to Lionel you got skills. After Dontrell said that to Lionel Dontrell said that there was a girl named Tasha and I told her that we need to hang out some time.
Once day became to night Lionel went home and gave the envelope to his dad then his dad signed the letter inside the envelope. Then next day Lionel went to his job at a car wash He worked with his friend Jamar and Jamar was steeling extra money just laying in the car because Jamar said they are probable rich anyway because they have a Cadillac car. They Jamar and Lionel had a talk about Jamar’s life and what he did to get out of school. Jamar said he dropped out of school at the age 16 just a year ago and then he said that he lived with his friend in a apartment. Jamar said to Lionel that he should drop out of school so they can roll together and Lionel said that he could not drop out of school or his dad would kill him. Then after work Lionel went with Jamar to his apartment. When Lionel walked in to the apartment he said it smelled like pot. Then Jamar took him to this room with just a bed in it and Jamar’s friend was sitting there and then Jamar’s friend asked Lionel to smoke with them for a little bit. Then Lionel smoked the pot with them and then went home and he was feeling a little dizzy and his dad asked him if he was smoking because he could smell it on his shirt. Then Lionel’s mom’s friend Denise was over at there house with there dad and and then Lionel got mad and said to his dad why are have a affair with mom’s friend. Then Sunday passed and it was monday again Lionel met up with Dontrell and then they both went to Lionel’s locker and Dontrell said that the girl at the basketball game on Friday against you and Steve she filmed it and put it on the internet. Then Lionel asked Tasha if she did put the film on the internet and she said yes and then Lionel got really mad at her. Then Lionel goes to his first class english and then Lionel finished the story he begin to read on friday. Then the second class was history and the teacher assigned some home work and everyone got mad at the teacher. The next class Lionel pretended like he was feeling sick and then he went to the nurses office and the nurse told him to lay down for a while well I help the other kids. Then Lionel snuck out of the nurses office to the basketball gym and started to shoot and then the basketball coach came up to Lionel and told that he had some mad skill and also told him to show up for basketball try outs the next day. Then later that night when Lionel was sleeping he had a dream of him dunking the ball for the first time.
Then Lionel went to school the next day and was nervous the whole day and Dontrell said don’t think about it I’m sure you will make the team. Then a couple hours later Lionel showed up to basketball try outs and watching the other kids. Then the coach matched Lionel up with Steve and then Lionel spun around Steve and jumped and dunked the ball and the crowed went wild. Then Lionel’s teacher came in the gym and said that Lionel was ineligible to play on the team and then Lionel said no this can’t be right. Then the coach said sorry son and also said get those grades up and so I can uses you. Then Lionel went home and the teacher called his house and then his dad hung up the phone and started to yell at Lionel. Then Lionel packed up all his stuff and said he's living and he will be staying at Jamar’s house. When he got to Jamar’s apartment Jamar answered the door and Lionel walked in and it still smelled like pot and it still looked the same. Then Jamar said that his roommate was having a party. Then the party started and Lionel started to drink some beer and the first sip tasted bad. Then Lionel was all drunk and then he started to walk back home and he forgot his way home and so he started to walk back to Jamar’s apartment and a car was following him the whole way.
Lionel is a freshman who goes to Bluford High and he likes to play basketball and he is very good at it. Lionel’s dad is a trucker the goes all over the country to deliver stuff. Lionel’s mom is in the army over seas at Iraq. Lionel’s sister Kendra is in second grade and she is eight years old. Lionel’s Aunt Mimi takes care of Lionel and his sister when their dad is delivering stuff and she also has a two year old child.
The plot of the story is when Lionel kicked out of basketball because he is ineligible. The setting is in modern time and spring in a bad neighbor hood. The theme is Lionel is really good at basketball but he can’t keep his grades up. He is also thinking of dropping out of school.
I think the authors purpose for riding this book is to make kids keep their grade up to stay in sports and don’t every give up at school. I think the author did achieve his goal he was trying to get out to his readers. What effects do pot have on you? What you do if you where in his position? How did the story have a effect on your live? I think that it was a very good book and I highly suggest it to middle school kids. The book has good realistic characters in it and it has thorough information.
Well I thought the book way really good. I also highly suggest the book to all middle schoolers. It is a very suspenseful book and funny book. I just think the book was great and the characters were really thought out in the story.
There is a kid named Lionel he is a freshman at Bluford High. His dad is a trucker and his mom is in the army and his also has one little sister. Lionel goes to school on Friday and his first class is English with Mrs. Henley. Lionel is talking in her class and saying how dumb school is and the Mrs. Henley gets of a poem and asked Lionel to read it all. Then Lionel is asked Mrs. Henley why does she always call on him to do stuff. Then Lionel said that he can’t read and then Mrs. Henley tells him to just read it and the he starts to read it and he is a quarter of the way done and the bell rings. Then everyone ran out of class and right before Lionel ran out of the classroom Mrs. Henley called him back to her desk and gave him a envelope. Then Mrs. Henley asked Lionel to give the envelop to his dad for him to sign it and the she said to Lionel that he was not participating in class that well. Then later that day after school Lionel was walking home from school with a textbook in his hand to study the poem so he could read it better and faster. As Lionel was walking home some kids were laughing at him because nobody ever takes textbooks home with them to study. After school Lionel went to the basketball court and started to play basketball with Steve. Steve is a senior that also goes to Bluford High. Then started the game of one on one and Lionel was winning by one and then Steve got so mad he elbowed Lionel in the face and Steve made to baskets in a round and Lionel loss. After the game Lionel caught up with his friend Dontrell and then Dontrell said to Lionel you got skills. After Dontrell said that to Lionel Dontrell said that there was a girl named Tasha and I told her that we need to hang out some time.
Once day became to night Lionel went home and gave the envelope to his dad then his dad signed the letter inside the envelope. Then next day Lionel went to his job at a car wash He worked with his friend Jamar and Jamar was steeling extra money just laying in the car because Jamar said they are probable rich anyway because they have a Cadillac car. They Jamar and Lionel had a talk about Jamar’s life and what he did to get out of school. Jamar said he dropped out of school at the age 16 just a year ago and then he said that he lived with his friend in a apartment. Jamar said to Lionel that he should drop out of school so they can roll together and Lionel said that he could not drop out of school or his dad would kill him. Then after work Lionel went with Jamar to his apartment. When Lionel walked in to the apartment he said it smelled like pot. Then Jamar took him to this room with just a bed in it and Jamar’s friend was sitting there and then Jamar’s friend asked Lionel to smoke with them for a little bit. Then Lionel smoked the pot with them and then went home and he was feeling a little dizzy and his dad asked him if he was smoking because he could smell it on his shirt. Then Lionel’s mom’s friend Denise was over at there house with there dad and and then Lionel got mad and said to his dad why are have a affair with mom’s friend. Then Sunday passed and it was monday again Lionel met up with Dontrell and then they both went to Lionel’s locker and Dontrell said that the girl at the basketball game on Friday against you and Steve she filmed it and put it on the internet. Then Lionel asked Tasha if she did put the film on the internet and she said yes and then Lionel got really mad at her. Then Lionel goes to his first class english and then Lionel finished the story he begin to read on friday. Then the second class was history and the teacher assigned some home work and everyone got mad at the teacher. The next class Lionel pretended like he was feeling sick and then he went to the nurses office and the nurse told him to lay down for a while well I help the other kids. Then Lionel snuck out of the nurses office to the basketball gym and started to shoot and then the basketball coach came up to Lionel and told that he had some mad skill and also told him to show up for basketball try outs the next day. Then later that night when Lionel was sleeping he had a dream of him dunking the ball for the first time.
Then Lionel went to school the next day and was nervous the whole day and Dontrell said don’t think about it I’m sure you will make the team. Then a couple hours later Lionel showed up to basketball try outs and watching the other kids. Then the coach matched Lionel up with Steve and then Lionel spun around Steve and jumped and dunked the ball and the crowed went wild. Then Lionel’s teacher came in the gym and said that Lionel was ineligible to play on the team and then Lionel said no this can’t be right. Then the coach said sorry son and also said get those grades up and so I can uses you. Then Lionel went home and the teacher called his house and then his dad hung up the phone and started to yell at Lionel. Then Lionel packed up all his stuff and said he's living and he will be staying at Jamar’s house. When he got to Jamar’s apartment Jamar answered the door and Lionel walked in and it still smelled like pot and it still looked the same. Then Jamar said that his roommate was having a party. Then the party started and Lionel started to drink some beer and the first sip tasted bad. Then Lionel was all drunk and then he started to walk back home and he forgot his way home and so he started to walk back to Jamar’s apartment and a car was following him the whole way.
