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Shook
A National Book Award finalist!
"A gift!" ―#1 New York Times -bestselling author Jason Reynolds
Shake's dream of making the varsity basketball team is in peril when he gets injured. Can he rebound and make his way back onto the court―and back to feeling like himself? For fans of Kwame Alexander and Jason Reynolds.
Beautifully designed with illustrations.
"Masterful." ―Newbery Honoree Jasmine Warga
Malik Page―though unless you're his mama, call him "Shake"―dreams of making the Marshall Grove varsity basketball squad as an eighth grader. Then he'll be on his way to joining the ranks of Chicago legends like his pops and late Uncle Kenny. But when Shake fractures his ankle in a championship game, he's sidelined for the first time since his first dribble.
As his world is turned upside down, Shake feels like there’s ginger ale bubbling in his chest and sweat slicking on his palms. With a best friend who’s getting more distant by the day, a growing silence between him and his dad, and varsity tryouts fast approaching, Shake will have to cross up every obstacle to find a way back onto the court―and back to being himself. Thankfully in Marshall Grove, the sky is always full of hope.
Perfect for readers who
● Sports Stories (though non-sports fans, you'll love this one too!)
● Short, Quick Reads
● Hopeful Depictions of Anxiety and Mental Health
● A Main Character Who Exudes Swagger
● Humor and Heart
A Read Across America selection!
"Readers, make permanent room on your shelves―and in your hearts― for this witty and poignant novel." ―National Book Award winner Elizabeth Acevedo
"Stunning. This book is powerful." ―Newbery Medalist Tae Keller
"Witty, electric and profound." ―National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride
"A gift!" ―#1 New York Times -bestselling author Jason Reynolds
Shake's dream of making the varsity basketball team is in peril when he gets injured. Can he rebound and make his way back onto the court―and back to feeling like himself? For fans of Kwame Alexander and Jason Reynolds.
Beautifully designed with illustrations.
"Masterful." ―Newbery Honoree Jasmine Warga
Malik Page―though unless you're his mama, call him "Shake"―dreams of making the Marshall Grove varsity basketball squad as an eighth grader. Then he'll be on his way to joining the ranks of Chicago legends like his pops and late Uncle Kenny. But when Shake fractures his ankle in a championship game, he's sidelined for the first time since his first dribble.
As his world is turned upside down, Shake feels like there’s ginger ale bubbling in his chest and sweat slicking on his palms. With a best friend who’s getting more distant by the day, a growing silence between him and his dad, and varsity tryouts fast approaching, Shake will have to cross up every obstacle to find a way back onto the court―and back to being himself. Thankfully in Marshall Grove, the sky is always full of hope.
Perfect for readers who
● Sports Stories (though non-sports fans, you'll love this one too!)
● Short, Quick Reads
● Hopeful Depictions of Anxiety and Mental Health
● A Main Character Who Exudes Swagger
● Humor and Heart
A Read Across America selection!
"Readers, make permanent room on your shelves―and in your hearts― for this witty and poignant novel." ―National Book Award winner Elizabeth Acevedo
"Stunning. This book is powerful." ―Newbery Medalist Tae Keller
"Witty, electric and profound." ―National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride
256 pages, Hardcover
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Julian Randall
12 books89 followersJulian Randall is a Living Queer Black author from Chicago. He has received fellowships from Cave Canem, CantoMundo, Callaloo, and the Watering Hole. Julian is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and the winner of the 2019 Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award from the Publishing Triangle.
His writing has been published in New York Times Magazine, Ploughshares, and POETRY, and anthologized in Black Boy Joy (which debuted at #1 on the NYT Best Seller list), Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed, and Furious Flower. Julian has essays in The Atlantic, Vibe Magazine, Los Angeles Review of Books and other venues. They hold an MFA in poetry from University of Mississippi.
Julian is the author of five books across three genres. For adults Refuse (Pitt, 2018), winner of the 2017 Cave Canem Poetry Prize and a finalist for a 2019 NAACP Image Award and the forthcoming The Dead Don’t Need Reminding: In Search of Fugitives, Mississippi and Black TV Nerd Shit (Bold Type Books, May 2024). For younger readers: the Pilar Ramirez duology and the forthcoming middle grade novel The Chainbreakers (all from Holt Books for Young Readers).
His writing has been published in New York Times Magazine, Ploughshares, and POETRY, and anthologized in Black Boy Joy (which debuted at #1 on the NYT Best Seller list), Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed, and Furious Flower. Julian has essays in The Atlantic, Vibe Magazine, Los Angeles Review of Books and other venues. They hold an MFA in poetry from University of Mississippi.
Julian is the author of five books across three genres. For adults Refuse (Pitt, 2018), winner of the 2017 Cave Canem Poetry Prize and a finalist for a 2019 NAACP Image Award and the forthcoming The Dead Don’t Need Reminding: In Search of Fugitives, Mississippi and Black TV Nerd Shit (Bold Type Books, May 2024). For younger readers: the Pilar Ramirez duology and the forthcoming middle grade novel The Chainbreakers (all from Holt Books for Young Readers).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 12, 2026
“If he’s the sun/I’m an eclipse.”
🏀
Eighth grader Malik “Shake” Page dreams of making his school’s varsity basketball team and following in the footsteps of his father and late uncle, both Chicago basketball legends. But when a fractured ankle sidelines him, Shake struggles with anxiety, a changing friendship, and a growing distance between himself and his dad. With tryouts approaching, Shake must figure out who he is when basketball isn’t an option.
🏀
I love a good middle grade sports story, especially one that explores what happens when an athlete’s identity becomes tied to the game they love. Shake’s injury forces him to confront so much more than just missing basketball, including anxiety, changing friendships, and complicated family relationships. I especially appreciate the focus on mental health in young athletes and the pressure to live up to family expectations. I can see why it’s on the National Book Award nominee list for 2026. A great pick for fans of Jason Reynolds’ Track series and Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover!
CW: anxiety, death (recounted), mental illness, panic attacks (on page), bullying, grief, injury
🏀
Eighth grader Malik “Shake” Page dreams of making his school’s varsity basketball team and following in the footsteps of his father and late uncle, both Chicago basketball legends. But when a fractured ankle sidelines him, Shake struggles with anxiety, a changing friendship, and a growing distance between himself and his dad. With tryouts approaching, Shake must figure out who he is when basketball isn’t an option.
🏀
I love a good middle grade sports story, especially one that explores what happens when an athlete’s identity becomes tied to the game they love. Shake’s injury forces him to confront so much more than just missing basketball, including anxiety, changing friendships, and complicated family relationships. I especially appreciate the focus on mental health in young athletes and the pressure to live up to family expectations. I can see why it’s on the National Book Award nominee list for 2026. A great pick for fans of Jason Reynolds’ Track series and Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover!
