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Airball: My Life in Briefs
Kirby Nickel loves basketball. He loves watching basketball. He loves talking about basketball. The only problem is he can't play basketball. But coach has a plan for Kirby and the supremely untalented seventh-grade team. It involves the guys playing nearly naked -- only in their briefs. Maybe the so-called Stealth Sportswear ( The Emperor's New Clothes) will really inspire the team. Maybe. And maybe, just maybe, Kirby will find out who his real father is.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
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May 30, 2018Kirby has always loved basketball. He was just never the athlete some other kids are and he can't play basketball. But when McNet McGrew's jersey is being retired the basketball team is invited to the ceremony to help. Kirby is a big fan of McGrew and needs to make the basketball team so he can see him. Not only does Kirby want to see McGrew because of the way he plays basketball but Kirby might also be McGrew's son. Will he be able to make the basketball team to see McGrew or will he just shoot Airballs. Find out by reading Airball My life in Briefs.
I would recommend this book not only to people that like sports books but also to people that like funny and weird books. I would give this book 4/5 stars and I think that many would like to read Airball.
I would recommend this book not only to people that like sports books but also to people that like funny and weird books. I would give this book 4/5 stars and I think that many would like to read Airball.
January 13, 2020
I think the theme is to always work hard no matter what
November 8, 2016
In the story there is a kid named Kirby Nickel and he loves basketball, loves watching it, and loves talking about it. It takes place in Kansas. So, Kirby has a problem, he can’t play ball and he doesn’t want to try out for the team to humiliate himself in front of everyone. Then we was at a practice and the coach said that the Kansas University will retire a famous basketball player’s jersey, and his name is Brett “McNet” McGrew. Since Kirby’s seventh grade basketball team will be part of this ceremony, Kirby thinks he should join the team so he can meet Brett McGrew. Brett McGrew is Kirby’s biggest fan and he thinks and is his biggest secret is that Brett is his father. So Kirby and his friend one night was at Kirby’s house and goes crazy about this and his friend doesn’t believe him. Kirby thinks since he hasn’t met his dad before, he thinks Brett is his dad after doing research on his mom and Brett dancing in his mom’s yearbook. So he wants to go to Brett’s ceremony and convince Brett that he is Kirby’s dad. So Kirby comes up with this wacky idea on how the basketball players can run faster, jump higher, and that the players can play longer than what they used too, and that the uniforms are invisible.
The one thing I liked about this book is that Kirby is pretty much like me but I am still growing as a basketball player. I like learning new things about the game of basketball and hopefully I get to learn more through my High School career. Another thing I like is that Kirby looks at Brett “McNet” McGrew like I do to Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry. Whenever they have a game I usually watch the game and if they make a good play. Most likely that play would be on the Game’s Highlights and I would look that up on YouTube and would watch that and would practice that whenever I get a chance to be in the gym. One thing I didn’t like about this book is that Kirby had to go into the Boy’s Locker Room and cleans up after them. I know what that is like, I can still remember the smell the odor from the locker room after gym when I was in seventh and eighth grade. Especially when someone puts on a lot of Old Spice or Axe Spray on and you could barely breath because of all of the spray.
The one thing I liked about this book is that Kirby is pretty much like me but I am still growing as a basketball player. I like learning new things about the game of basketball and hopefully I get to learn more through my High School career. Another thing I like is that Kirby looks at Brett “McNet” McGrew like I do to Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry. Whenever they have a game I usually watch the game and if they make a good play. Most likely that play would be on the Game’s Highlights and I would look that up on YouTube and would watch that and would practice that whenever I get a chance to be in the gym. One thing I didn’t like about this book is that Kirby had to go into the Boy’s Locker Room and cleans up after them. I know what that is like, I can still remember the smell the odor from the locker room after gym when I was in seventh and eighth grade. Especially when someone puts on a lot of Old Spice or Axe Spray on and you could barely breath because of all of the spray.
January 12, 2023
The Book I read this quarter was called Airball my life in Briefs. My book's author was L.D. Harkrader. Airball my life in briefs is 209 pages and has a Lexile level of 800. The book is about a small school in Kansas where an All Star basketball player called Brent Mcgrew Grew up and went to the NBA. Now a 7th grade boy named Kirby Nickel and his team has a chance to meet him at one of his games. This is Great for Kirby Because he wants to find out if Brent Mcgrew is his father.
The Book starts off in the lunch room with Kirby and His best friend Brager sitting at the table called the Hulk.They Just found out that anybody on the 7th grade junior high basketball team will get to go to the famous basketball player Brent Mcgrew’s game. Kirby and Brager join basketball with the twelve other kids in his grade. They Start their practices and they are not looking good at all. Kirby has been getting through practice for about a week when Kirby was renounced the Captain of the Basketball team. “One by one the hands shot up and I, Kirby Nickel, the clumsiest kid in the gym, was elected captain of the Stuckey Seventh-grade Prairie Dogs”(p47). After Kirby was elected Captain of the Team he was going to focus on finding ways to prove that Brent Mcgrew was related to him somehow. He Talked to his grandma and she said, “Brent McGrew was always a nice kid you’ve got nothing to worry about”(p54). Then Next up Kirby found his best piece of evidence yet “I come along, looking for evidence that will prove who Brett McGrew really is, who I really am,and I find his medal.”(p67). Because the team was so bad, someone from the basketball association threatened to cancel the trip to meet Brent McGrew. “We need to determine whether your trip to Kansas Should,in fact, be canceled”(p77). So they come up with a compromise. if they beat Whipple they will be able to go meet Brent Mcgrew. The Stuckey Prairie dogs Practice very hard and now it's the day before the game. Kirby is Nervous before the game so one of his teammates told him this “Whipple is almost here. I'm confident we have this game, Randy told me”(p129). Stuckey is losing really badly in the first half but then they come back and Kirby makes the game winning buzzer beater.