Lionel is a freshman who goes to Bluford High and he likes to play basketball and he is very good at it. Lionel’s dad is a trucker the goes all over the country to deliver stuff. Lionel’s mom is in the army over seas at Iraq. Lionel’s sister Kendra is in second grade and she is eight years old. Lionel’s Aunt Mimi takes care of Lionel and his sister when their dad is delivering stuff and she also has a two year old child.
The plot of the story is when Lionel kicked out of basketball because he is ineligible. The setting is in modern time and spring in a bad neighbor hood. The theme is Lionel is really good at basketball but he can’t keep his grades up. He is also thinking of dropping out of school.
I think the authors purpose for riding this book is to make kids keep their grade up to stay in sports and don’t every give up at school. I think the author did achieve his goal he was trying to get out to his readers. What effects do pot have on you? What you do if you where in his position? How did the story have a effect on your live? I think that it was a very good book and I highly suggest it to middle school kids. The book has good realistic characters in it and it has thorough information.
Well I thought the book way really good. I also highly suggest the book to all middle schoolers. It is a very suspenseful book and funny book. I just think the book was great and the characters were really thought out in the story.
March 19, 2014
"Schooled" is a book about a boy named Lionel. Lionel is a freshman at Bluford High School. Lionel loves basketball. It is the one thing that gets his mind off of school. Lionel struggles when it comes to getting good grades, and completing work on time. Lionel thinks that playing basketball is going to solve all his problems. He believes that he is going to be in the NBA, so he doesn't need to try in school. One day while shooting hoops in the gym the basketball coach tells him that he should try out for the team. Lionel was so excited for the tryouts that he failed to do his english homework. Lionel's grades start to slip and he is no longer allowed to play basketball. As the book goes on Lionel has many more struggles he goes through, but he soon realizes that school is the most important things.
The main character of this book is Lionel. Lionel lives with his father and sister. Lionel is a freshman in high school. He struggles with grades, and school in general. He soon realizes what is most important to him.
The setting of this book takes place at Bluford High School, and also in Lionel's neighborhood. The time period of this book takes place when he was a freshman during the springtime.
The theme of this book is hard work. Lionel towards the end of the book works really hard to keep his grades up. His hard work pays off when he finally graduates high school.
I recommend this book to anyone in high school or anyone who likes books about sports. This book shows the importance of working hard to reach your goals. This was a good book that kept me interested.
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November 8, 2018Personal Response
I liked the book Schooled . It was very interesting and gave a great detailed perspective from everyone who was a part of the book. It was a little bit humorous but still had a lot of important events that lead up to the main point in the book.
Plot
At the beginning of the book, Loniel was struggling in school and could not seem to keep up with his work. He was not good at reading and he was stressed about his mother being deployed in the army. At the time, none of his schooling important to him because his main priority was basketball. As a freshman in high school, he did not know what to expect. He knew that one day he would play in the NBA, so he did not take his schooling very important. All of his teachers and classmates knew about his special talent and how good he was at basketball. As a freshman, he was beating the all-star seniors in games of one on one. His father strongly frowned upon him playing basketball because it was a waste of time and he needed to be focusing on his grades more. He later found out that he needed good grades to be able to join the basketball team. He was frustrated and talked to his friend Jamar who was a high school dropout, Jamar suggested he dropped out of school permanently. He was struggling and making bad choices. After a while, he got the news that his mother was coming home from the army and made him rethink all of his choices. On his way home to see his mom, he got jumped by a few gang members and ended up in the hospital. He decided that it was best for him to back to school and get his education and focus on his career and play basketball. He struggled to keep up in school, but he managed to make it all work out for the good.
Characterization
Loniel was the main character in the book, he struggled in school and wanted to carry out his dream of playing basketball.
Jamar was his friend who was a high school dropout and was trying to pressure him to stay out of school.
Setting
The book Schooled takes place at Bluford High School when Loniel was a freshman. The setting of the book is important because it showed how there are many different obstacles he had to overcome while being in school. The setting was very realistic to today’s high school obstacles everyone has to go through.
Thematic Connection
Loniel was struggling in school and getting poor grades unknowing that he would not be able to join the basketball team. When he found out that he needed to have at least all C’s for grades, he decided the only thing to do was give up. That was when he thought about dropping out of high school.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book for boys and girls ages 10 and up who are looking for an easy book to finish with great detail. It gives great descriptive information about why schooling is important. Some of the content is relatable for both high school students and middle school. Some kids under the age of 10 might not be able to relate to some of the difficulties older kids go through.
I liked the book Schooled . It was very interesting and gave a great detailed perspective from everyone who was a part of the book. It was a little bit humorous but still had a lot of important events that lead up to the main point in the book.
Plot
At the beginning of the book, Loniel was struggling in school and could not seem to keep up with his work. He was not good at reading and he was stressed about his mother being deployed in the army. At the time, none of his schooling important to him because his main priority was basketball. As a freshman in high school, he did not know what to expect. He knew that one day he would play in the NBA, so he did not take his schooling very important. All of his teachers and classmates knew about his special talent and how good he was at basketball. As a freshman, he was beating the all-star seniors in games of one on one. His father strongly frowned upon him playing basketball because it was a waste of time and he needed to be focusing on his grades more. He later found out that he needed good grades to be able to join the basketball team. He was frustrated and talked to his friend Jamar who was a high school dropout, Jamar suggested he dropped out of school permanently. He was struggling and making bad choices. After a while, he got the news that his mother was coming home from the army and made him rethink all of his choices. On his way home to see his mom, he got jumped by a few gang members and ended up in the hospital. He decided that it was best for him to back to school and get his education and focus on his career and play basketball. He struggled to keep up in school, but he managed to make it all work out for the good.
Characterization
Loniel was the main character in the book, he struggled in school and wanted to carry out his dream of playing basketball.
Jamar was his friend who was a high school dropout and was trying to pressure him to stay out of school.
Setting
The book Schooled takes place at Bluford High School when Loniel was a freshman. The setting of the book is important because it showed how there are many different obstacles he had to overcome while being in school. The setting was very realistic to today’s high school obstacles everyone has to go through.
Thematic Connection
Loniel was struggling in school and getting poor grades unknowing that he would not be able to join the basketball team. When he found out that he needed to have at least all C’s for grades, he decided the only thing to do was give up. That was when he thought about dropping out of high school.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book for boys and girls ages 10 and up who are looking for an easy book to finish with great detail. It gives great descriptive information about why schooling is important. Some of the content is relatable for both high school students and middle school. Some kids under the age of 10 might not be able to relate to some of the difficulties older kids go through.
October 19, 2018
Personal Response
I really liked this book because it showed the struggles of many kids in schools today. I also really liked this book because of all of the events that occurred throughout the plot. Although I liked the book, there were some parts I did not like. I felt like the book lacked details of most of the characters. I also thought the author could have added more to the story.
Plot
The book started out with Lionel talking to his mother on the phone about her staying deployed for another year. After that, he went to school and he got in trouble for not doing his homework. Then he went to go play basketball, where he challenged a varsity player one on one and beat him. Then he went to work and then went home. After a couple of weeks of not completing work, he got in trouble for failing grades. Lionel then went to his buddies house. He tried to convince Lionel to drop out and live with him. When Lionel got home, he got in trouble from his father because he heard about what was happening at school. The next day at school, his teacher told him to come after school and talk to her about his work. Lionel skipped going to the teacher's classroom, so he could go to tryouts for basketball. The basketball coach told Lionel he could not play unless he had a "C" average for all his grades. Lionel got mad and decided to quit school to live with his friend. Once he moved all of his belongings to his friend's house, he stayed there for a couple of nights. A couple days later, he realized that he did not want to do that anymore. When he started walking home that night he got jumped, robbed, and ended up in the hospital. He woke up to his family and he told them what had happened. Then Lionel went back to school and played basketball.