CW: anxiety, death (recounted), mental illness, panic attacks (on page), bullying, grief, injury
August 11, 2026
Shook is a quick read, but it packs so much heart into its pages. I loved watching Shake navigate injury, basketball, friendships, family, and all the emotions that come with feeling like you’re suddenly not yourself anymore.
What really stood out to me was the way this book handles anxiety and mental health. Shake’s emotions felt so real, especially for a young person trying to understand what is happening inside his own head while also dealing with everything happening around him. There is plenty of humor and basketball, but underneath it all is a really meaningful story about finding your way back to yourself.
I also loved the verse format and the illustrations. I especially enjoy listening to books written in verse because hearing the words out loud adds another layer to the story. The narrator’s pacing, emphasis, and emotion helped me really feel what Julian Randall was trying to convey through his words. It made the audiobook such a great experience and brought even more energy and emotion to Shake’s story.
And while this is definitely a book for basketball fans, I think the themes of friendship, family, hope, and learning how to handle life’s unexpected setbacks make it a great read even if basketball isn’t your thing.
This is the kind of middle-grade book that is easy to read but gives you plenty to think about afterward. I would absolutely recommend it for young readers, especially anyone who has ever felt like they’ve lost their footing and needed to figure out how to find themselves again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Julian Randall, Macmillan Young Listeners, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children’s Publishing, and Henry Holt and Co. for the eARC and ALC. All opinions are my own.
What really stood out to me was the way this book handles anxiety and mental health. Shake’s emotions felt so real, especially for a young person trying to understand what is happening inside his own head while also dealing with everything happening around him. There is plenty of humor and basketball, but underneath it all is a really meaningful story about finding your way back to yourself.
I also loved the verse format and the illustrations. I especially enjoy listening to books written in verse because hearing the words out loud adds another layer to the story. The narrator’s pacing, emphasis, and emotion helped me really feel what Julian Randall was trying to convey through his words. It made the audiobook such a great experience and brought even more energy and emotion to Shake’s story.
And while this is definitely a book for basketball fans, I think the themes of friendship, family, hope, and learning how to handle life’s unexpected setbacks make it a great read even if basketball isn’t your thing.
This is the kind of middle-grade book that is easy to read but gives you plenty to think about afterward. I would absolutely recommend it for young readers, especially anyone who has ever felt like they’ve lost their footing and needed to figure out how to find themselves again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Julian Randall, Macmillan Young Listeners, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children’s Publishing, and Henry Holt and Co. for the eARC and ALC. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of Shook.
Malik loves basketball more than anything - and he is very good. Shake - as everyone calls him - is on track to make varsity in 8th grade and win the championship - and eventually be drafted by the NBA. But when he breaks his ankle at the end of the championship game, all of his future plans could be filed under fantasy. During his recovery period, he struggles with feelings of guilt that lead to anxiety and panic attacks. He shuts himself off which leads to communication problems with his family, his basketball buddies, and his best friend - Kyla. Once school starts up in the fall, he ends up in a math class with a really bad teacher who never bothers to learn his name and eventually trips over Malik's injured ankle. Malik lashes out verbally and ends up with a six day suspension. More feelings of guilt overwhelm him. But fortunately, he and his family are pro-active. Malik himself manages to find a physical therapist that will work with him (in a rather humorous way) and his mom connects with a mental therapist where he can open up about his feelings and emotions and fears.
Malik's story is set in a low-income neighborhood in Chicago. Malik has a very strong support system with his family, friends, neighbors, and even the local barber shop. Almost everyone cares about these kids. The school presents as realistic - I am sure there are middle school teachers with a chip on their shoulder like Malik's geometry teacher. The digital copy does not present the layout, fonts, and other visual effects used by the author in the print copy so I am looking forward to checking those out when I get my hands on the physical book.
Malik loves basketball more than anything - and he is very good. Shake - as everyone calls him - is on track to make varsity in 8th grade and win the championship - and eventually be drafted by the NBA. But when he breaks his ankle at the end of the championship game, all of his future plans could be filed under fantasy. During his recovery period, he struggles with feelings of guilt that lead to anxiety and panic attacks. He shuts himself off which leads to communication problems with his family, his basketball buddies, and his best friend - Kyla. Once school starts up in the fall, he ends up in a math class with a really bad teacher who never bothers to learn his name and eventually trips over Malik's injured ankle. Malik lashes out verbally and ends up with a six day suspension. More feelings of guilt overwhelm him. But fortunately, he and his family are pro-active. Malik himself manages to find a physical therapist that will work with him (in a rather humorous way) and his mom connects with a mental therapist where he can open up about his feelings and emotions and fears.
Malik's story is set in a low-income neighborhood in Chicago. Malik has a very strong support system with his family, friends, neighbors, and even the local barber shop. Almost everyone cares about these kids. The school presents as realistic - I am sure there are middle school teachers with a chip on their shoulder like Malik's geometry teacher. The digital copy does not present the layout, fonts, and other visual effects used by the author in the print copy so I am looking forward to checking those out when I get my hands on the physical book.
September 20, 2026
Newbery contender? Shook is a wonderful sports novel in verse about a young, talented athlete whose worst fears come true when he is injured right before varsity tryout season. I appreciated the realistic voice of 8th grader Malik, who is known as Shake. He's a talented basketball player, and the book contains some great play-by-play sports action that readers will love.
When faced with an ankle injury that puts Shake on the sidelines for 6 weeks, his life is disrupted in many ways all at once. He fears disappointing his parents and the financial strain of dealing with his injury. He finds himself drifting away from his friends, especially with his life-long best friend who we later learn is going through some big life events of her own. Eventually, Shake lands in therapy to get help for his growing struggles with anxiety after an angry outburst involving a teacher sees him getting suspended from school.
All of these characters feel so true to life, and Shake's problems are presented as heartbreakingly difficult and overwhelming. And yet, hope ultimately shines through as he finds guidance and support from family, friends, and mental health professionals.
Hand this to fans of The Crossover!
When faced with an ankle injury that puts Shake on the sidelines for 6 weeks, his life is disrupted in many ways all at once. He fears disappointing his parents and the financial strain of dealing with his injury. He finds himself drifting away from his friends, especially with his life-long best friend who we later learn is going through some big life events of her own. Eventually, Shake lands in therapy to get help for his growing struggles with anxiety after an angry outburst involving a teacher sees him getting suspended from school.
All of these characters feel so true to life, and Shake's problems are presented as heartbreakingly difficult and overwhelming. And yet, hope ultimately shines through as he finds guidance and support from family, friends, and mental health professionals.
Hand this to fans of The Crossover!