They are in Kansas and all the evidence Kirby found was nothing close to a match with Brent Mcgrew but a direct match with his coach. Kirby finds out that he is related to his coach and everybody goes home from the game happy.
My second quarter book was Airball My Life in Briefs. In my opinion it was an ok book.
The reason I didn't love this book was because there wasn't a lot going on. The book was Very bland up until the end when they got to meet him. The Book was also very very predictable. I knew what was about to happen before it happened. I did like the ending though. I read the entire ending in one time because it was the only interesting part of the book. It felt like I was reading something different. It was a pretty easy book to understand and read. I wouldn't recommend this book to people who don't like to read. But anybody who likes to read will probably find this ok.
The Book starts off in the lunch room with Kirby and His best friend Brager sitting at the table called the Hulk.They Just found out that anybody on the 7th grade junior high basketball team will get to go to the famous basketball player Brent Mcgrew’s game. Kirby and Brager join basketball with the twelve other kids in his grade. They Start their practices and they are not looking good at all. Kirby has been getting through practice for about a week when Kirby was renounced the Captain of the Basketball team. “One by one the hands shot up and I, Kirby Nickel, the clumsiest kid in the gym, was elected captain of the Stuckey Seventh-grade Prairie Dogs”(p47). After Kirby was elected Captain of the Team he was going to focus on finding ways to prove that Brent Mcgrew was related to him somehow. He Talked to his grandma and she said, “Brent McGrew was always a nice kid you’ve got nothing to worry about”(p54). Then Next up Kirby found his best piece of evidence yet “I come along, looking for evidence that will prove who Brett McGrew really is, who I really am,and I find his medal.”(p67). Because the team was so bad, someone from the basketball association threatened to cancel the trip to meet Brent McGrew. “We need to determine whether your trip to Kansas Should,in fact, be canceled”(p77). So they come up with a compromise. if they beat Whipple they will be able to go meet Brent Mcgrew. The Stuckey Prairie dogs Practice very hard and now it's the day before the game. Kirby is Nervous before the game so one of his teammates told him this “Whipple is almost here. I'm confident we have this game, Randy told me”(p129). Stuckey is losing really badly in the first half but then they come back and Kirby makes the game winning buzzer beater.
They are in Kansas and all the evidence Kirby found was nothing close to a match with Brent Mcgrew but a direct match with his coach. Kirby finds out that he is related to his coach and everybody goes home from the game happy.
My second quarter book was Airball My Life in Briefs. In my opinion it was an ok book.
The reason I didn't love this book was because there wasn't a lot going on. The book was Very bland up until the end when they got to meet him. The Book was also very very predictable. I knew what was about to happen before it happened. I did like the ending though. I read the entire ending in one time because it was the only interesting part of the book. It felt like I was reading something different. It was a pretty easy book to understand and read. I wouldn't recommend this book to people who don't like to read. But anybody who likes to read will probably find this ok.
May 21, 2021
Kirby's hometown is the (self-proclaimed) basketball capital of Kansas because they're the hometown of an NBA star. Basketball is a Big Deal, and Kirby lives and breaths the game: all the stats, all the strategies, everything. The only problem is ... he can't play. At all. But when their 7th grade squad is selected to take part in the festivities surrounding the retirement of their Local Hero's jersey, Kirby realizes it's his big chance to meet the guy. Which is high on his priority list. Because Kirby's pretty sure he's his dad.
A ragtag bunch of talentless boys. A kid with a theory. A coach with a scheme. A cousin named Bragger. I *loved* this story. Probably going to rank as one of my top favorites for the year. So many reasons to smile.
A ragtag bunch of talentless boys. A kid with a theory. A coach with a scheme. A cousin named Bragger. I *loved* this story. Probably going to rank as one of my top favorites for the year. So many reasons to smile.
August 18, 2017
Great book for young kids getting into basketball. My son(9) and I read this together and he enjoyed it that at times he read ahead of me but insisted we go back to where we left off together every time.
May 18, 2017
Good book about the park being awesome.
November 4, 2016
Alhashimi, Abdullah
English 10A 8th
Ms. Kim
4 November 2016
IRP
“Airball: My Life in Briefs” by LD. Harkrader is a funny, puzzle-like book that will be taken to another level no other book has been taken to. The main character, Kirby Nickle, who is a captain of the 7th-grade basketball team was told by his fearless coach, that if their season goes well, they would get to meet an all-time NBA basketball player, Brent McGrew, that played in Kirby’s town. Problems occurred however when the whole team, plus their coach figured that the upcoming season is not going to go as great as they would think because of the lack of teamwork, communicating skills, and many other things that let Kirby’s team down.
“Can’t be a hero if you’re afraid of looking stupid.” (3 Harkrader) This quotation hit me the most because it does have a small connection with life. When you ask someone what type of superhero they want to be, all they will really explain to you is the superpowers they would love to have and maybe even the costumes. No one will tell you how the world or even the person will really benefit from them being superheroes. Kirby’s coach tries to figure out new ways for the team to upgrade their teamwork and communication skills. This is where the quotation comes into play. Kirby’s coach bought the team new uniforms and placed it right in front of the 7th graders, he said to be able to wear the uniforms they will have to practice in their underwears. Everyone was puzzled and weirded out, but did it work? Surely enough throughout the journey of playing basketball in briefs, Kirby starts scavenging through his attic to find if Brent McGrew was his father. Kirby picks up this idea by finding clues all over his home. He does not ask his grandmother who really was the only there to look out for him, nor tell the players or the coach. However was Brent McGrew really Kirby’s father?
This book was fun to read, it was fast-paced and hilarious. I also really like the way Harkrader writes and tells his story. He shows and tells with imagery making the book seem as if it was a picture book. This book will attract most people who love playing or watching basketball, kids my age, or even kids under my age.