Characterization
Lionel was the main character of the book and he changed a lot throughout the book. In the beginning, he did not want to go to school and just wanted to play basketball. When the book continued, Lionel dropped out of school and lived with his friend. At the end, he decided to go back to school so he could play basketball
Jamar was Lionel's friend who persuaded him to drop out of school and live with him. He did not change that much throughout, as he stayed a bad influence for Lionel. In the beginning, he was known for partying and working with Lionel. At the end of the book, he was still drinking and smoking a lot, which made Lionel want to move out.
Setting
The book took place at Bluford High School in the U.S.A during the 1990's. It was important to the story because that was the school that he dropped out of. I think the book took place in 1990's because he dropped out of school when a student actually could without getting a truancy, unlike today.
Theme
The theme of the book was the necessity of education. Lionel dropped out of high school and all he did was the party. He realized that he needed a high school diploma to get a real job and he still wanted to play basketball.
Recommendation
I recommended this book to high schoolers because of the content. I recommended this book to anyone who wanted to drop out of high school because the book showed the reasons why they should not. I do not recommend this book to kids who are really good in school, because they probably would not understand Lionel’s struggle.
I really liked this book because it showed the struggles of many kids in schools today. I also really liked this book because of all of the events that occurred throughout the plot. Although I liked the book, there were some parts I did not like. I felt like the book lacked details of most of the characters. I also thought the author could have added more to the story.
Plot
The book started out with Lionel talking to his mother on the phone about her staying deployed for another year. After that, he went to school and he got in trouble for not doing his homework. Then he went to go play basketball, where he challenged a varsity player one on one and beat him. Then he went to work and then went home. After a couple of weeks of not completing work, he got in trouble for failing grades. Lionel then went to his buddies house. He tried to convince Lionel to drop out and live with him. When Lionel got home, he got in trouble from his father because he heard about what was happening at school. The next day at school, his teacher told him to come after school and talk to her about his work. Lionel skipped going to the teacher's classroom, so he could go to tryouts for basketball. The basketball coach told Lionel he could not play unless he had a "C" average for all his grades. Lionel got mad and decided to quit school to live with his friend. Once he moved all of his belongings to his friend's house, he stayed there for a couple of nights. A couple days later, he realized that he did not want to do that anymore. When he started walking home that night he got jumped, robbed, and ended up in the hospital. He woke up to his family and he told them what had happened. Then Lionel went back to school and played basketball.
Characterization
Lionel was the main character of the book and he changed a lot throughout the book. In the beginning, he did not want to go to school and just wanted to play basketball. When the book continued, Lionel dropped out of school and lived with his friend. At the end, he decided to go back to school so he could play basketball
Jamar was Lionel's friend who persuaded him to drop out of school and live with him. He did not change that much throughout, as he stayed a bad influence for Lionel. In the beginning, he was known for partying and working with Lionel. At the end of the book, he was still drinking and smoking a lot, which made Lionel want to move out.
Setting
The book took place at Bluford High School in the U.S.A during the 1990's. It was important to the story because that was the school that he dropped out of. I think the book took place in 1990's because he dropped out of school when a student actually could without getting a truancy, unlike today.
Theme
The theme of the book was the necessity of education. Lionel dropped out of high school and all he did was the party. He realized that he needed a high school diploma to get a real job and he still wanted to play basketball.
Recommendation
I recommended this book to high schoolers because of the content. I recommended this book to anyone who wanted to drop out of high school because the book showed the reasons why they should not. I do not recommend this book to kids who are really good in school, because they probably would not understand Lionel’s struggle.
April 5, 2019
This book was a good book i give it 5/5 stars because it was about a boy who wanted to play basketball at Bluford High but then his parents didn't want him to play and worry about school. He goes to tryouts but at the end of practice his teachers go to the coaches to explain to them that Lionel was struggling with school and that his grades werent good enough for him to play. So it creates a lot of drama when Lionel decided to run away and live with his friend at an apartment. He decides to start his life over when his dad finds him. I would recommend this book from middle school to high school students.
December 20, 2016
Personal Response
I really liked Schooled because of how much I related to it. It actually gave me a little motivation to get my grades up so I can play basketball. I really liked the way the author wrote the book with so many real world situations. I think more people should read these books because of how realistic they are. I rated this book five out of five stars, because it kept me hooked the whole time I was reading it. The major events that happened were very interesting and kept me reading to find out what happened next.
Plot
Lionel was a kid that struggled with school but was one of the smartest kids on the basketball court. His mom was overseas serving and his dad was always on the road struggling to just get by. His dad didn't tell Lionel that he didn't graduate high school because he didn't want Lionel to drop out like he did. He finally tried to get his GED. Lionel couldn't read well so he always found away around doing his homework and cooperating in class activities. A girl in his class, named Malika, had a crush on him, and he felt the same about her. Lionel and a guy named Steve, the best player on the Bluford varsity basketball team, played one on one where Lionel crossed him over and schooled him. Everyone around the school talked about it for a week after the event. Lionel failed a couple classes and wasn't able to play basketball. He quit school for not even a day because he was so upset that he couldn't play basketball. Lionel went to Jamal's house where he drank alcohol and left to go home. He was jumped by a group of guys in a dark blue SUV. He then went to the hospital where he and his dad got all of the secrets out and Lionel decided to go back to school.
Characterization
There were only a couple of key characters in this book, and the main character is Lionel. Lionel was an underclassmen at Bluford High. He really liked basketball and wished to eventually play in the NBA. He wasn't good at school because he couldn't read very well. Lionel’s mom was overseas serving for her country. His dad was always on the road so he didn't get to spend much time with him at home. Lionel’s aunt also lived with him to help take care of him while his parents were off working. Lionel worked at a car wash downtown. Jamal was one of the kids he worked with. Jamal dropped out of high school when he was 17. He lived with his cousin doing drugs and alcohol together. Lionel’s aunt also lived with him to help take care of him while his parents were off working.
Impacts of the Setting
Shooled took place at Bluford High School in Bluford. That impacted the book a great deal, because it was the school Lionel attends and that was where he was most of the book. Lionel spent a lot of time at his house and on the basketball court. Being on the basketball court impacted the setting because he was good basketball played and was always thinking about basketball. Schooled took place in present times but didn't give a specific year. I know this because there were modern day cell phones and modern day slang.
Thematic Connection
The main theme to Schooled was Appearance vs Reality because Lionel was always dealing with people making fun of him, because he wasn't very smart. Lionel also couldn't continue his basketball tryouts, because he was failing classes. Lionel grew up following his dad's rules. He was self pressured into quitting school when he found out one of his friends had quit school when he was 16. His dad enforced rules for Lionel to follow and Lionel followed them, for the most part. He couldn't play basketball, due to his grades, so he disobeyed his dad’s rules. He couldn't play basketball so he decided he was going to quit school. When he did so, he went to one of his friends house, and was pressured into doing drugs and alcohol.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to boys or girls from 12 and up, who are interested in basketball and a little bit of drama. If they are in high school that's even better, because this book could possibly motivate them like it did to me.
I really liked Schooled because of how much I related to it. It actually gave me a little motivation to get my grades up so I can play basketball. I really liked the way the author wrote the book with so many real world situations. I think more people should read these books because of how realistic they are. I rated this book five out of five stars, because it kept me hooked the whole time I was reading it. The major events that happened were very interesting and kept me reading to find out what happened next.
Plot
Lionel was a kid that struggled with school but was one of the smartest kids on the basketball court. His mom was overseas serving and his dad was always on the road struggling to just get by. His dad didn't tell Lionel that he didn't graduate high school because he didn't want Lionel to drop out like he did. He finally tried to get his GED. Lionel couldn't read well so he always found away around doing his homework and cooperating in class activities. A girl in his class, named Malika, had a crush on him, and he felt the same about her. Lionel and a guy named Steve, the best player on the Bluford varsity basketball team, played one on one where Lionel crossed him over and schooled him. Everyone around the school talked about it for a week after the event. Lionel failed a couple classes and wasn't able to play basketball. He quit school for not even a day because he was so upset that he couldn't play basketball. Lionel went to Jamal's house where he drank alcohol and left to go home. He was jumped by a group of guys in a dark blue SUV. He then went to the hospital where he and his dad got all of the secrets out and Lionel decided to go back to school.