October 1, 2026
A gentle book that takes childhood worries seriously. Its message of we can always begin again will resonate with all ages
October 14, 2026
SO good! loved the voice and the visual imagery was a masterclass
October 23, 2026
There's a reason this book is an award winner. The audio was stunning.
July 25, 2026
3.5 stars. I had high hopes for this one to be my next great middle school sports novel. I have The Crossover by Kwame Alexander in my teaching repertoire, and I love teaching it, but it is a little too simple for my older middle school students. Based on the description for this novel, I thought it could be a good upgrade. In some ways, it delivered, but I had to wait until midway through the book to get the payoff.
Malik “Shake” Page is a highly talented basketball player. So talented, in fact, that it looks like he will likely make the varsity squad as a 8th grader. However, a devastating injury sidelines him for the summer, and the aftermath threatens to not only affect his game, but his relationships as well.
When I started reading, I didn’t anticipate that there would be such a focus on mental health. As Malik’s mental health becomes more prominent in the narrative, the plot becomes more compelling, and I found this shift away from basketball and to mental health to be one of the strengths of the text. At the same time, I am not sure whether my students would feel the same way, but perhaps that is why the first section has so many basketball action; it would really hook some of my sports-loving but reading-resistant students before getting into the heavier stuff.
I also felt strongly connected to Marshall Grove. The setting plays a huge part in the text, and it is rendered so vividly that it may stick with me more than some of the characters will.
On that note, I think there might be too many characters. Following his injury, Malik’s relationships become strained, but there are almost so many that the intensity of some of them - especially the tension with his dad - is diluted and therefore less impactful. Similarly, some of the Kyla sections felt forced, and she/they have so much potential; I felt she and the boys’ team were competing for pages, and the group chat ended up winning out a lot of the time (“Wrong Chat” really got me - oof).
One final and somewhat minor critique I have as an adult reader is that, at times, the “fun” fonts and images of texts to form shapes were often more distracting from the text than anything. However, I did love these types of elements when I was younger, so my students may feel differently!
Overall, I would keep this in my classroom library but wouldn’t necessarily assign it as a full class novel. I would consider using it in a book club if we were doing a sports unit or one on mental health, but it didn’t blow me away enough to merit creating a unit around it.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Company for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Malik “Shake” Page is a highly talented basketball player. So talented, in fact, that it looks like he will likely make the varsity squad as a 8th grader. However, a devastating injury sidelines him for the summer, and the aftermath threatens to not only affect his game, but his relationships as well.
When I started reading, I didn’t anticipate that there would be such a focus on mental health. As Malik’s mental health becomes more prominent in the narrative, the plot becomes more compelling, and I found this shift away from basketball and to mental health to be one of the strengths of the text. At the same time, I am not sure whether my students would feel the same way, but perhaps that is why the first section has so many basketball action; it would really hook some of my sports-loving but reading-resistant students before getting into the heavier stuff.
I also felt strongly connected to Marshall Grove. The setting plays a huge part in the text, and it is rendered so vividly that it may stick with me more than some of the characters will.
On that note, I think there might be too many characters. Following his injury, Malik’s relationships become strained, but there are almost so many that the intensity of some of them - especially the tension with his dad - is diluted and therefore less impactful. Similarly, some of the Kyla sections felt forced, and she/they have so much potential; I felt she and the boys’ team were competing for pages, and the group chat ended up winning out a lot of the time (“Wrong Chat” really got me - oof).
One final and somewhat minor critique I have as an adult reader is that, at times, the “fun” fonts and images of texts to form shapes were often more distracting from the text than anything. However, I did love these types of elements when I was younger, so my students may feel differently!
Overall, I would keep this in my classroom library but wouldn’t necessarily assign it as a full class novel. I would consider using it in a book club if we were doing a sports unit or one on mental health, but it didn’t blow me away enough to merit creating a unit around it.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Company for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wonderful novel-in-verse (NIV) by Julian Randall, author of several teen reads, middle grade Pilar Ramirez series and poems included in Black Boy Joy and YA anthology Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed, with several focal points-basketball, anxiety/panic attacks, and recovery from an injury.
Malik/Shake has lived and breathed basketball for as long as he can remember. His father and uncle excelled at the sport which has led to Malik seeking to match their achievements and hopefully surpass them. Next on the lofty list of goals, his youth team must win the league championship, then he must make the varsity basketball team as an 8th grade just as they did. Further down the line, Chicagoan Malik intends to play for the Bulls and buy his mom a house. The pressure is on and despite his parents’ steady support and solid friendships to buoy up his spirits, when his ankle is broken as he lands from making the winning shot for the championship, panic and depression set in, complicating his recovery and making his varsity goal a virtual impossibility.
Randall’s poetry is outstanding and includes print variation, little doodles around, on and beside words and phrases, plus vocabulary that conveys the depth of all Malik’s emotions as well as those of his father, mother and best friend Kyla. Malik’s early anxious feelings begin small as they do for many and his injury becomes a catalyst for onset of full-fledged panic attacks which are creatively and clearly described giving those who are also living with anxiety a clear connection to the main character and maybe providing those who do not struggle with debilitating anxiety a more clear look at how it affects those who do. Strong family groups are represented with adult supporting characters running the gamut of supportive to downright disrespectful. Malik’s therapist is a Black man who truly makes a difference in Malik’s understanding of his disorder and provides valuable tools as he handles the buzzing wasps in his brain. Friendships are an important aspect of Shook and while mistakes are made by Malik’s teammates and between Malik and Kyla, all of them are resolved in reasonable ways, providing advice to readers in a way that is not heavy-handed nor pedantic. Some readers may be a bit put off by the African American Vernacular English spoken by the book’s characters but in the case of a few lesser known words such as “finna,” used like many would use going to/gonna/fixing to, there is explanation and the subject/verb usage that is not classic English grammar should be expected from characters who have lived their lives in inner city areas.
Recommended for libraries serving grades 5-8, especially ones seeking to add to their “sporty” books, those with high circulation numbers in the NIV genre, as well as collections needing more representation of anxiety/panic disorders.
*Target age: grades 5-8
*Violence: none
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: The majority of characters are Black but few outside Malik’s teammates and family are described using skin tone or ethnic/racial backgrounds; Malik, his father and uncle suffer(ed) from anxiety issues; Kyla, Malik’s long time best friend, begins to recognize that she identifies as she/her/they and battles revealing her realization to family and friends
*LBGTQ+: As mentioned, Kyla has begun to identify as she/her/they and has joined a group of queer friends whose acceptance of her is helping her slowly come out to others. Overall, her identity is fairly minor but her reluctance to share with Malik and his self-focus on healing physically and emotionally takes a toil on their friendship which is much more significant.
Thanks for sharing a print arc with me, Henry Holt and Co.