English 10A 8th
Ms. Kim
4 November 2016
IRP
“Airball: My Life in Briefs” by LD. Harkrader is a funny, puzzle-like book that will be taken to another level no other book has been taken to. The main character, Kirby Nickle, who is a captain of the 7th-grade basketball team was told by his fearless coach, that if their season goes well, they would get to meet an all-time NBA basketball player, Brent McGrew, that played in Kirby’s town. Problems occurred however when the whole team, plus their coach figured that the upcoming season is not going to go as great as they would think because of the lack of teamwork, communicating skills, and many other things that let Kirby’s team down.
“Can’t be a hero if you’re afraid of looking stupid.” (3 Harkrader) This quotation hit me the most because it does have a small connection with life. When you ask someone what type of superhero they want to be, all they will really explain to you is the superpowers they would love to have and maybe even the costumes. No one will tell you how the world or even the person will really benefit from them being superheroes. Kirby’s coach tries to figure out new ways for the team to upgrade their teamwork and communication skills. This is where the quotation comes into play. Kirby’s coach bought the team new uniforms and placed it right in front of the 7th graders, he said to be able to wear the uniforms they will have to practice in their underwears. Everyone was puzzled and weirded out, but did it work? Surely enough throughout the journey of playing basketball in briefs, Kirby starts scavenging through his attic to find if Brent McGrew was his father. Kirby picks up this idea by finding clues all over his home. He does not ask his grandmother who really was the only there to look out for him, nor tell the players or the coach. However was Brent McGrew really Kirby’s father?
This book was fun to read, it was fast-paced and hilarious. I also really like the way Harkrader writes and tells his story. He shows and tells with imagery making the book seem as if it was a picture book. This book will attract most people who love playing or watching basketball, kids my age, or even kids under my age.
June 24, 2009
From Destiny Library record, "Uncoordinated Kansas seventh-grader Kirby Nickel braves his coach's ire and becomes captain of the basketball team in order to help him prove that NBA star Brett McGrew is the father he has never known."
This would be a good book to recommend to boys (especially those who need a lower reading level, but high interest). The ending is predictable and happy, but you want it to be that way! :-) Some humor in the story, but not laugh-out-loud.
Review from Publishers Weekly:
Moving as fluidly as a basketball superstar in action, this big-hearted first novel is set in a Kansas town renowned as the home of Brett McGrew, now a famous NBA player. Though he has no apparent athletic ability, narrator Kirby Nickel joins the seventh-grade basketball team in hopes of finally crossing paths with McGrew, whose jersey number is being retired in a ceremony to which the team has been invited. Meeting this luminary has been a life-long dream of Kirby's; he is convinced that McGrew, who was a friend of the boy's mother in high school, is his father. As farfetched as the premise sounds, Kirby's sincerity and conviction—and the clues he uncovers—lend his theory pleasing plausibility. But in order to attend the event honoring McGrew, the seventh-grade team must turn its record around (they haven't won a game in three years). The gruff coach solemnly gives each player a "Stealth Warm-up Suit," allegedly developed by the Marine Corps (and designed to help players run faster and jump higher), announcing that, "for those who don't have what it takes to control the technology, the uniforms... are invisible." Some funny scenes follow as the kids proceed to practice—and eventually win every game—dressed only in their underwear. Kirby's encounter with McGrew leads to an unexpected, satisfyingly sentimental finale. Even non-basketball fans will savor the on-court action and will cheer loudly for these determined players, especially endearingly ingenuous Kirby. Ages 8-12. (Oct.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
This would be a good book to recommend to boys (especially those who need a lower reading level, but high interest). The ending is predictable and happy, but you want it to be that way! :-) Some humor in the story, but not laugh-out-loud.
Review from Publishers Weekly:
Moving as fluidly as a basketball superstar in action, this big-hearted first novel is set in a Kansas town renowned as the home of Brett McGrew, now a famous NBA player. Though he has no apparent athletic ability, narrator Kirby Nickel joins the seventh-grade basketball team in hopes of finally crossing paths with McGrew, whose jersey number is being retired in a ceremony to which the team has been invited. Meeting this luminary has been a life-long dream of Kirby's; he is convinced that McGrew, who was a friend of the boy's mother in high school, is his father. As farfetched as the premise sounds, Kirby's sincerity and conviction—and the clues he uncovers—lend his theory pleasing plausibility. But in order to attend the event honoring McGrew, the seventh-grade team must turn its record around (they haven't won a game in three years). The gruff coach solemnly gives each player a "Stealth Warm-up Suit," allegedly developed by the Marine Corps (and designed to help players run faster and jump higher), announcing that, "for those who don't have what it takes to control the technology, the uniforms... are invisible." Some funny scenes follow as the kids proceed to practice—and eventually win every game—dressed only in their underwear. Kirby's encounter with McGrew leads to an unexpected, satisfyingly sentimental finale. Even non-basketball fans will savor the on-court action and will cheer loudly for these determined players, especially endearingly ingenuous Kirby. Ages 8-12. (Oct.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
October 6, 2013
Who would've thought that killing two birds with one stone could be taken so literally? A seventh grade boy named Kirby Nickel is a lover of basketball, lives in Stuckey, Kansas, which is also know as "The Basketball Capital of Kansas" where basketball is very well appreciated. All his life basketball is practically all he knows. His cousin encourages Kirby to play basketball but Kirby just doesn't want to risk the chance of humiliation and rather watch from the stands. However, one day while he is in the gym with some other seventh graders, he winds up getting a permission slip to attend the school's basketball team. As much as he doesn't want to play he ends up taking a risk and joins the team anyway. Especially when he might get the chance to meet a NBA superstar Brett "McNet" McGrew,of the Kansas University Jayhawks, his idol. Somehow this idol may be his father. As Kirby was younger his mother passed and he now lives with his grandmother but he also has a cousin , Bragger, who lives not too far away. Kirby gathers up clues and convinces Bragger that Brett McGrew is his father. As the season starts Kirby and Bragger go through hardships of finding evidence to prove McGrew is Kirby's father, making their team physically capable of competing and actually meeting McGrew himself. As the opportunity comes along, Kirby somehow manages to transform the team from a group of lost ducklings, into a group of superstars. Even with their coach's method of playing in their invisible uniforms, or their boxers. They had some type of belief that they played better that way and as their record was 14-0,they finally met Brett McGrew. Little does Kirby know when Kirby does meet McGrew, thats not his biological father but is someone he doesn't expect. This book was very good. I really enjoyed it, as basketball player myself I found this very entertaining and loved how it was laid out. I could actually keep up with what was going on and didn't get lost at all. I could read this book multiple times and not get tired of it!! it was worth the time.
