PERSONAL RESPONSE
STAT was, all around, probably my favorite book I've read, granted I haven't read that many books but it was just a great book. I rated this book five stars because it, basically, re-lived my life. It resembled my drive and dedication to be good at things in life. I could relate to this book very well because basketball is my favorite sport. I have done every exercise and activity Amar’e did to get better at basketball.
PLOT
Amar’e and his buddies loved playing basketball. Amar’e’s first day at practice was a normal first day at practice. He had to meet all of his new teammates, because he got moved up a level for being so good. Everyone was so much bigger than him but played well against them. His second day was a week later and didn't go as good as the first. They scrimmaged at the end of practice. An incident happened between Monster and Amar’e during the scrimmage. Monster poked Amar’e right in the eye when he drove to the hoop to score. Amar’e had to go to the emergency room. He had to wait a bit, because there were a lot of other people in there with worse problems. When he got in to see the nurse finally, he got bad news. He had to wear an eye patch for a week. The whole week he had the eye patch, he couldn't go to practice with the team. He didn't hesitate to practice on his own. Amar’e and two of his buddies practiced hard all week. He put them in charge of his workouts. The main workout was running and jumping with two backpacks full of books. When he got the news he could play in the next tournament, he was more than excited. The game came very quickly but not too soon. Amar’e was jacked up before the game, because he might get his chance to shine. He started on the bench, but in no time he was out on the floor. Right as he got in he played amazing defense and offense. He got a steal at midcourt and took it to the house for a monster dunk over one of the other players. That was the highlight of the night, and the reporters were all over it at the end of the game.
CHARACTERIZATION
Amar’e Stoudemire was the main character. He was in sixth grade but he played basketball with the seventh and eighth graders. Amar’e lived with his mom, dad, and brother. His dad owned a landscaping business. His brother was going to college but lived at home. His mother didn't come about ever. Amar’e was the popular kid in school who had all the nice clothes and all the cool styles. Amar’e and his dad didn't get along too well. His dad believed in working all the time instead of “playing.” He was a hard worker and dedicated athlete that pushed himself to the limits. He always got good grades in school and had lots of friends.
SETTING
STAT took place in a small town in New York right outside of Broadway, New York. Most of Amar'e’s time was spent at the park or school but on occasion he would help his father with his landscaping business. Being in a small school benefited Amar’e, because he stood out more on the basketball team.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend this book to young adults between the ages 12 and 18. My recommendation is mainly directed towards males but females will be just as interested. This book was all about sports, so for the people who love sports this book would be for them.