Characterization
There were only a couple of key characters in this book, and the main character is Lionel. Lionel was an underclassmen at Bluford High. He really liked basketball and wished to eventually play in the NBA. He wasn't good at school because he couldn't read very well. Lionel’s mom was overseas serving for her country. His dad was always on the road so he didn't get to spend much time with him at home. Lionel’s aunt also lived with him to help take care of him while his parents were off working. Lionel worked at a car wash downtown. Jamal was one of the kids he worked with. Jamal dropped out of high school when he was 17. He lived with his cousin doing drugs and alcohol together. Lionel’s aunt also lived with him to help take care of him while his parents were off working.
Impacts of the Setting
Shooled took place at Bluford High School in Bluford. That impacted the book a great deal, because it was the school Lionel attends and that was where he was most of the book. Lionel spent a lot of time at his house and on the basketball court. Being on the basketball court impacted the setting because he was good basketball played and was always thinking about basketball. Schooled took place in present times but didn't give a specific year. I know this because there were modern day cell phones and modern day slang.
Thematic Connection
The main theme to Schooled was Appearance vs Reality because Lionel was always dealing with people making fun of him, because he wasn't very smart. Lionel also couldn't continue his basketball tryouts, because he was failing classes. Lionel grew up following his dad's rules. He was self pressured into quitting school when he found out one of his friends had quit school when he was 16. His dad enforced rules for Lionel to follow and Lionel followed them, for the most part. He couldn't play basketball, due to his grades, so he disobeyed his dad’s rules. He couldn't play basketball so he decided he was going to quit school. When he did so, he went to one of his friends house, and was pressured into doing drugs and alcohol.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to boys or girls from 12 and up, who are interested in basketball and a little bit of drama. If they are in high school that's even better, because this book could possibly motivate them like it did to me.
October 27, 2014
"Schooled" is a book about a freshman boy named Lionel. He loves to play basketball, his goal in life is to become a professional basketball player. He has issues with keeping up on his grades, and handing in his schoolwork in on time. His biggest trouble is English class, because he cannot read at the level he should be reading at. His English teacher is the only teacher who makes him work hard at trying to pass the class. Lionel's dad is a trucker and his mom is in the army so neither of his parents are around very often. He tries out for the basketball team, he is one of the best players on the court. His grades are holding him back, and not letting him play for the school basketball team. So he then decides to drop out of school and live with one of his friends. The friend he is living with is not a good influence on Lionel. Lionel stays at this house and is involved in a party and he gets into some trouble with some gang members. He is mugged and beat up and hospitalized. His dad is there at the hospital when he wakes up. Lionel's dad tells him about when he was in high school and how he was the same as him. Lionel goes back to school and proceeds to do his work and try hard so he can get on the basketball team.
Lionel is a very talented basketball player and he cares about his family. He wants to do well in school, he just does not put in as much effort as he should. He thinks the teachers are all against him and do not want him to succeed. Lionel goes through a lot in this book with his parents being gone, school, and his basketball career to worry about. With his parents being gone he does not have anyone to turn to for help other than, his sister and his aunt.
"Schooled" takes place mainly at Bluford high school and in the city. The area around Bluford High can be quite dangerous, if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. If this book was taken place in a different city with a more safe and healthy environment, it would have been a lot different. The characters would be a lot different too, if the setting was different. If the time was different for the book it would have changed a lot too because, the school system and basketball wouldn't be as hard on him or maybe even harder on him.
I would recommend this book to lower high school classes and some upper middle school kids, because it is an easy read but there is drugs and alcohol involved at some parts. I think it would be a good book for girls and boys to read. Especially if they like basketball. I do not like basketball, but I still found the book interesting. I liked the book it was an easy read that kept my attention. I liked how the author painted a description in my mind with using very good adjectives. I really liked the characters and how I could related to them with some things. I thought he did a very good job writing this book and it had a very good plot too.
Lionel is a very talented basketball player and he cares about his family. He wants to do well in school, he just does not put in as much effort as he should. He thinks the teachers are all against him and do not want him to succeed. Lionel goes through a lot in this book with his parents being gone, school, and his basketball career to worry about. With his parents being gone he does not have anyone to turn to for help other than, his sister and his aunt.
"Schooled" takes place mainly at Bluford high school and in the city. The area around Bluford High can be quite dangerous, if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. If this book was taken place in a different city with a more safe and healthy environment, it would have been a lot different. The characters would be a lot different too, if the setting was different. If the time was different for the book it would have changed a lot too because, the school system and basketball wouldn't be as hard on him or maybe even harder on him.
I would recommend this book to lower high school classes and some upper middle school kids, because it is an easy read but there is drugs and alcohol involved at some parts. I think it would be a good book for girls and boys to read. Especially if they like basketball. I do not like basketball, but I still found the book interesting. I liked the book it was an easy read that kept my attention. I liked how the author painted a description in my mind with using very good adjectives. I really liked the characters and how I could related to them with some things. I thought he did a very good job writing this book and it had a very good plot too.
April 16, 2010
The book Schooled, by Paul Langan is a good book. It's about this boy named Lionel, whose dream is to become a professional basketball player. He's really good at basketball but he doesn't focus on school work that much. His dad wants him to focus on school work, but it's been hard for him because his mom moved to the army. I don't really know if his mom was the only one who could explain the type of stuff he was doing to him or if he just can't focus on school work because he's worried about his mom. Although Lionel is worried about his mom and can't focus in school, basketball is the one thing that he can just forget about everything and just let himself free.
I can relate to Lionel about not focusing on school work. I'm not saying that I don't do work in school, but I'm saying that sometimes you just don't want to do school work, Lionel chooses not to do work but then he feel behind and now he can't catch back up. Like your body just doesn't let you. That happens to me sometimes as well where I won't wanna do school work and play xbox, or watch tv, or hang out with friends. But there's a saying in my sisters college, "WORK HARD, THEN PLAY HARD." It's saying that you need to do work, then you'll feel a lot better when your playing and not have any pressure. I wish I could jump into the book and just tell him this because he's not realizing what can happen to him in the long run.
Lionel thinks that he could make it to the NBA, but he's not thinking about what would happen if he couldn't make it. He's on the verge of failing and is considering to drop out of Bluford High School. When ever Lionel does a bad job for schoolwork (which is pretty frequently), he tells his dad that it would be okay because when he ends up making it into the NBA, he would be rich, and give his dad money. That's a nice thought, but Lionel's dad ends up getting upset with Lionel because Lionel doesn't understand that schoolwork and education is a really big deal.
Dad: "I see you brought a book home today, gonna do some schoolwork tonight?"
Lionel: "Yeah, I guess" Lionel shrugged. Lionel only brought it home so he could keep the letter from Ms. Henley safe.
Dad: "I bet you could make it to the honor role if you tried, you should get on." Lionel shrugged, he was trying to figure out when he could tell his dad that he brought the book home because he had a note from his teacher saying how bad of a student, the only thing to say that Lionel could think of was that it would be okay when he made it to the NBA one day.
That just shows how Lionel isn't think ahead about if he doesn't make it to the NBA.
You know, I can kind of see some sort of resemblance between Lionel and I, sometimes I don't want to do work at all, but I have to. I think that saying at my sisters school is really good, because it's kind of powerful to me. WORK HARD, THEN PLAY HARD.
I can relate to Lionel about not focusing on school work. I'm not saying that I don't do work in school, but I'm saying that sometimes you just don't want to do school work, Lionel chooses not to do work but then he feel behind and now he can't catch back up. Like your body just doesn't let you. That happens to me sometimes as well where I won't wanna do school work and play xbox, or watch tv, or hang out with friends. But there's a saying in my sisters college, "WORK HARD, THEN PLAY HARD." It's saying that you need to do work, then you'll feel a lot better when your playing and not have any pressure. I wish I could jump into the book and just tell him this because he's not realizing what can happen to him in the long run.
Lionel thinks that he could make it to the NBA, but he's not thinking about what would happen if he couldn't make it. He's on the verge of failing and is considering to drop out of Bluford High School. When ever Lionel does a bad job for schoolwork (which is pretty frequently), he tells his dad that it would be okay because when he ends up making it into the NBA, he would be rich, and give his dad money. That's a nice thought, but Lionel's dad ends up getting upset with Lionel because Lionel doesn't understand that schoolwork and education is a really big deal.