April 12, 2015
Personal Reaction-I enjoyed this book because while reading this book I really wanted Kirby who was a great down to earth kid, find his dad. It was also great to see Kirby accomplish so much in just a basketball season. At times I have been put in the same situation as Kirby and have had to step up as a team captain even when I have not necessarily wanted too. I really liked how he showed his commitment to his team and having to make decisions even when they were tough decisions to make. Also, Kirby worked really hard to make kids feel welcomed and make friends with children who had never really had friends before.
I think this would be a good book to read aloud to children in your classroom to 5th graders to teach about team work and stepping up when no one else will. Sometimes in life not everything is just given to you, just as the chance to go to Lawrence to meet Brett McGrew was not just given to Kirby and the basketball team, and they had to step up and take a challenge . I think this may also be a good book for students to read independently if they have a step-parent or there parents just got remarried. Kirby got to know coach on a different level through the book and had to adjust to this new adult just as a child with a new parent might have to if they have a new step-parent and do not know much about them.
I think this would be another good book to read to children or have them read about different types of families. Kirby lives with his grandmother and now has a new relationship with his coach who is actually his dad. Not only did Kirby have to adjust to life without a dad for a long time now he has to adjust to a new family member and not someone he has known on a personal level for very long.
I think this would be a good book to read aloud to children in your classroom to 5th graders to teach about team work and stepping up when no one else will. Sometimes in life not everything is just given to you, just as the chance to go to Lawrence to meet Brett McGrew was not just given to Kirby and the basketball team, and they had to step up and take a challenge . I think this may also be a good book for students to read independently if they have a step-parent or there parents just got remarried. Kirby got to know coach on a different level through the book and had to adjust to this new adult just as a child with a new parent might have to if they have a new step-parent and do not know much about them.
I think this would be another good book to read to children or have them read about different types of families. Kirby lives with his grandmother and now has a new relationship with his coach who is actually his dad. Not only did Kirby have to adjust to life without a dad for a long time now he has to adjust to a new family member and not someone he has known on a personal level for very long.
October 12, 2007
DP description ----- Uncoordinated Kansas seventh-grader Kirby Nickel braves his coach's ire and becomes captain of the basketball team in order to help him prove that NBA star Brett McGrew is the father he has never known.
From School Library JournalGrade 5-7–Airball is a quirky combination of The Mighty Ducks meets Captain Underpants with a sideline story involving the search for a biological father. An untalented group of seventh-grade boys gets the chance to meet its small Kansas town's basketball hero when his jersey is retired at a University of Kansas game. Fearful of being embarrassed by their poor playing, the school board refuses to let the team go unless it starts winning its games. To improve the boys' concentration, Coach tapes over the windows and makes the boys practice in their underwear. His strategy works, but not enough to win while wearing uniforms. Geeky team captain Kirby Nickel convinces his teammates at their first halftime to play in their briefs. They do, they win, and continue to do so throughout the story. Kirby's real goal is to convince the famous NBA player that he is, in fact, Kirby's father. The boy has amassed a drawer of evidence that points toward his conclusion. Though unrealistic on several fronts, the story is enjoyable, including the somewhat predictable Hollywood ending. Kirby finds the sought-after identity of his dad, but it's not who he thought it was. The team does well and starts a nationwide trend in underwear practices. The theme will likely provide the hook to entice middle-grade readers.
This is a great "boy" realistic fiction book. I loved and I'm going to booktalk it as a part of my SRC visits.
From School Library JournalGrade 5-7–Airball is a quirky combination of The Mighty Ducks meets Captain Underpants with a sideline story involving the search for a biological father. An untalented group of seventh-grade boys gets the chance to meet its small Kansas town's basketball hero when his jersey is retired at a University of Kansas game. Fearful of being embarrassed by their poor playing, the school board refuses to let the team go unless it starts winning its games. To improve the boys' concentration, Coach tapes over the windows and makes the boys practice in their underwear. His strategy works, but not enough to win while wearing uniforms. Geeky team captain Kirby Nickel convinces his teammates at their first halftime to play in their briefs. They do, they win, and continue to do so throughout the story. Kirby's real goal is to convince the famous NBA player that he is, in fact, Kirby's father. The boy has amassed a drawer of evidence that points toward his conclusion. Though unrealistic on several fronts, the story is enjoyable, including the somewhat predictable Hollywood ending. Kirby finds the sought-after identity of his dad, but it's not who he thought it was. The team does well and starts a nationwide trend in underwear practices. The theme will likely provide the hook to entice middle-grade readers.
This is a great "boy" realistic fiction book. I loved and I'm going to booktalk it as a part of my SRC visits.
April 15, 2015
Personal reaction – I enjoyed this book I thought it was humorous and kept the reader on their toes. I thought the theme of the book was an important message that hard work pays off. It teaches you a good life lesson that if you practice enough you will become better at what you do. As the main character Kirby is at first really bad at basketball but as the book progresses his work ethic starts to transform his game and he begins to gain confidence in himself.
Purpose-
Read aloud- This book incorporates Kansas basketball so I think the audience that is best fit for this book would be a group from ages 5-6 graders that are in the state. Not only would this age consider this because humors but thrilling because of the plot twist at the end of the book. I personally never saw that coming.