Malik/Shake has lived and breathed basketball for as long as he can remember. His father and uncle excelled at the sport which has led to Malik seeking to match their achievements and hopefully surpass them. Next on the lofty list of goals, his youth team must win the league championship, then he must make the varsity basketball team as an 8th grade just as they did. Further down the line, Chicagoan Malik intends to play for the Bulls and buy his mom a house. The pressure is on and despite his parents’ steady support and solid friendships to buoy up his spirits, when his ankle is broken as he lands from making the winning shot for the championship, panic and depression set in, complicating his recovery and making his varsity goal a virtual impossibility.
Randall’s poetry is outstanding and includes print variation, little doodles around, on and beside words and phrases, plus vocabulary that conveys the depth of all Malik’s emotions as well as those of his father, mother and best friend Kyla. Malik’s early anxious feelings begin small as they do for many and his injury becomes a catalyst for onset of full-fledged panic attacks which are creatively and clearly described giving those who are also living with anxiety a clear connection to the main character and maybe providing those who do not struggle with debilitating anxiety a more clear look at how it affects those who do. Strong family groups are represented with adult supporting characters running the gamut of supportive to downright disrespectful. Malik’s therapist is a Black man who truly makes a difference in Malik’s understanding of his disorder and provides valuable tools as he handles the buzzing wasps in his brain. Friendships are an important aspect of Shook and while mistakes are made by Malik’s teammates and between Malik and Kyla, all of them are resolved in reasonable ways, providing advice to readers in a way that is not heavy-handed nor pedantic. Some readers may be a bit put off by the African American Vernacular English spoken by the book’s characters but in the case of a few lesser known words such as “finna,” used like many would use going to/gonna/fixing to, there is explanation and the subject/verb usage that is not classic English grammar should be expected from characters who have lived their lives in inner city areas.
Recommended for libraries serving grades 5-8, especially ones seeking to add to their “sporty” books, those with high circulation numbers in the NIV genre, as well as collections needing more representation of anxiety/panic disorders.
*Target age: grades 5-8
*Violence: none
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: The majority of characters are Black but few outside Malik’s teammates and family are described using skin tone or ethnic/racial backgrounds; Malik, his father and uncle suffer(ed) from anxiety issues; Kyla, Malik’s long time best friend, begins to recognize that she identifies as she/her/they and battles revealing her realization to family and friends
*LBGTQ+: As mentioned, Kyla has begun to identify as she/her/they and has joined a group of queer friends whose acceptance of her is helping her slowly come out to others. Overall, her identity is fairly minor but her reluctance to share with Malik and his self-focus on healing physically and emotionally takes a toil on their friendship which is much more significant.
Thanks for sharing a print arc with me, Henry Holt and Co.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this novel in verse, Malik Page lives on the West Side of Chicago with his mother and father. He loves basketball and hopes to be a first pick for the NBA. His mother is an English teacher who has been tutoring ever since her school shut down, and his father is a coach who didn't quite go pro. He plays for the Home Grove team, and manages to win an important game, but falls and breaks his leg. His parents take him to a hospital on the North Side to get better medical attention, and Malik, whose father gave him the nickname "Shake", worries that the extra expense will be a problem for his family. He can't play for six weeks, and fears that even though he'll be ready for the next season, he won't be able to make varsity. He meets a friend of his uncle's who has gone on to be a physical therapist, and gives him some exercises to do. Shake struggles with his injury; it impacts his relationships with his friends, especially Kyla, and he starts to suffer from panic attacks. He gets angry with his teacher, Mr. Pasquale, who can never call him the correct name, and ends up being suspended after he fights with him. Shake's parents have him see a therapist, Kendrick, who helps him a lot and is generally pretty cool. He still has some panic attacks, but eventually makes up with Kyla, who was struggling with issues of her own. Shake finds out that his uncle and some other relatives also struggled with anxiety
Strengths: Having an injury in middle school and not being able to play the sport of one's choosing can be devastating for tweens, so this is an interesting premise for a book. Many of my own students think that they can have a career playing pro sports, so they will definitely root for Shake. I love that his family is intact (the parents are both alive!) and supportive of him, making sure that he gets needed therapy even though they are struggling financially. There is a decent amount of basketball in the story, and the Chicago Bulls are mentioned frequently. Readers who want to meet characters with anxiety disorders and panic attacks will be intrigued by how these impact Shake and his recuperation. It was nice to see Shake make a responsible decision about his participation in sports at the end of the book.
Weaknesses: It seemed a bit odd that Shake's mother wasn't able to find a job. I would think there is a teacher shortage is Chicago like there is everywhere else. Shake says at one point that "Nobody likes being in middle school, not even the teachers", but I certainly like being in middle school!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like Reynold's Stuntboy, In the Meantime or the mix of mental health issues and sports in Stroman's The Grip. Comparisons will be made between this and Alexander's The Crossover, but this doesn't have the strong sense of poetry or the intriguing plot of that book.
In this novel in verse, Malik Page lives on the West Side of Chicago with his mother and father. He loves basketball and hopes to be a first pick for the NBA. His mother is an English teacher who has been tutoring ever since her school shut down, and his father is a coach who didn't quite go pro. He plays for the Home Grove team, and manages to win an important game, but falls and breaks his leg. His parents take him to a hospital on the North Side to get better medical attention, and Malik, whose father gave him the nickname "Shake", worries that the extra expense will be a problem for his family. He can't play for six weeks, and fears that even though he'll be ready for the next season, he won't be able to make varsity. He meets a friend of his uncle's who has gone on to be a physical therapist, and gives him some exercises to do. Shake struggles with his injury; it impacts his relationships with his friends, especially Kyla, and he starts to suffer from panic attacks. He gets angry with his teacher, Mr. Pasquale, who can never call him the correct name, and ends up being suspended after he fights with him. Shake's parents have him see a therapist, Kendrick, who helps him a lot and is generally pretty cool. He still has some panic attacks, but eventually makes up with Kyla, who was struggling with issues of her own. Shake finds out that his uncle and some other relatives also struggled with anxiety
Strengths: Having an injury in middle school and not being able to play the sport of one's choosing can be devastating for tweens, so this is an interesting premise for a book. Many of my own students think that they can have a career playing pro sports, so they will definitely root for Shake. I love that his family is intact (the parents are both alive!) and supportive of him, making sure that he gets needed therapy even though they are struggling financially. There is a decent amount of basketball in the story, and the Chicago Bulls are mentioned frequently. Readers who want to meet characters with anxiety disorders and panic attacks will be intrigued by how these impact Shake and his recuperation. It was nice to see Shake make a responsible decision about his participation in sports at the end of the book.