Dad: "I see you brought a book home today, gonna do some schoolwork tonight?"
Lionel: "Yeah, I guess" Lionel shrugged. Lionel only brought it home so he could keep the letter from Ms. Henley safe.
Dad: "I bet you could make it to the honor role if you tried, you should get on." Lionel shrugged, he was trying to figure out when he could tell his dad that he brought the book home because he had a note from his teacher saying how bad of a student, the only thing to say that Lionel could think of was that it would be okay when he made it to the NBA one day.
That just shows how Lionel isn't think ahead about if he doesn't make it to the NBA.
You know, I can kind of see some sort of resemblance between Lionel and I, sometimes I don't want to do work at all, but I have to. I think that saying at my sisters school is really good, because it's kind of powerful to me. WORK HARD, THEN PLAY HARD.
November 2, 2015
Personal Response
I liked Schooled in multiple ways. I like the story line and the way the theme blends with the flow of the story. The author knows how to keep the reader reading. When I started this book I felt I would not like it because of the beginning, thinking it was a little childish. It took me awhile to figure out if I liked the book or not, mostly because of the slow start. After about chapter two is where it really picked up and started to make sense.
Plot
Schooled was about a high school student named Lionel Shepard. Throughout the story, Lionel was presented with many difficulties. One of those difficulties was trying to balance school and basketball. With his dropping grades in most of his classes, Lionel tried to keep his dad out of it. Some of Lionel’s friends were trying to get him to drop out, and Lionel believed them. He tried to do better, and then he found out about basketball tryouts. Lionel tried out for the basketball team and while playing, his teachers came in. Lionel found out that he could have made the team if his grades were above a C average. This made Lionel snap. He ran back home to pack a garbage bag of his clothes and ran to his friends house. Lionel believed that this is the answer. His friends threw a party and Lionel got slammed. Lionel tried to walk home and ends up getting jumped. After being woken up, Lionel found out he was in a hospital. Lionel’s dad told him about when he dropped out. Lionel went back to school with a different mindset.
Characterization
The main focus of the book is around Lionel. Lionel really grows up during this story. He learns that his education is very important for his future, especially when playing basketball. Life is not all about basketball and Lionel needs to learn that. Lionel also found out that his family is very important. There were a lot of highs and lows for Lionel, and he learns that he can overcome anything if he pushes through.
Impact of Setting
The book (and the series) is set in Bluford. The only city I could compare Bluford too would be Compton. Large school sizes along with gang activity leads me to connect the two cities. Lionel lives in the better part of town but a few blocks down a lot of bad things happen. That is one of the reasons Lionel was beat up trying to get home from Jamar’s house.
Thematic Connection
In my opinion, the main theme would be education is one of the most important things you can have. Lionel is faced with the fact that he will get held back and will not be able to play basketball if his grades are low.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to boys age 12 to age 18 because of the sort of content in the book. The book is centered towards grades seven through twelve.
I liked Schooled in multiple ways. I like the story line and the way the theme blends with the flow of the story. The author knows how to keep the reader reading. When I started this book I felt I would not like it because of the beginning, thinking it was a little childish. It took me awhile to figure out if I liked the book or not, mostly because of the slow start. After about chapter two is where it really picked up and started to make sense.
Plot
Schooled was about a high school student named Lionel Shepard. Throughout the story, Lionel was presented with many difficulties. One of those difficulties was trying to balance school and basketball. With his dropping grades in most of his classes, Lionel tried to keep his dad out of it. Some of Lionel’s friends were trying to get him to drop out, and Lionel believed them. He tried to do better, and then he found out about basketball tryouts. Lionel tried out for the basketball team and while playing, his teachers came in. Lionel found out that he could have made the team if his grades were above a C average. This made Lionel snap. He ran back home to pack a garbage bag of his clothes and ran to his friends house. Lionel believed that this is the answer. His friends threw a party and Lionel got slammed. Lionel tried to walk home and ends up getting jumped. After being woken up, Lionel found out he was in a hospital. Lionel’s dad told him about when he dropped out. Lionel went back to school with a different mindset.
Characterization
The main focus of the book is around Lionel. Lionel really grows up during this story. He learns that his education is very important for his future, especially when playing basketball. Life is not all about basketball and Lionel needs to learn that. Lionel also found out that his family is very important. There were a lot of highs and lows for Lionel, and he learns that he can overcome anything if he pushes through.
Impact of Setting
The book (and the series) is set in Bluford. The only city I could compare Bluford too would be Compton. Large school sizes along with gang activity leads me to connect the two cities. Lionel lives in the better part of town but a few blocks down a lot of bad things happen. That is one of the reasons Lionel was beat up trying to get home from Jamar’s house.
Thematic Connection
In my opinion, the main theme would be education is one of the most important things you can have. Lionel is faced with the fact that he will get held back and will not be able to play basketball if his grades are low.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to boys age 12 to age 18 because of the sort of content in the book. The book is centered towards grades seven through twelve.
March 6, 2014
“Schooled,” is about a high school boy named Lionel. He attends Blueford High School. He loves basketball more than anything in the world. Maybe a little bit too much. He thinks he is good enough to play in the NBA. Because of that, he does not try hard in school. He is barely able to read, and never finishes any of his homework. One day after school, Lionel sneaks into the gym to shoot some hoops. He gets startled when a man with a clip board walks into the gym and asks him what he is doing. That man is the basketball coach. He tells Lionel that he thinks he has a chance at making the basketball team, and tells him that he should come to the tryouts. The day of the tryouts, Lionel has a huge assignment for english class. Like always, Lionel neglected to finish it. His english teacher tells him that he needs to come in after school so that she can help him finish it. He tells her that he can’t, because he has basketball tryouts. She tells him that she will not allow him to play basketball until he gets his grade up. He stormed out of the room. After school Lionel decides to go to basketball tryouts instead of going to work with his teacher. In the middle of the tryouts, Lionel’s teacher comes to the gym and talks to the coach. He tells Lionel that he cannot play until he got his grades up. Lionel ran home and gathered all of his things together. He decided he was going to move in with his friend, Jamar, and dropout of high school. His aunt tries to stop him, but Lionel has made up his mind. When he gets to the house, he finds out that they are having a party. Lionel gets drunk, and accidentally bumped into a girl. Her boyfriend gets mad and gets up in Lionels face. Lionel decides to leave the party. On his way home gets jumped by a gang. He wakes up in a hospital with his dad at his side. HIs dad convinces him to go back to school, and eventually he graduates from school.
The story takes place in modern time during the spring. Lionel lived in a bad neighborhood. There were a lot of gangs. For that reason, Lionel never left the house during the night.
The main character is Lionel. Lionel is a high school boy who loves to play basketball. At the beginning of the story, he only cares about basketball. As the story went on, Lionel learned that there is more to life than just basketball. He also learned that he needs to take school more seriously, because you are only given the chance once.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to high school students who are interested
in reading sports books.
The story takes place in modern time during the spring. Lionel lived in a bad neighborhood. There were a lot of gangs. For that reason, Lionel never left the house during the night.
The main character is Lionel. Lionel is a high school boy who loves to play basketball. At the beginning of the story, he only cares about basketball. As the story went on, Lionel learned that there is more to life than just basketball. He also learned that he needs to take school more seriously, because you are only given the chance once.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to high school students who are interested
in reading sports books.
March 13, 2014
I read the book "Schooled" by Paul Langan. This book is about a boy in high school named Lionel. Lionel is an amazing athlete and he is very good at basketball. His dream and goal in life is to play in the NBA. There is a problem that Lionel faces though. He has troubles in school and can not seem to keep his grades up. His dad is always working and his mom is in the military across seas. Lionel struggles with all of this and feels very lost and soon all of the pressure builds up and he can not take it anymore. Lionel decides to drop out of school. When he drops out he goes to live with a friend that he works with who dropped out of school a couple years ago. Lionel ends up getting peer pressured into drinking and gets drunk. He realizes his life is going to be over if he does not change it. Lionel tries to go home while he is drunk but gets mugged and goes to the hospital. That is where his dad finds him and explains to him that in school there are ways for him to be better and all the teachers are willing to help. Lionel than gets the help he needs and gets to play basketball.