Independent- I would assign this book to a student who is already familiar with the basketball terminology. It may get tricky for other students who are not familiar with the game of basketball because the author uses terms such as lay-up, free throws, and bounce pass throughout the book and it may be hard for the reader to comprehend or even visualizes those actions if they don’t know what they are.
Literary element- This book had a quite of few characters so I think it would be good to spend a class on characterization and motives. We could go into what makes a character flat and dynamic and have the students pick out which characters resemble each trait. Some question I might ask is which character would you relate to most in this book? Or even to analyze their critical reading skills I may ask them why do you suppose the author had the main character the way he was?
Purpose-
Read aloud- This book incorporates Kansas basketball so I think the audience that is best fit for this book would be a group from ages 5-6 graders that are in the state. Not only would this age consider this because humors but thrilling because of the plot twist at the end of the book. I personally never saw that coming.
Independent- I would assign this book to a student who is already familiar with the basketball terminology. It may get tricky for other students who are not familiar with the game of basketball because the author uses terms such as lay-up, free throws, and bounce pass throughout the book and it may be hard for the reader to comprehend or even visualizes those actions if they don’t know what they are.
Literary element- This book had a quite of few characters so I think it would be good to spend a class on characterization and motives. We could go into what makes a character flat and dynamic and have the students pick out which characters resemble each trait. Some question I might ask is which character would you relate to most in this book? Or even to analyze their critical reading skills I may ask them why do you suppose the author had the main character the way he was?
March 21, 2014
Airball
Author: L.D. Harkrader
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Page numbers: 198
Genre: fictional
Airball
In the basketball Capitol of Kansas lives a kid named Kirby Nickel and he loves everything to do with basketball but his only problem is that he can't play it. He is small and uncoordinated in every way that involves basketball but he learns that a pro basketball player is coming to town and meeting the 7th grade basketball team at a jay hawks game and retiring his jersey#5 but eventually he learns out that Brett might be his long lost father and his only chance to meet him is to join the team and hopefully become captain of the team.
I really liked this book because whenever Kirby was in a basketball game it would always get me pumped and get me ready to play basketball. I would recommend this book to people who like sports. The author puts in the front of the book is " For my parents, who taught me that I could do anything." This book shows that because Kirby is really bad at basketball but he loves the sport and some how he became captain with help of some person that's really close to him and is on the team. He also finds out all about Brett Mcgrew and that leads to him finding out if Brett is his father or not.
Author: L.D. Harkrader
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Page numbers: 198
Genre: fictional
Airball
In the basketball Capitol of Kansas lives a kid named Kirby Nickel and he loves everything to do with basketball but his only problem is that he can't play it. He is small and uncoordinated in every way that involves basketball but he learns that a pro basketball player is coming to town and meeting the 7th grade basketball team at a jay hawks game and retiring his jersey#5 but eventually he learns out that Brett might be his long lost father and his only chance to meet him is to join the team and hopefully become captain of the team.
I really liked this book because whenever Kirby was in a basketball game it would always get me pumped and get me ready to play basketball. I would recommend this book to people who like sports. The author puts in the front of the book is " For my parents, who taught me that I could do anything." This book shows that because Kirby is really bad at basketball but he loves the sport and some how he became captain with help of some person that's really close to him and is on the team. He also finds out all about Brett Mcgrew and that leads to him finding out if Brett is his father or not.
April 13, 2015
Personal Response:
I loved how much I could relate to this book! The references and connections to Kansas, specifically Lawrence and the KU basketball team, made it so much more enjoyable to read. The main character, Kirby, is also a very dorky and sweet kid that many people, including myself can relate to. He struggles with family issues and peer issues that many student go through, and it is addressed in such an appropriate and not blunt way.
Purposes:
Read aloud- This realistic fiction has a major element of Kansas and KU basketball to it that really appeals to students this age group (5-6 grade) in this state. Not only would it be appealing to the interests of students, especially the quickly growing obsession of sports at this age, it could tie into a unit on Kansas history in a fun way. There is a decent amount of KU information woven into it, but it would be a lighthearted break during a Kansas unit.
Independent reading- I would assign this book to a student who maybe feels unusual and different because they are not as sporty as other students. It also addresses having an abnormal home/parent situation which could maybe be a good pick for a student in a situation similar to Kirby who is on the hunt for his father.
Literary elements- This would be an excellent book to use to teach dialog. In this book, there is a lot of progression of plot through dialog. Helping students understand the importance of dialog and being able to identify different elements within it could easily be woven into this book.
I loved how much I could relate to this book! The references and connections to Kansas, specifically Lawrence and the KU basketball team, made it so much more enjoyable to read. The main character, Kirby, is also a very dorky and sweet kid that many people, including myself can relate to. He struggles with family issues and peer issues that many student go through, and it is addressed in such an appropriate and not blunt way.
Purposes:
Read aloud- This realistic fiction has a major element of Kansas and KU basketball to it that really appeals to students this age group (5-6 grade) in this state. Not only would it be appealing to the interests of students, especially the quickly growing obsession of sports at this age, it could tie into a unit on Kansas history in a fun way. There is a decent amount of KU information woven into it, but it would be a lighthearted break during a Kansas unit.
Independent reading- I would assign this book to a student who maybe feels unusual and different because they are not as sporty as other students. It also addresses having an abnormal home/parent situation which could maybe be a good pick for a student in a situation similar to Kirby who is on the hunt for his father.
Literary elements- This would be an excellent book to use to teach dialog. In this book, there is a lot of progression of plot through dialog. Helping students understand the importance of dialog and being able to identify different elements within it could easily be woven into this book.
April 11, 2015
Personal Response: I personally did not enjoy this book. It was was not interesting and too focused on the basketball concept to me. I found it rather dull and unrelatable. Although I did not enjoy this book, younger readers may appreciate it more because it has some humor tied into a serious tale of a young boy searching for his father.