Weaknesses: It seemed a bit odd that Shake's mother wasn't able to find a job. I would think there is a teacher shortage is Chicago like there is everywhere else. Shake says at one point that "Nobody likes being in middle school, not even the teachers", but I certainly like being in middle school!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like Reynold's Stuntboy, In the Meantime or the mix of mental health issues and sports in Stroman's The Grip. Comparisons will be made between this and Alexander's The Crossover, but this doesn't have the strong sense of poetry or the intriguing plot of that book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for the advance review copy.
I have a soft spot for middle grade novels in verse, and Shook absolutely delivers. If you enjoy books like The Crossover or Booked, this is one you'll want to add to your list. While basketball is at the heart of the story, it is really about identity, mental health, family, and learning who you are when the thing you love is suddenly taken away.
Shake has spent his entire life dreaming of basketball. When an injury sidelines him just as varsity tryouts are within reach, he begins to question everything. What I appreciated most was that the story didn't simply focus on his physical recovery. Julian Randall gives equal attention to Shake's emotional recovery as anxiety begins to take hold. The panic attacks are described in a way that feels authentic and accessible, helping readers understand what anxiety can look and feel like. I can see this book being incredibly meaningful for young readers who may be experiencing similar feelings but don't yet have the words to describe them.
I also loved the family dynamics. Shake's parents are supportive, realistic, and genuinely invested in helping him heal, even when they don't always know the right thing to say. His relationship with his father, built around their shared love of basketball, adds another emotional layer to the story. The introduction of a Black male therapist was another highlight. Positive mental health representation is still far too rare in middle grade literature, and I appreciated how naturally therapy became part of Shake's healing journey rather than something to fear or hide.
The verse itself is engaging and approachable. Even readers who are new to novels in verse will find this one easy to follow, while the poetic structure beautifully mirrors Shake's emotions throughout the story. Basketball fans will enjoy the action on the court, but even readers who know nothing about the sport will connect with the universal themes of disappointment, resilience, friendship, and hope.
This is exactly the kind of book I want on middle school library shelves. It is an excellent choice for readers who love sports stories, but it is equally valuable for the conversations it opens about anxiety, identity, and asking for help. I have no doubt this will find a lot of readers, and it is one I will happily recommend.
I have a soft spot for middle grade novels in verse, and Shook absolutely delivers. If you enjoy books like The Crossover or Booked, this is one you'll want to add to your list. While basketball is at the heart of the story, it is really about identity, mental health, family, and learning who you are when the thing you love is suddenly taken away.
Shake has spent his entire life dreaming of basketball. When an injury sidelines him just as varsity tryouts are within reach, he begins to question everything. What I appreciated most was that the story didn't simply focus on his physical recovery. Julian Randall gives equal attention to Shake's emotional recovery as anxiety begins to take hold. The panic attacks are described in a way that feels authentic and accessible, helping readers understand what anxiety can look and feel like. I can see this book being incredibly meaningful for young readers who may be experiencing similar feelings but don't yet have the words to describe them.
I also loved the family dynamics. Shake's parents are supportive, realistic, and genuinely invested in helping him heal, even when they don't always know the right thing to say. His relationship with his father, built around their shared love of basketball, adds another emotional layer to the story. The introduction of a Black male therapist was another highlight. Positive mental health representation is still far too rare in middle grade literature, and I appreciated how naturally therapy became part of Shake's healing journey rather than something to fear or hide.
The verse itself is engaging and approachable. Even readers who are new to novels in verse will find this one easy to follow, while the poetic structure beautifully mirrors Shake's emotions throughout the story. Basketball fans will enjoy the action on the court, but even readers who know nothing about the sport will connect with the universal themes of disappointment, resilience, friendship, and hope.
This is exactly the kind of book I want on middle school library shelves. It is an excellent choice for readers who love sports stories, but it is equally valuable for the conversations it opens about anxiety, identity, and asking for help. I have no doubt this will find a lot of readers, and it is one I will happily recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2026
Shake knows what he wants--to be the next Michael Jordan and to join the Chicago Bulls. He just has to get through middle school, make the varsity basketball team, make it into a D-1 school, and be discovered first. But he knows he has what it takes to succeed until it all goes horribly wrong during a championship game. Now, everything is on the line and his future is uncertain. If he can't make it big in basketball, then what does he have left to pull his family out of poverty?
---
I have read 99 books this year and this one is the best out of all 99. There isn't a review out there that can do justice to this book. It is, frankly, exceptional. I laughed, I cried, I thought "This is it, this is the one--the book that will get my middle school boys reading". It's a book where the words leap off the page, where you feel like you are RIGHT THERE in the middle of Shook's nail biting basketball game, where you feel like you are experiencing Shook's highs and lows yourself. And it's a novel-in-verse. I've read my fair share of novels-in-verse and many are sparse and leave you wanting more in terms of character development, plot, and setting. Not this one. And, as if that is not enough, it addressed the stigma of mental health in the Black community. It addresses class differences in a way that does not denigrate or look down on the poorer parts of Chicago. It's chock full of metaphors and similes that make it an easy win for an English teacher to include in their curriculum.
Simply put, this book is FIRE.
---
Content Notes:
Sex/sexual references: None
Swearing/profanity: None
Religious references: None that I can remember
LGBTQIA+ rep? Towards the end, a character comes out as non-binary.
Does an animal die in this book? No
---
I have read 99 books this year and this one is the best out of all 99. There isn't a review out there that can do justice to this book. It is, frankly, exceptional. I laughed, I cried, I thought "This is it, this is the one--the book that will get my middle school boys reading". It's a book where the words leap off the page, where you feel like you are RIGHT THERE in the middle of Shook's nail biting basketball game, where you feel like you are experiencing Shook's highs and lows yourself. And it's a novel-in-verse. I've read my fair share of novels-in-verse and many are sparse and leave you wanting more in terms of character development, plot, and setting. Not this one. And, as if that is not enough, it addressed the stigma of mental health in the Black community. It addresses class differences in a way that does not denigrate or look down on the poorer parts of Chicago. It's chock full of metaphors and similes that make it an easy win for an English teacher to include in their curriculum.
Simply put, this book is FIRE.
---
Content Notes:
Sex/sexual references: None
Swearing/profanity: None
Religious references: None that I can remember
LGBTQIA+ rep? Towards the end, a character comes out as non-binary.
Does an animal die in this book? No
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars
I loved this book, and I will be highly recommending it to my students and generally fans of MG verse novels.
Shake, who is known more formally as Malik, is in eighth grade, but he's very mature for his age in specific ways. Like his dad, he loves basketball. Also like his dad, he has intense aspirations in this area, and of course this comes with pressure, most notably from within. When Shake injures himself and has to sit out for a few weeks, he imagines his varsity dreams floating away. This, along with his parents' secrets, his awareness of financial challenges, and his changing relationships, all culminate in a big challenge for Shake: anxiety. That anxiety manifests in many different ways that are discussed in an age appropriate and realistic manner. So SO many readers will benefit from this aspect alone, though there is much more to love, too.