In the book the main characters are Lionel, Malika, Dontrell, Dad, and Ms. Walker. Lionel is the main character who is an amazing basketball player who struggles in school. Malika is this girl that goes to school with Lionel and she likes him a lot. Dontrell is Lionel's best friend who he is really close with and always hangs out with. Dad is Lionel's dad who is always working a lot just trying to help his family get by. Ms. Walker is the neighbor lady who tell Lionel that he should not drop out of school because he is ruining his life. What she says ends up really getting to him and it helps him make his decision later.
This book takes place at Lionel's high school. The name of his high school is Bluford. This all takes place during basketball season which is more around the winter months. His school is has mostly African American students in a not so great neighborhood.
I really enjoyed this book. I generally like books that have to do with sports because they keep me interested and wanting to read more. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys sports and is more around my age. I think people my age and in sports would be able to relate to the high school life more right now because they are going through it. Also if you enjoy sports the book will be hard to put down, because Lionel is pretty good at basketball.
In the book the main characters are Lionel, Malika, Dontrell, Dad, and Ms. Walker. Lionel is the main character who is an amazing basketball player who struggles in school. Malika is this girl that goes to school with Lionel and she likes him a lot. Dontrell is Lionel's best friend who he is really close with and always hangs out with. Dad is Lionel's dad who is always working a lot just trying to help his family get by. Ms. Walker is the neighbor lady who tell Lionel that he should not drop out of school because he is ruining his life. What she says ends up really getting to him and it helps him make his decision later.
This book takes place at Lionel's high school. The name of his high school is Bluford. This all takes place during basketball season which is more around the winter months. His school is has mostly African American students in a not so great neighborhood.
I really enjoyed this book. I generally like books that have to do with sports because they keep me interested and wanting to read more. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys sports and is more around my age. I think people my age and in sports would be able to relate to the high school life more right now because they are going through it. Also if you enjoy sports the book will be hard to put down, because Lionel is pretty good at basketball.
January 19, 2015
“Schooled” was a really great book to read. It kept me sucked into the story line. The author did a good job on keeping the details in depth with what was happening. I thought the book was overall really good.
Lionel attends Bluford High School. He is not a very good student. He has troubles in school such as reading. His teacher is always picking him to do little things like reading in front of the class. The thing about Lionel is that he is the greatest at basketball. But, he can’t participate because he his grades are bad. He tried to quit school because he didn’t know what to do. He went to a friend’s house but he was a big druggy and alcoholic. That wasn’t Lionel, he had to make things right. After he had gets beat up on the streets, he had to go to the hospital. His dad spilled the truth about how he was worse as a kid. He only cares so much about school for Lionel because he wants Lionel to be better than his father. So in the end they figure it all out.
The main character is Lionel, not the best student but a very good basketball player. His life is basketball. He thinks that nothing else matters as long as he has his basketball. His father on the other hand says that he can’t just live on basketball. He says that Lionel needs a backup plan, in case the basketball career doesn’t take off. He is mostly very strict on Lionel for those reasons. He wants him to do better than he had. Denise is Lionel’s father’s tutor, which you learn at the end of the book. Lionel’s mother is in the army and overseas during the whole story. Lionel also has an older brother that is in jail because of his behaviors back then. Also, a younger sister who looks up to lionel.
This story takes place mostly at Bluford High School. It takes place on some basketball courts. It also takes place in the classroom where Lionel has the hardest time to focus. The time is present day. It also takes place at a carwash where his friend works and that owns the house that he was going to crash at.
I think that if people have read other Paul Langan books that they should definitely read this book. This book was pretty good. It keeps you in the story for sure. Paul Langan is one great author. He knows how to make a book such you in and not want to put it down. I recommend this book for anyone who like the Bluford series. Or, for somebody who doesn’t enjoy reading such as myself. This book drags you right in.
Lionel attends Bluford High School. He is not a very good student. He has troubles in school such as reading. His teacher is always picking him to do little things like reading in front of the class. The thing about Lionel is that he is the greatest at basketball. But, he can’t participate because he his grades are bad. He tried to quit school because he didn’t know what to do. He went to a friend’s house but he was a big druggy and alcoholic. That wasn’t Lionel, he had to make things right. After he had gets beat up on the streets, he had to go to the hospital. His dad spilled the truth about how he was worse as a kid. He only cares so much about school for Lionel because he wants Lionel to be better than his father. So in the end they figure it all out.
The main character is Lionel, not the best student but a very good basketball player. His life is basketball. He thinks that nothing else matters as long as he has his basketball. His father on the other hand says that he can’t just live on basketball. He says that Lionel needs a backup plan, in case the basketball career doesn’t take off. He is mostly very strict on Lionel for those reasons. He wants him to do better than he had. Denise is Lionel’s father’s tutor, which you learn at the end of the book. Lionel’s mother is in the army and overseas during the whole story. Lionel also has an older brother that is in jail because of his behaviors back then. Also, a younger sister who looks up to lionel.
This story takes place mostly at Bluford High School. It takes place on some basketball courts. It also takes place in the classroom where Lionel has the hardest time to focus. The time is present day. It also takes place at a carwash where his friend works and that owns the house that he was going to crash at.
I think that if people have read other Paul Langan books that they should definitely read this book. This book was pretty good. It keeps you in the story for sure. Paul Langan is one great author. He knows how to make a book such you in and not want to put it down. I recommend this book for anyone who like the Bluford series. Or, for somebody who doesn’t enjoy reading such as myself. This book drags you right in.
October 16, 2012
Date: October 12,2012
Title: Schooled
Author: Paul Langan
Genre: Realistic Fiction
In the book Schooled, written by Paul Langan, The main character Lionel is trying to follow his dreams of becoming a basketball player. But, with school in his way and the people around him stopping him he really doesn't know how to handle all of it. No one is ever there for him when he needs advice, therefore he's been making wrong choices about school.
His father thinks basketball is a waste of time; and wouldn't let him play it. He's also never around, Lionel's Aunt Mimi is the one who has to watch Lionel and his little sister. His teachers don't know he can barely read or write and they threaten to fail him. And his drop out friend Jamar wants him to quit school, so he doesn't have to have responsibilities or having to worry about grades.
I wonder if Lionel makes the choice of pursuing his dream or gets caught in a nightmare. I hope he tries to keep up with his grades, but also not give up his dreams. At the end you should be who you are and not who people want you to be. I believe that if Lionel asks for help he could receive it and he should really try hard in school if he wants to join the basketball team at Bluford.
I feel bad that Lionel has to go through what he's going through. If I was in his shoes I would try to receive extra help so that I can better my grades. And I think that's something he should do. Even if no one around him supports him its his choice whether to overcome his problems or just let his dreams go to waste. He's really good at playing basketball and I think that if he keeps up with his grades he might make it somewhere. I also believe that Lionel is having a hard time because his parents are never really around and theirs no one he can talk to. Especially his mom, who only calls once after 2-3 months or more and is never home. But also, his dad who seems to be spending more time with another girl then with his kids.
So far, I like the book and I am to anxious to know what would Lionel do and what will happen next. If I were to replace something it would be Lionel's mom being away. It distracts him from school and maybe if she was around she would advice him to get extra help so that he can make it into the basketball team.
Title: Schooled
Author: Paul Langan
Genre: Realistic Fiction
In the book Schooled, written by Paul Langan, The main character Lionel is trying to follow his dreams of becoming a basketball player. But, with school in his way and the people around him stopping him he really doesn't know how to handle all of it. No one is ever there for him when he needs advice, therefore he's been making wrong choices about school.
His father thinks basketball is a waste of time; and wouldn't let him play it. He's also never around, Lionel's Aunt Mimi is the one who has to watch Lionel and his little sister. His teachers don't know he can barely read or write and they threaten to fail him. And his drop out friend Jamar wants him to quit school, so he doesn't have to have responsibilities or having to worry about grades.
I wonder if Lionel makes the choice of pursuing his dream or gets caught in a nightmare. I hope he tries to keep up with his grades, but also not give up his dreams. At the end you should be who you are and not who people want you to be. I believe that if Lionel asks for help he could receive it and he should really try hard in school if he wants to join the basketball team at Bluford.