Purposes
-read independently: Some students can relate to not having a father or not having a parent in general. Kirby's endless pursuit of discovering who is dad is would be something some students can relate to. Many students will also enjoy the sports/basketball aspect, as well as the University of Kansas references.
-read for curriculum: I would have students compare the book to themselves or another book or movie. They would write a comparison essay. Another option would be to research real famous athletes from an Kansas/Kansas City sport then present their findings through a powerpoint or poster board presentation.
-key literary elements: Predicting the outcome of the plot is a major literary element in this book. There were a few subtle hints that Coach was Kirby's father (not Brett McGrew), so students could make a prediction about that aspect of the book and see if it comes true at the book's climax.
Age Level
This book is appropriate for students in grades 5-6. They book is an easy read, but predicting a book's outcome may be more suited for this grade level than earlier ones.
Purposes
-read independently: Some students can relate to not having a father or not having a parent in general. Kirby's endless pursuit of discovering who is dad is would be something some students can relate to. Many students will also enjoy the sports/basketball aspect, as well as the University of Kansas references.
-read for curriculum: I would have students compare the book to themselves or another book or movie. They would write a comparison essay. Another option would be to research real famous athletes from an Kansas/Kansas City sport then present their findings through a powerpoint or poster board presentation.
-key literary elements: Predicting the outcome of the plot is a major literary element in this book. There were a few subtle hints that Coach was Kirby's father (not Brett McGrew), so students could make a prediction about that aspect of the book and see if it comes true at the book's climax.
Age Level
This book is appropriate for students in grades 5-6. They book is an easy read, but predicting a book's outcome may be more suited for this grade level than earlier ones.
April 6, 2015
Overall, I enjoyed reading Airball: My Life in Briefs. I found it to be a cute story with a great ending. It is definitely a book I would recommend to students.
Airball: My Life in Briefs, tells a story about a young boy named Kirby. I think a lot of students would enjoy this book because they could really find themselves identifying with Kirby. Whether it be in terms of not being skilled in sports, or not having the typical American family. Kirby tells his story in a slightly humorous way, making it all the more enjoyable. This book would be best for 5th or 6th graders to read independently. Although it is a great story its not something everyone would love. I wouldn't recommend this book to someone who has no interest in basketball, because that is the center of the story. I think the book would be best used as some sort of book report. The language in the book is just right for the age level of 5th and 6th graders, some words may be slightly challenging but I think in the end it would help expand vocabulary. If I were to use this book to teach a specific literary element, I would select conflict. This is because Kirby faces several different major conflicts throughout the book, and it would provide the students with several examples.
Airball: My Life in Briefs, tells a story about a young boy named Kirby. I think a lot of students would enjoy this book because they could really find themselves identifying with Kirby. Whether it be in terms of not being skilled in sports, or not having the typical American family. Kirby tells his story in a slightly humorous way, making it all the more enjoyable. This book would be best for 5th or 6th graders to read independently. Although it is a great story its not something everyone would love. I wouldn't recommend this book to someone who has no interest in basketball, because that is the center of the story. I think the book would be best used as some sort of book report. The language in the book is just right for the age level of 5th and 6th graders, some words may be slightly challenging but I think in the end it would help expand vocabulary. If I were to use this book to teach a specific literary element, I would select conflict. This is because Kirby faces several different major conflicts throughout the book, and it would provide the students with several examples.
March 30, 2016
Airball by L.D. Harkrader was a very interesting book which related reality even though this is a non fiction book. As Kirby Nickel tries out for an important basketball team, he realizes that he easily made it but he also notices that there are some things to lose in this great opportunity. I connected with this book because I am a basketball player and have tried out for a team before.
"I can't go out here like this." (Harkrader 98). This quote explains one of the trials that Kirby has to go through to make this time, the team rules seem to effect him in an interesting way, this opportunity is definitely something not to pass up on. This is where the reality lies, making decisions for the future.
Reality is the decisions you make today that effect you tomorrow. This applies to any aspect of life, although a decision may seem little at the moment, it can effect you for years to come. Making decisions in school or maybe on the court, it may be difficult but it just the way things are.
I recommend this book to anyone who is willing to laugh but also face reality while reading this book. It really puts things into perspective as well, this book will not disappoint. Each page kept me wanting to read more and more.
"I can't go out here like this." (Harkrader 98). This quote explains one of the trials that Kirby has to go through to make this time, the team rules seem to effect him in an interesting way, this opportunity is definitely something not to pass up on. This is where the reality lies, making decisions for the future.
Reality is the decisions you make today that effect you tomorrow. This applies to any aspect of life, although a decision may seem little at the moment, it can effect you for years to come. Making decisions in school or maybe on the court, it may be difficult but it just the way things are.
I recommend this book to anyone who is willing to laugh but also face reality while reading this book. It really puts things into perspective as well, this book will not disappoint. Each page kept me wanting to read more and more.
June 5, 2010
6/4/10 By:Miguel Lopez Grade:7th Group:4
When i first picked up this book I thought it was going to be horrible just by the fact that I had to read it and give a book report and heck was I wrong.
In the first part of this book you learn about Kirby Nickel, a kid with a problem. You see he stinks at basketball and the worst part of that is he lives in Stuckey, Kansas a basketball loving town home to the basketball star Brett McGrew who he claims to be his father.
As the story continues, he finds more clues that suggest Brett McGrew is his father - like a jersey in his mother's drawer with Brett's number on it, a medal inside a prairie dog costume his mom and supposedly Brett wore to all the basketball games as the mascot.
In the middle of the story Kirby finds out his team is going to go to KU (Kentucky University) to meet Brett McGrew, but there's a catch. His team (the worst team in America) has to win every single game up until that point, which is practically impossible due to the team's greatness.
Due to the action and awesomeness of the ending, all I can say is if you want to know what happens next, pick up a copy of Air Ball My Life In Briefs.