Shake is a wonderful character who is both flawed and genuine. His relationship with his parents is quite evolved for his age and also for the brevity of this novel. He also has some intriguing friendships and a burgeoning relationship with a mental health professional. I loved the ways in which each relationship was depicted, but that last one is particularly compelling.
This is my first experience with Randall's work, but I am going to be (1) enthusiastically recommending it and (2) looking for much more from this author. What a banger!
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Young Listeners, and Henry Holt and Co. for this alc and arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I loved this book, and I will be highly recommending it to my students and generally fans of MG verse novels.
Shake, who is known more formally as Malik, is in eighth grade, but he's very mature for his age in specific ways. Like his dad, he loves basketball. Also like his dad, he has intense aspirations in this area, and of course this comes with pressure, most notably from within. When Shake injures himself and has to sit out for a few weeks, he imagines his varsity dreams floating away. This, along with his parents' secrets, his awareness of financial challenges, and his changing relationships, all culminate in a big challenge for Shake: anxiety. That anxiety manifests in many different ways that are discussed in an age appropriate and realistic manner. So SO many readers will benefit from this aspect alone, though there is much more to love, too.
Shake is a wonderful character who is both flawed and genuine. His relationship with his parents is quite evolved for his age and also for the brevity of this novel. He also has some intriguing friendships and a burgeoning relationship with a mental health professional. I loved the ways in which each relationship was depicted, but that last one is particularly compelling.
This is my first experience with Randall's work, but I am going to be (1) enthusiastically recommending it and (2) looking for much more from this author. What a banger!
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Young Listeners, and Henry Holt and Co. for this alc and arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(Review copy courtesy of Macmillan Young Listeners, Julian Randall, and NetGalley.)
5⭐
When I say the plot is fairly simple and doesn’t break much new ground compared to other books about sports, Blackness, and mental health, I don’t mean that as a slight. In fact, the way Randall takes a familiar story and injects it with so much freshness and authentic feeling is genuinely admirable.
Without the physical book in front of me, I couldn’t tell whether the entire novel was written in verse. Some sections read more like casual storytelling, while others felt more distinctly poetic. Either way, the format only served to strengthen the narrative.
My only quibble (and it’s a very small one!) involves the history the MC’s dad wants to discuss with him but keeps putting off. When the truth is finally revealed, it feels almost too substantial for the setup. This man was such an important and deeply personal part of his father’s basketball history, and the history of the town, that it’s difficult to believe no one would have mentioned him before now.
Now… did I cry? Yes. Yes, I did.
The story builds a lot of tension, and it was difficult to watch the MC remain isolated for as long as he did, but the emotional payoff is worth it. The family dynamics, particularly the scenes surrounding his dad’s eventual revelation, have real punch. They landed with full force, and who doesn’t cry when they’re emotionally punched in the face?
In his afterword, Randall discusses the person who inspired the therapist, and the sheer love and respect he feels for them are deeply present in the story itself. I thought this was beautiful and honestly, I was moved.
Audio-Specific 🎧: 2 hours, 45 minutes. Read by the author, Julian Randall. I know “read by the author” can sometimes be pretty oof, but in this case, Randall’s performance only enhanced the narrative. Not only was it polished, but he brought the poetry’s form and flow to life in a way that might have been lost in someone else’s performance. I listened at 1.5x with no audio issues.
📌 TL;DR: A familiar story told in an unusually powerful way. Highly recommended for young readers and adults alike. But be aware: the forecast is cloudy with a 70% chance of crying.
5⭐
When I say the plot is fairly simple and doesn’t break much new ground compared to other books about sports, Blackness, and mental health, I don’t mean that as a slight. In fact, the way Randall takes a familiar story and injects it with so much freshness and authentic feeling is genuinely admirable.
Without the physical book in front of me, I couldn’t tell whether the entire novel was written in verse. Some sections read more like casual storytelling, while others felt more distinctly poetic. Either way, the format only served to strengthen the narrative.
My only quibble (and it’s a very small one!) involves the history the MC’s dad wants to discuss with him but keeps putting off. When the truth is finally revealed, it feels almost too substantial for the setup. This man was such an important and deeply personal part of his father’s basketball history, and the history of the town, that it’s difficult to believe no one would have mentioned him before now.
Now… did I cry? Yes. Yes, I did.
The story builds a lot of tension, and it was difficult to watch the MC remain isolated for as long as he did, but the emotional payoff is worth it. The family dynamics, particularly the scenes surrounding his dad’s eventual revelation, have real punch. They landed with full force, and who doesn’t cry when they’re emotionally punched in the face?
In his afterword, Randall discusses the person who inspired the therapist, and the sheer love and respect he feels for them are deeply present in the story itself. I thought this was beautiful and honestly, I was moved.
Audio-Specific 🎧: 2 hours, 45 minutes. Read by the author, Julian Randall. I know “read by the author” can sometimes be pretty oof, but in this case, Randall’s performance only enhanced the narrative. Not only was it polished, but he brought the poetry’s form and flow to life in a way that might have been lost in someone else’s performance. I listened at 1.5x with no audio issues.
📌 TL;DR: A familiar story told in an unusually powerful way. Highly recommended for young readers and adults alike. But be aware: the forecast is cloudy with a 70% chance of crying.
August 8, 2026
Malik "Shake" is a star basketball player, headed for playing varsity in 8th grade and eventually rising to the pros. He's got big family shoes to fill (though no actual pros), but he knows he's good--really good. And he has a great, supportive team and a sister-from-another-mother bestie Kyle (I think that's the name). What could go wrong? Well, he could break his ankle winning the championship, and be off bball for six weeks, missing the tryouts for varsity. Which is, of course, what happens. Then he discovers the joy of panic attacks. He's worried that he'll never recover, that his friends are moving on without him, that he'll never live up to his family idols, that his parents can't afford the medical care he needs, and on and on. It shuts him down and shuts him out from his friends and family. Is there a way to get through it?
Verse novel. I really liked the accurate depiction of what a panic attack feels like, and how Shake finally gets some help to learn to deal with it--mental health issues are important to cover for boys who might see needing that help as a kind of weakness. I also thought this was a good depiction of what happens when you fall into mental health issues and shut others out, and then suffer the consequences of that as well--I so wish there had been more about what Kyle was going through; perhaps a sequel? I'm not an athlete, but the descriptions of the game play in the poems was great, and will appeal to Crossover fans. My one caveat is that there are a lot of names, and I did sometimes get them mixed up. Otherwise, a winner!