I feel bad that Lionel has to go through what he's going through. If I was in his shoes I would try to receive extra help so that I can better my grades. And I think that's something he should do. Even if no one around him supports him its his choice whether to overcome his problems or just let his dreams go to waste. He's really good at playing basketball and I think that if he keeps up with his grades he might make it somewhere. I also believe that Lionel is having a hard time because his parents are never really around and theirs no one he can talk to. Especially his mom, who only calls once after 2-3 months or more and is never home. But also, his dad who seems to be spending more time with another girl then with his kids.
So far, I like the book and I am to anxious to know what would Lionel do and what will happen next. If I were to replace something it would be Lionel's mom being away. It distracts him from school and maybe if she was around she would advice him to get extra help so that he can make it into the basketball team.
March 3, 2014
I thought "Schooled" by Paul Langan was an easy, yet good read. In this book a high school boy, Lionel, felt as though he was too stupid for school. He had troubles reading and writing. Lionel felt that he didn't belong in school, but he wanted to succeed. He succeeded on the basketball court more than anything. His dream was to be a professional basketball player. One thing was holding him back though, ambition for grades in school.
Lionel goes to Bluford High School, where he struggles with passing grades. He relieves this stress and anger on the court where he strives. At home, he wishes he had his family together. His father is a truck driver trying to support his family. His mother half way across the world in the army. His aunt lives with him and his sister, who helps take care of things around the house. Basketball is Lionel's passion. It keeps him away from drugs/alcohol and off the streets.
The time period takes place during Lionel's first year of high school. This time period is important because it shows Lionel's skills at basketball at a young age. Most of the events take place at Bluford High school. The viewpoint is from Lionel.
The theme of "Schooled" is passion and ambition. Lionel had a passion for basketball and had ambition to become a better basketball player every day. Although, he didn't have ambition for school. What he didn't see through, was that school must come before basketball. To play basketball he had to have passing grades. Lionel struggled to keep his chin up, but understood what he had to do in the end.
I would recommend this book to high school students. It can show them the importance of grades and doing well in school. This book also shows what life is like from dropping out of school. I think that would give motivation to strive.
Lionel goes to Bluford High School, where he struggles with passing grades. He relieves this stress and anger on the court where he strives. At home, he wishes he had his family together. His father is a truck driver trying to support his family. His mother half way across the world in the army. His aunt lives with him and his sister, who helps take care of things around the house. Basketball is Lionel's passion. It keeps him away from drugs/alcohol and off the streets.
The time period takes place during Lionel's first year of high school. This time period is important because it shows Lionel's skills at basketball at a young age. Most of the events take place at Bluford High school. The viewpoint is from Lionel.
The theme of "Schooled" is passion and ambition. Lionel had a passion for basketball and had ambition to become a better basketball player every day. Although, he didn't have ambition for school. What he didn't see through, was that school must come before basketball. To play basketball he had to have passing grades. Lionel struggled to keep his chin up, but understood what he had to do in the end.
I would recommend this book to high school students. It can show them the importance of grades and doing well in school. This book also shows what life is like from dropping out of school. I think that would give motivation to strive.
February 10, 2017
I'm going to write a book review on Schooled. Lionel is the main character. L is a very good basketball player and has great personality. I like how he doesn't fight players/people when they make fun of him or hit him. I don't like how people are trying to get him to drop out of high school and just smoke weed. I can relate to Lionel because he keeps going no matter what or what's going on or he will try his best even tho he's playing against guys that are older and bigger than him. It was finally try outs. He had some challenge. He was doing great. He made his very first dunk. He was making smart plays. He was doing great until all his teachers came in and talked to the coaches. He knew it was something bad, but he tried not to worry about it.
January 5, 2011
When you have a dream ; dont let anyone stand in your way. Go out there and persue it because the reason why people are holding you back is something you dont know and might not ever figure ou. Life is about choices. You can go right or you can go left. Its your life to live. Your consiquenses to face. Do you. Dont let nothing stop you. You have to live your life not caring because people will try to break you down. and if you let them kill your dream your the dumb one with the mistake.
L had a choice. He couldve quit everything that he dreamed of and become like everyone else on the streets. So he decided to quit but then he realized that when you love something you have to go out their and go for it. Its not just going to come to you. Life's a game and you have to play the game. If you dont play the game and take chances you're just going to loose or maybe even quit. L quit but he was willing to get back in the game. He just needed to know that someone was there for him. Someone to call family. And the truth brought him alot of family. Family isnt the people that are your blood. Family is the people that are there for you and love you when no one else does
L had a choice. He couldve quit everything that he dreamed of and become like everyone else on the streets. So he decided to quit but then he realized that when you love something you have to go out their and go for it. Its not just going to come to you. Life's a game and you have to play the game. If you dont play the game and take chances you're just going to loose or maybe even quit. L quit but he was willing to get back in the game. He just needed to know that someone was there for him. Someone to call family. And the truth brought him alot of family. Family isnt the people that are your blood. Family is the people that are there for you and love you when no one else does
June 14, 2011
This book is about a boy name Lionel. He keeps on failing on school. His failing subject is literacy. He can't pronounce words correctly and his grammar is bad. His reading and writing grades are horrible. He is also failing in other subjects. He dreamed on being an NBA player. He likes to play basketball. His dad won't let him play basketball because of his failing grades. Lionel is playing to quit school. It is easy to be bad and it is hard to be a good person.
This book make me feel sad because I was in the main charcter's shoes. Lionel also was teased for being dumb. I was shocked that Lionel quit school and is eating drugs. He has gone too far. Lucky, his dad saved him or else he won't have a happy life at the future.
I will recommend this book to everyone because it will teach them a warning of what to not do. This book will give them a heads up if they do anything bad like drugs.
This book make me feel sad because I was in the main charcter's shoes. Lionel also was teased for being dumb. I was shocked that Lionel quit school and is eating drugs. He has gone too far. Lucky, his dad saved him or else he won't have a happy life at the future.
I will recommend this book to everyone because it will teach them a warning of what to not do. This book will give them a heads up if they do anything bad like drugs.
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September 18, 2009I read the book Schooled by Pul Langan. The mani character in this book and I were kind of the sme in someways, beside the fact that he was kind of dumb, we were the same.
Lionel was the main character in the book. He often had problems in school and that ran over into the house hold. He was a fantastic and smart basketball player, but he had to do in the classroom to. He was offered help but didn't take it, and also his "so called friend" pressure him into coming into his broke down apartment and telling him and that drinking and smoking was good. But it was all to late when he took the offer and tried to run away. He was jumped by a local crew and was took to the hospital.
When he finnaly woke up from this nighmare he foun out that his dad had the same problem. His dad also said if he needed help get a toutor. So thats exactly what he did.
Lionel was the main character in the book. He often had problems in school and that ran over into the house hold. He was a fantastic and smart basketball player, but he had to do in the classroom to. He was offered help but didn't take it, and also his "so called friend" pressure him into coming into his broke down apartment and telling him and that drinking and smoking was good. But it was all to late when he took the offer and tried to run away. He was jumped by a local crew and was took to the hospital.
When he finnaly woke up from this nighmare he foun out that his dad had the same problem. His dad also said if he needed help get a toutor. So thats exactly what he did.
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November 22, 2013In general I strongly agree that Paul Langan is an amazing writer e is one of those authors that i will recommend to someone who is looking of an entertaining,trgaic,eye catching book. An example of this is for example this book its Schooled and this book sounds and kinda is like The Bully by te same author Paul Langan. This book is amazing, I truly love his books. I would recommend this to any person in general, because his books are just that fascinating.
Its about a boy who wants to get out in school. His friend is also making and convincing him to drop out of school. He is always looking forward to just forget school and do basketball as his dream sport,job, and future. He is dead serious on that as well. If you would like to know how he ends up i would totally recommend you check this book out and the author.
Its about a boy who wants to get out in school. His friend is also making and convincing him to drop out of school. He is always looking forward to just forget school and do basketball as his dream sport,job, and future. He is dead serious on that as well. If you would like to know how he ends up i would totally recommend you check this book out and the author.