When i first picked up this book I thought it was going to be horrible just by the fact that I had to read it and give a book report and heck was I wrong.
In the first part of this book you learn about Kirby Nickel, a kid with a problem. You see he stinks at basketball and the worst part of that is he lives in Stuckey, Kansas a basketball loving town home to the basketball star Brett McGrew who he claims to be his father.
As the story continues, he finds more clues that suggest Brett McGrew is his father - like a jersey in his mother's drawer with Brett's number on it, a medal inside a prairie dog costume his mom and supposedly Brett wore to all the basketball games as the mascot.
In the middle of the story Kirby finds out his team is going to go to KU (Kentucky University) to meet Brett McGrew, but there's a catch. His team (the worst team in America) has to win every single game up until that point, which is practically impossible due to the team's greatness.
Due to the action and awesomeness of the ending, all I can say is if you want to know what happens next, pick up a copy of Air Ball My Life In Briefs.
July 10, 2008
The beginning of this book was inspiring. Harkrader had a decent idea to work with: a kid wants to find his biological dad, and he has a good idea who it might be already. The inspiring part: I liked her sentence structure and her paragraphs, but very quickly the dialogue bogged it all down. Something wasn't right. I stopped reading, checked the dust jacket, and discovered that the author only used her initials. I read the Library of Congress info (because I'm cool like that) and it listed HER as Lisa Harkrader. I had my answer. She can't write convincing boy characters.
Harkrader has written a book about boys but not necessarily a book for boys. Anything "gross" is hinted at, not really embraced. In the background I can just hear a pre-teen girl saying, "Ew, that's disgusting!" Harkrader would feel triumphant at that sound.
The story was predictable and lacked details of any sort. As I read each chapter, I noted each end she deliberately left untied so she could tie it later. The book is a fast read (a few hours). Don't know why this made the Lonestar List.
Harkrader has written a book about boys but not necessarily a book for boys. Anything "gross" is hinted at, not really embraced. In the background I can just hear a pre-teen girl saying, "Ew, that's disgusting!" Harkrader would feel triumphant at that sound.
The story was predictable and lacked details of any sort. As I read each chapter, I noted each end she deliberately left untied so she could tie it later. The book is a fast read (a few hours). Don't know why this made the Lonestar List.
May 14, 2010
Jack Hegarty 198 pages
Kirby Nickel loves basketball. He knows every stat of every player and can talk about basketball all day long. The only problem is that he can't play basketball. Brett McGrew, an NBA star that comes from the town that Kirby lives in, will meet Kirby's middle school team if they can win their first game. Kirby tries out for the team just to meet Brett McGrew and makes it because the rest of the team is just as bad as Kirby. When Coach comes up with new Stealth Uniforms, the boys are very worried. Coach acts like these are real even though the boys are playing in their underpants! The boys start playing harder and actually play like a basketball team! The game comes around and the boys are presented with shiny new uniforms that are real. The boys play like they did in the beginning of the story in the first half and they fall into a hole as the first half ends. The boys decide to play in their underpants for the second half and win the game. They meet Brett McGrew and Kirby Nickel is prouder than ever.
Kirby Nickel loves basketball. He knows every stat of every player and can talk about basketball all day long. The only problem is that he can't play basketball. Brett McGrew, an NBA star that comes from the town that Kirby lives in, will meet Kirby's middle school team if they can win their first game. Kirby tries out for the team just to meet Brett McGrew and makes it because the rest of the team is just as bad as Kirby. When Coach comes up with new Stealth Uniforms, the boys are very worried. Coach acts like these are real even though the boys are playing in their underpants! The boys start playing harder and actually play like a basketball team! The game comes around and the boys are presented with shiny new uniforms that are real. The boys play like they did in the beginning of the story in the first half and they fall into a hole as the first half ends. The boys decide to play in their underpants for the second half and win the game. They meet Brett McGrew and Kirby Nickel is prouder than ever.
April 2, 2015
This book was interesting and had a good plot. There was a turn at the end that was unpredictable but made it a happy ending. I could imagine it really happening and especially since there was a lot of information on Allen Fieldhouse and the Jayhawks. This can be used for students in 5th-6th grade. The theme of the story would make a great use of teaching story plot specifically theme. You can also use this if you were trying to teach your students about team work and working together always wins. This also can be used for a read aloud after recess or lunch because it is a fun story that keeps the reader wanting to read more to find out the ending result. Students would enjoy reading this and you can have them write their own story involving the theme teamwork. There is also the option of having the students work on their vocabulary and having them highlight words that they do not understand or can't pronounce. The next day you can go over the words with them to help them widen their vocabularies.
April 15, 2015
Personal Reaction: I honestly thought this book was "cool". I thought it was awesome to relate to KU and our basketball team. This is such a good read and it gives you few laughs as well. This book kept me on my toes the entire time because I was so curious who his real father was!
Purpose: I would have my students read this independently because I feel like only certain students would enjoy this book, especially those who know they are adopted. This book is relatable to many students because the main character in this book is trying to figure out who his father is. It can show your students to not be afraid to know the truth and it is important to find out where you come from. This book is obviously more relatable to boys but as a girl i still enjoyed reading it. The author brings a lot of Kansas Basketball history into this book so I think it would be a good way to incorporate Kansas into your class (if you teach in Kansas) because what little boys don't love KU basketball if you grow up in Kansas? Great read!
Purpose: I would have my students read this independently because I feel like only certain students would enjoy this book, especially those who know they are adopted. This book is relatable to many students because the main character in this book is trying to figure out who his father is. It can show your students to not be afraid to know the truth and it is important to find out where you come from. This book is obviously more relatable to boys but as a girl i still enjoyed reading it. The author brings a lot of Kansas Basketball history into this book so I think it would be a good way to incorporate Kansas into your class (if you teach in Kansas) because what little boys don't love KU basketball if you grow up in Kansas? Great read!