Verse novel. I really liked the accurate depiction of what a panic attack feels like, and how Shake finally gets some help to learn to deal with it--mental health issues are important to cover for boys who might see needing that help as a kind of weakness. I also thought this was a good depiction of what happens when you fall into mental health issues and shut others out, and then suffer the consequences of that as well--I so wish there had been more about what Kyle was going through; perhaps a sequel? I'm not an athlete, but the descriptions of the game play in the poems was great, and will appeal to Crossover fans. My one caveat is that there are a lot of names, and I did sometimes get them mixed up. Otherwise, a winner!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Hold and Co. (BYR), and Julian Randall for the opportunity to read Shook in exchange for an honest review.
Shook is a HiLo novel-in-verse, told in a poetic style while the story is easily accessible for readers. The novel follows middle-school basketball player Malik. Told from his perspective, everything he lives and breathes is basketball. When it comes to the playoffs, he wants nothing more than make an impression and prepare himself for the eighth grade varsity tryouts. When an injury occurs, everything he dreams seems to disappear through the cracks.
Malik's injury means he may not be able to try out for varsity, his friends try not to talk to him about the touchy subject, and he gains a new feeling: anxiety. Through family connection, history, and therapy, Malik aims to get back to his playing speed. He just has some unexpected hurdles to work through, offering him a new understanding of his dreams.
This book has eloquent prose with meaningful word choice and structure. The words are like the play on the court, a back and forth with Malik's story and the reader. This is a very fun and relatable sports novel for middle grade readers, offering insight into an experience that the reader may have also experienced. It shows that they are not alone in the fight to obtain one's dreams, and that it takes strength to overcome the challenges life throws at us sometimes.
A truly worthwhile novel with many take-aways for younger readers.
Shook is a HiLo novel-in-verse, told in a poetic style while the story is easily accessible for readers. The novel follows middle-school basketball player Malik. Told from his perspective, everything he lives and breathes is basketball. When it comes to the playoffs, he wants nothing more than make an impression and prepare himself for the eighth grade varsity tryouts. When an injury occurs, everything he dreams seems to disappear through the cracks.
Malik's injury means he may not be able to try out for varsity, his friends try not to talk to him about the touchy subject, and he gains a new feeling: anxiety. Through family connection, history, and therapy, Malik aims to get back to his playing speed. He just has some unexpected hurdles to work through, offering him a new understanding of his dreams.
This book has eloquent prose with meaningful word choice and structure. The words are like the play on the court, a back and forth with Malik's story and the reader. This is a very fun and relatable sports novel for middle grade readers, offering insight into an experience that the reader may have also experienced. It shows that they are not alone in the fight to obtain one's dreams, and that it takes strength to overcome the challenges life throws at us sometimes.
A truly worthwhile novel with many take-aways for younger readers.
October 6, 2026
I’m not one to really pick up a sports themed novel-in-verse. When I do, it is because the world of reading demands it. I will always remember my first sports themed novel-in-verse. And that is The Crossover (Newbery Medal Winner) by Kwame Alexander. The Crossover changed the way I thought of sports themed novels, and it also changed the way I saw novel-in-verse as well (Maybe I can say, I crossed over). I went on to read many other sports themed novels-in-verse. I read the prequel or companion(?) to The Crossover - Rebound - and Booked (longlisted for the National Book Award) by the same author. I also read Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson (Coretta Scott King Author Winner) and 2024’s National Book Award Winner Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi. With The Crossover and Kareem Between as my standard for novel-in-verse for sports themed fiction- half way through Shooked, I thought it was just going to be “another” one- nothing special. But Shook took a turn and almost broke my ankle! Almost. An almost-ankle-breaker. If this book was trying to introduce kids to a new kind of reality, it was successful. This new reality, which I will not say because it’s a spoiler, I can relate with. 100 percent. Sports and this new reality often come together, and I think that is important for readers to realize and understand. And that is the strong point of Shook: the distinct message/s it gives. So yes, thank you for this book Julian Randall!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review based on an ARC from the publisher at ALA.
Basketball is life to twelve year old Malik (aka Shake), a west side Chicago kid who dreams of making the Marshall Grove varsity basketball squad. He wants to join legends like his dad and late uncle who ruled the court. But during a championship game, Shake lands on his ankle wrong and it fractures, turning the only world he’s ever known upside down. Topics of family, friendship, self-discovery, and mental health are explored as is the theme of hope.
Written in verse with doodles around certain words and illustrations to separate the acts, I look forward to seeing the final art when it publishes 8/4/26.
Favorite lines:
ARC page 196:
Kendrick stands up and pulls me
into a dap that turns into a long hug.
I know, Malik, but sometimes
the biggest problem we can have
is letting anxiety make us forget
we’re not alone.
ARC page 229:
Why couldn’t you tell me?
I forgot anxiety isn’t weakness
or an enemy in your head you
have to cross up. It’s a part
of how you see the world.
It’s a part of me to manage,
just like my bad hip.
Basketball is life to twelve year old Malik (aka Shake), a west side Chicago kid who dreams of making the Marshall Grove varsity basketball squad. He wants to join legends like his dad and late uncle who ruled the court. But during a championship game, Shake lands on his ankle wrong and it fractures, turning the only world he’s ever known upside down. Topics of family, friendship, self-discovery, and mental health are explored as is the theme of hope.
Written in verse with doodles around certain words and illustrations to separate the acts, I look forward to seeing the final art when it publishes 8/4/26.
Favorite lines:
ARC page 196:
Kendrick stands up and pulls me
into a dap that turns into a long hug.
I know, Malik, but sometimes
the biggest problem we can have
is letting anxiety make us forget
we’re not alone.
ARC page 229:
Why couldn’t you tell me?
I forgot anxiety isn’t weakness
or an enemy in your head you
have to cross up. It’s a part
of how you see the world.
It’s a part of me to manage,
just like my bad hip.
