Goosh

by Seth McLane

The day before the start of middle school, life for thirteen-year-old Isaac Strawbridge is upended when the words "Mom has cancer" are spoken. Mom, Dad, and his little sister, Sammie, all find ways to deal with this tragic news. Isaac's only refuge? Shelly Park, where he escapes to dribble and shoot his way toward making the school team.



An old man, Mr. Brooks, visits the park. He's 6'8", hobbles around with the help of a cane, and is eager to impart his basketball wisdom. Isaac soon discovers he's a local legend hiding a secret-an NBA past that went from fame and fortune to shame and isolation. Although he left the game behind decades ago, coaching Isaac resurrects his love of hoops-giving him the opportunity to mend the errors of his past.

 

Isaac hides his mom's cancer from everyone at school, and as the frustration builds inside him, he explodes when a teammate makes one too many "momma" jokes. Suddenly, this game he desperately needs no longer wants him.



If Isaac can finally step to the line with confidence, maybe he can GOOSH the game-winning shot, and his coach and his family can find the healing they need.

Genres: Coming Of Age, Middle Grade

260 pages, Paperback

Published April 5, 2024

About the author

Seth McLane lives in York, Pennsylvania with his wife, teenage kids, and golden retriever, Clark. As a teacher, he has spent two decades hanging with middle schoolers—putting books in their hands, giving them notebooks to fill up, and subjecting them to his corny jokes.

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favourite books of the year! And yes, that's cheating. It's only February. But still, check it out!!

Goosh by Seth McLane is the kind of book that sneaks up on you and completely wins you over. At first, I wasn’t sure I could handle another cancer-related story, but this one is different—so different. It focuses not on the sadness of the illness, but on Isaac Strawbridge’s journey as he navigates the emotional rollercoaster of middle school while his mom faces cancer. Isaac’s refuge? Basketball. With the help of Mr. Brooks, a former NBA player turned local legend, Isaac not only hones his game but learns life lessons that go beyond the court. The basketball action is thrilling, but the real magic is in how McLane mixes heart and hoops in such a relatable, feel-good way.

What I loved most is how this book feels universally enjoyable—it doesn’t read like it’s written for just boys or girls. The characters grow in such a natural way, especially Isaac, and there’s a warmth to the story that makes it impossible not to root for him. McLane does a fantastic job of balancing tough emotions with moments of joy and triumph. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a big smile on your face and a happy feeling in your heart. Trust me, Goosh will have you feeling all the good vibes and rooting for Isaac as he shoots his way toward both basketball and personal victory. Swoosh! Goosh! This one’s a winner!

Five out of five stars!

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosh follows Isaac Strawbridge as he navigates the seventh grade with the weight of the world on his shoulders as he struggles to come to terms with his mom’s recent cancer diagnosis while juggling school, friendships, bullying, and making the school’s basketball team. While shooting baskets at a local park to distract himself from his family problems, he meets Mr. Brooks, an ex-basketball player who gives him helpful pointers as well as someone to talk to about his family turmoil. What follows is a school year full of ups and downs that shows Isaac what’s important in life and how important it is to communicate and surround yourself with a faithful support system.

Goosh is a well-written novel full of rich characters, relatable situations, and a hopeful yet realistic message about how to handle tough times. You don’t have to be a sports fan to love this story, but if you are, it’s a nice bonus on top of an already captivating novel.

You can read my full review and interview with the author here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/goosh...

[Alexis M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Beautiful writing and an incredible plot! This is one of the best debut novels I have ever read.