April 14, 2015
Personal Reaction- Loved this book! I love basketball and, again, having a young boy as the main character is also a plus. A very touching story as well because Kirby, the main character, has the chance to meet his dad. Would read this book/other books from this author again.
Purposes- A good book for 5th-6th graders. Kirby gets the opportunity to play basketball and also the opportunity to meet his dad. This book could be a good book to use when talking to students who do not have one of their parents in their life, especially a father. This book also has different ethnic groups on the cover showing diversity. This book would be a good read aloud book because it asks a lot of questions. Should Kirby keep with basketball? Would you do anything to meet your father? These questions could make the classroom interactive and the students engaged in the book. An independent reader would enjoy this book if they liked basketball because that's what the book focuses on. The vocabulary and literary devices are not difficult but it is definitely and older children's book.
Purposes- A good book for 5th-6th graders. Kirby gets the opportunity to play basketball and also the opportunity to meet his dad. This book could be a good book to use when talking to students who do not have one of their parents in their life, especially a father. This book also has different ethnic groups on the cover showing diversity. This book would be a good read aloud book because it asks a lot of questions. Should Kirby keep with basketball? Would you do anything to meet your father? These questions could make the classroom interactive and the students engaged in the book. An independent reader would enjoy this book if they liked basketball because that's what the book focuses on. The vocabulary and literary devices are not difficult but it is definitely and older children's book.
May 11, 2009
This is the second of 15 SSYRA books for 6th to 8th grade that I've read. Despite the fact that the twist ending was (to use the language of basketball) "telegraphed" a good 100 pages before it occured, I found this to be a very enjoyable book. Kirby is in 7th grade and loves everything about basketball but has no natural skill for the game. He lives with his grandmother and has never been told who his birth father is. Through a series of events, he becomes convinced that his father is Brett McGrew, the local boy gone good as an NBA superstar. He has an opportunity to meet McGrew if he can make the seventh grade basketball team, even as a perennial benchwarmer. The team as a whole lacks basketball prowess, but an inspired move by the coach- playing in "stealth uniforms" (their underwear only)- may just bring out the athletes in them all. This book was sweet natured and compelling, it is recommended for students in grade six and up.
July 22, 2009
A 2009-2010 Sunshine State Book for Grades 6-8.
While this story was a little slow at times, I enjoyed the moral of the story. I think boys with dreams of playing in the NBA will enjoy reading this book. Sometimes, our dreams are bigger than our bodies physically allow, but its the determination and belief in ourselves that make the chase feel possible - even probable - and the pain worthwhile. We may not always succeed in pursuing our dreams but on the path of trying we find there's more to live than we originally gave ourselves credit for seeking. Beyond basketball, Airball: My Life in Briefs gives readers a feel for what it is like growing up without a father and readers can explore just how deep that void feels.
While this story was a little slow at times, I enjoyed the moral of the story. I think boys with dreams of playing in the NBA will enjoy reading this book. Sometimes, our dreams are bigger than our bodies physically allow, but its the determination and belief in ourselves that make the chase feel possible - even probable - and the pain worthwhile. We may not always succeed in pursuing our dreams but on the path of trying we find there's more to live than we originally gave ourselves credit for seeking. Beyond basketball, Airball: My Life in Briefs gives readers a feel for what it is like growing up without a father and readers can explore just how deep that void feels.
January 9, 2011
Even though I'm well past the intended age range for this one, I still really enjoyed it. It was well written, a compelling story, and I'm always a sucker for a good basketball book. What sold me on reading it in the first place was this line from an interview with the author:
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be an artist and a spy. My plan was to own an art supply store, which would make a great cover for my spying activities, and when I wasn't spying, I could sit at the front counter and paint masterpieces. I apparently thought store owners had nothing to do but sit at their front counters. I also wanted to play second base for the Royals. I figured I could do that during summers when the spy business was slow.
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be an artist and a spy. My plan was to own an art supply store, which would make a great cover for my spying activities, and when I wasn't spying, I could sit at the front counter and paint masterpieces. I apparently thought store owners had nothing to do but sit at their front counters. I also wanted to play second base for the Royals. I figured I could do that during summers when the spy business was slow.
March 4, 2009
Kirby loves basketball but he's not a good athlete. In fact he wasn't even going to try out for the seventh grade basketball team until he realized that the team was going to be at a special even for famed local basketball hero Brett McGrew, who Kirby thinks is actually his father. Kirby's baskeball team is awful but through a series of events including the introduction of stealth uniforms (a.k.a. invisible uniforms), Kirby's team starts to work together. Playing in their underwear creates team bonding. The plot at the end is cliche but the writing and the sports descriptions are great plus the idea of kids playing basketball in their underwear during real games will be funny to kids.
March 20, 2010
I like this the book because it is a unique, fun book. The team had a different, but weird strategy to win their games by only wearing underpants to play better. Also it has a surprising ending to the book. The kid, Kerby Neckel,thinks his dad is Brett McCrew the NBA star from his home town. He actually finds out that he misthaught all the eveidence.
This is a good book for people who like sports, espeacialy basketball. Also for people who like suprises at the end. I give my rating of this book a solid 4 out of 5, beacuase it is a great story. It should of had just a little more jokes and it will be a perfect book. I think a lot of people would like it.
This is a good book for people who like sports, espeacialy basketball. Also for people who like suprises at the end. I give my rating of this book a solid 4 out of 5, beacuase it is a great story. It should of had just a little more jokes and it will be a perfect book. I think a lot of people would like it.
July 9, 2009
Kirby Nikel loves basketball. However he can’t play basketball. Kirby joins the basketball team when he learns their seventh grade team will get to meet his idol and former school alumni, Brett McGrew. This meeting is very important because Kirby is sure that he has all the clues to prove that Brett McGrew is his father. The one thing that stands in his way is the school board. They have informed the coach that there will be no team or meeting Brett McGrew if the team can’t win the first game of the season. Between the coach and Kirby things just might work out.
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