November 4, 2010
I read a book called Schooled by Paul Langan. This book is a very interesting story in many different ways. In my outlook of this book I believed that it shows life on the edge in a very unique way. This book showed me how important education is, and how if you want to get somewhere in life you have to step up and earn it. It also showed me the importance of sports, and wanting to do the sport you love so bad that it seems more important than education. I think that many people will enjoy this book and see what I saw as I read it. It’s a great book and I would recommend it to boys and girls but I believe boys might like it a little bit more because it’s a boy type of story just a little. It’s a great book for anyone who likes basketball or just wants a good read.
December 4, 2014
I think the book is a really good book even though it’s about basketball and I don’t like basketball.
The main character, Lionel Shepherd, is a freshman at Blue Ford High School is a very good basketball player. Lionel wants to go to the NBA. All he wants to do is play basketball, but his father and teachers want him to work on school more than basketball. His friend want him to drop out of school and come live with him. Lionel decides not to drop out of school. He decides to finish school. He goes to the NBA to play basketball.
I would recommend this book to boys and girls who likes to play basketball. I would recommend this book to middle school kids more so than to high school kids, because it is an easier book to read and understand.
April 1, 2014
The genre on the book is fiction. The book is basically about a freshman in high school wants to play for the school and he cant because he is ineligible and so on.
The book itself was good, it kept me interested and wanting to read more. I just didn't like how the book ended but i would still recommend reading it.
I recommend this book for people like fictional books, troubled teenagers, and sports. If you like this book then i would also recommend reading some of the other books in the bluford series.
The book itself was good, it kept me interested and wanting to read more. I just didn't like how the book ended but i would still recommend reading it.
I recommend this book for people like fictional books, troubled teenagers, and sports. If you like this book then i would also recommend reading some of the other books in the bluford series.
August 10, 2010
Lionel loves basketballand willplay against anyone who challenges him even Steve Morris.Steve Morris is twice his size.He although Morris fouled he wasnt scared. Acdemic-wise he is doing terrible.Lionel is thinking of what his friend did drop out. If he drops out then school wont be a problem. Since His parents left him and his sister,why cant he?
October 13, 2010
this book shows you that you can be whoever you want to be also, his father thinks he should be worrying about school instead of basketball
November 14, 2013
is a nice book and i really enjoy it so much
March 27, 2015
Good, and realistic. NBA Hoop Dreams reminds me of this book
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November 17, 2017The book I read was called Bluford Series “Schooled”. This book was about this boy named Lionel. Lionel was a kid that really didn’t care about school. He didn’t care about school because he was made fun of because he wasn’t good at it. Lionel also didn’t care because his mom was in the army and his dad was always working of was just never home. Lionel had a job at the local car wash with his friend Jamar. Jamar told him “if you don’t like school he could stay at his place where there are no rules.” The only reason Lionel went to school is because he wanted to be on the basketball team. Lionel ended up trying out and he did not make it because the teacher told the coach he could not be on the team because his grades were too poor. Lionel’s mood was mad so he decide to quit school and move to Jamar’s. Lionel then decided to drink and smoke because it was no reason to care anymore. His dad came home and found him and told him the reason he is never home. The reason his dad is never home is because he is getting tutored because he never finished high school and that is why is also working all of the time. That made Lionel go back to highschool and not give up.
I do not have a book to connect this one to. I do think this book is kind of like our school. You can’t play a sport if your grades are not good enough. Even some of the teachers will let your coach know how you are working and acting in class. I think I do know someone who could not play because of their grades.
I really liked this book. The reason I liked this book is because it could be a real world situation. My favorite character in this book was Lionel. I liked him because I like the way he dealt with things. He seems like me. He really doesn’t talk in class. He really only looks forward to the end of the day so he could play the sport he loved. I just like the way he deals with the situations he gets into.
-Jacob Lunsford
I do not have a book to connect this one to. I do think this book is kind of like our school. You can’t play a sport if your grades are not good enough. Even some of the teachers will let your coach know how you are working and acting in class. I think I do know someone who could not play because of their grades.
I really liked this book. The reason I liked this book is because it could be a real world situation. My favorite character in this book was Lionel. I liked him because I like the way he dealt with things. He seems like me. He really doesn’t talk in class. He really only looks forward to the end of the day so he could play the sport he loved. I just like the way he deals with the situations he gets into.
-Jacob Lunsford
May 21, 2018
Paul Lagan's " schooled " is a young adult fiction book. The main character of the book is Lionel Shephard he's going through his first year in high school. Lionel's problem is that his mom went to the Army when he was in middle school and he was hurt and basketball saved him from school. I feel like that Lionel is just hurt and wants to take his mind off of basketball. But then again I feel like he shouldn't let that make him care less about school and more about basketball. Because your education comes before sports.
Lionel encountered multiple problems in his life. His biggest problem with life was that his mom was deployed to the army when he was young. This effected his life because who would want to grow up without a mom ? Not me because I think you need both parents in your life to make it complete. Because Lionel's mom was gone and nothing was like it used to be he played basketball to block out his problems. Which was bad because he made basketball block out school and other important things he needs in life.
Lionel is by far my favorite character in the book , I chose him because he reminds me of myself and many other young black men. We go through a lot of struggles in life every person has a different one. But a lot of people choose to avoid or free their mind of problems by using many different ways like sports, reading, drawing, writing etc. I can relate to Lionel's situation because when my mom and dad separated I found basketball an easy way to avoid problems I had, so I know the feeling and can very much relate.
I enjoyed reading the book, because it related to my everyday life and I feel like other young adult readers could benefit from this book. This is a relatable book for young adult readers. I would recommend this book because it could help you make better decisions and help solve problems you might have. A reader for this book is one that is going through his or her own personal challenges in life.
Lionel encountered multiple problems in his life. His biggest problem with life was that his mom was deployed to the army when he was young. This effected his life because who would want to grow up without a mom ? Not me because I think you need both parents in your life to make it complete. Because Lionel's mom was gone and nothing was like it used to be he played basketball to block out his problems. Which was bad because he made basketball block out school and other important things he needs in life.
Lionel is by far my favorite character in the book , I chose him because he reminds me of myself and many other young black men. We go through a lot of struggles in life every person has a different one. But a lot of people choose to avoid or free their mind of problems by using many different ways like sports, reading, drawing, writing etc. I can relate to Lionel's situation because when my mom and dad separated I found basketball an easy way to avoid problems I had, so I know the feeling and can very much relate.
I enjoyed reading the book, because it related to my everyday life and I feel like other young adult readers could benefit from this book. This is a relatable book for young adult readers. I would recommend this book because it could help you make better decisions and help solve problems you might have. A reader for this book is one that is going through his or her own personal challenges in life.
May 17, 2018
I wouldn't really suggest my book to my certain friend group, but for some certain people I think it would be great for. People who are maybe struggling in school, but there is a lot of people at Tomah who are just like Lionel. Lionel is a high school student at Bluford High School, and he is one of the least gifted in his class, school wise. Lionel Shepard is a very good basketball player as well, and often plays outside on the court where a lot of his friends do. Lionel wants to drop out of school very badly, but he knows his dad wouldn't let him or much less want him too, mostly because his dad dropped out of high school as well and knows how hard life will be for Lionel if he does. Lionel decides to drop out, and play basketball everyday, without telling his father. His father is tricked into believing Lionel is getting better in school and that he is actually motivated. One day, Lionel has to bring a note to his father discussing his schooling, and how the note is saying Lionel needs extra help and how he has become a burdon in school. Lionel decided to forge his dads signature, to keep tricking his father to believing everything is fine. Lionel dropped out after that, because his friend, also a high school dropout, persuaded him. One day, while Lionel is playing basketball, a group of about 5 people jump Lionel and beat him so badly he went into a coma and ended up going to the hospital, where when he finally wakes up, his dad is above him crying and saying "Lionel I told you not to go to the courts anymore. Wake up! Wake up!" Lionel told his dad everything, and that is when his dad told him he dropped out and basically motivated Lionel to start taking school serious and not to live a life like this, and he listens. His father tells him that he isn't cheating on his mom, that he goes to a certain ladies house for tutoring, but was to afraid to tell Lionel, and that is one thing that Lionel has been stressing about for a long time.
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