September 18, 2026
I first noticed this book because of its bold, athletic and yellow cover that reminded me of Ghost by Jason Reynolds. Like Ghost, Shook also earned a National Book Award nod (long list) in Young People’s literature, which is when I knew I had to pick it up. In this short, fast-paced book, “Shake” is a force on the basketball court but also a team player. He’s close to his parents and his best friend Kyla. When his ankle shatters, so does his world. My favorite part of this novel-in-verse was some of the imagery and turns of phrase. I could feel this mantra in my marrow: “Zero to zero. Nothing to nothing. It’s in our hands now. We’re all we got. And lucky us, that we’re all we need.” Stunning descriptors captivated me like: “His teammates just orbit him- heliocentric. To them, he’s the sun. But we’ve got him on lock. If he’s the sun, I’m an eclipse.” Listening to the audiobook on Libby was such a treat! The post-injury/second half of the book lost some steam for me which is why it ended up as a 4.5 star book. I can see why it’s receiving notice, including being listed as one of the Sept/Oct Indie Next picks for Middle Grade.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was torn on this rating, but I think that my qualm stems from the fact that I read this digitally as a NetGalley ARC and I truly believe that a physical copy/final ebook copy would have the printing done better when it comes to the free-verse stylistic choices. As the synopsis says, fans of Jason Reynolds and Kwame Alexander will definitely gravitate toward this book. I could not help but think that my students who love the works of those authors would absolutely love this one while I was reading. This is a story of strength and resilience. As a former athlete who overcame devastating injuries, I could relate to the main character. The family dynamics, friendships, and school aspects felt realistic. Exploring mental health and anxiety through young black male characters is SO important, too. There are some current pop culture references that will “date” this book eventually, but I find that those kinds of things have charm to them even when they are “out of date” later on. (Contemporary haters, beware!) Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
August 4, 2026
This book is the perfect bait and switch in the best way. I originally was intrigued because of how many kids I work with who love The Crossover, and figured another novel-in-verse about basketball could do well in our teen section. What I didn’t expect was the heartwarming character development to make me cry. This book is perfect for showing how anxiety is real, and normal, and scary, and not the enemy all at once. I also appreciate how realistic the friendships are. I’m not the best at reaching out for support and I am an adult. Kids are definitely going to struggle to reach out to one another, and this book does a great job of showing it is okay to lean on your friends without making it too sappy to be believable. Sometimes when you’re younger, a facial expression says all the words adults tend to think need to be said. I will definitely be recommending this book to anyone and everyone!
October 13, 2026
Shake lives and breathes basketball and has a grand plan to make it to the NBA and create a better life for his family. First on his list is winning the AAU championship the summer before eighth grade, and then making the varsity team as an eighth grader. Although they win the game, Shake also fractures his ankle, putting him in a boot and his family into medical debt. He withdraws from his friends and family, spiraling with anxiety. Things don't get better when the boot is off and he starts back at school. After reaching a tipping point, he starts seeing a physical therapist for his ankle and another therapist for his anxiety. There are some vivid descriptions of anxiety and techniques to manage it that will be really important for teens and tweens to read. Being a novel in verse makes it a pretty fast read as well. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can see what it's compared to books by Alexander and Reynolds because the cadence of the book, a book written in verse with concrete style poems sprinkled in to show movement and depth. Shake is the main character, a kid who love basketball and has a great friend, Kyla, by his side until a few things happen at school and an injury sidelines him as well as his father which brings up a bubbling and sometimes crippling anxiety that he must learn to navigate. That means open dialogue including sessions with a therapist to learn language around what his experience is about.
It's about resilience, friendship, and family and is an endearing story that will be gobbled up by fans for sure. I felt like it had been done before, so I don't think it's unique, but it is part of a category of fiction that is necessary to build up.
It's about resilience, friendship, and family and is an endearing story that will be gobbled up by fans for sure. I felt like it had been done before, so I don't think it's unique, but it is part of a category of fiction that is necessary to build up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shook by Julian Randall follows the basketball championship journey of Malik Page, otherwise known as Shake. As a child, he was fouled and bleeding during a game of basketball, but he shook it off and made two free throws to win the game and earn his nickname, Shake. The Marshall Grove neighborhood in Chicago is the setting of this story about the resilience of Shake and his struggle with anxiety. When Shake gets injured, his opportunity to make it on the Varsity team in the fall seems to be an air ball. While he’s healing, he loses touch with his best friend ,Kyla, and his teammates from the local team. Speaking with a therapist and connecting with his parents helps him rebuild his friendships and get back to basketball. I will be recommending this book for fans of Kwame Alexander’s Crossover series and readers of Amar Shah’s Wish I Was a Baller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a great coming-of-age book about family, friends, mental health/anxiety issues, resilience, and believing in yourself. Malik/Shook wants to make the varsity basketball team as an 8th grader but gets injured. Shook blames himself and becomes withdrawn. He ignores his best friend, Kyla and feels as if there are family problems he caused. His mom sends him to a therapist who talks to Shook about anxiety and how he can manage his stress. He’s told to stop blaming himself and that’s he’s not alone. When it’s time for basketball tryouts, Shook thinks if I get hurt I will heal. Does he make the team?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shook
By Julian Randall
Publish Date: August 4th, 2026
Novel in Verse
Shake is ready for his varsity basketball debut. He's been preparing for this moment since he could walk. Following in the footsteps of the the neighborhood athletes that came before him, he's well on the path to being one of the basketball greats. That is until he has an accident that snaps his ankle, and
dreams, in half.
Now sidelined, his dreams seem so far out of reach. He retreats to his own mind, shuts out his friends and family, and "Shake" is now shook as anxiety takes over his world.
This is a novel written in verse that openly discusses Shake's eventual realization that sometimes we need to ask for help.
Great novel for anyone, but man, what way to introduce mental wellness to athletes.
By Julian Randall
Publish Date: August 4th, 2026
Novel in Verse
Shake is ready for his varsity basketball debut. He's been preparing for this moment since he could walk. Following in the footsteps of the the neighborhood athletes that came before him, he's well on the path to being one of the basketball greats. That is until he has an accident that snaps his ankle, and
dreams, in half.
Now sidelined, his dreams seem so far out of reach. He retreats to his own mind, shuts out his friends and family, and "Shake" is now shook as anxiety takes over his world.
This is a novel written in verse that openly discusses Shake's eventual realization that sometimes we need to ask for help.
Great novel for anyone, but man, what way to introduce mental wellness to athletes.
September 8, 2026
Malik Page is known as "Shake" and is an 8th grade basketball superstar. But when an injury sidelines him from his favorite game, Shake is shook up. Who is he without basketball? How will his parents afford the hospital bills? And the anxiety makes everything worse.
I thought that this book might work for my sports-loving eighth graders, but there is some language that is not appropriate for my students.
It is a good look at how anxiety can present itself in middle school.
The novel is written partly in verse. I enjoyed the mini illustrations with some words, like "smoke" with a smudge of smoke rising from it, "explodes" with a firework behind, "cocks an eyebrow" rises from the line it is on.
I thought that this book might work for my sports-loving eighth graders, but there is some language that is not appropriate for my students.
It is a good look at how anxiety can present itself in middle school.
The novel is written partly in verse. I enjoyed the mini illustrations with some words, like "smoke" with a smudge of smoke rising from it, "explodes" with a firework behind, "cocks an eyebrow" rises from the line it is on.
Read
September 21, 2026Malik Page--though unless you're his mama, call him "Shake"--dreams of making the Marshall Grove varsity basketball squad as an eighth grader. Then he'll be on his way to joining the ranks of Chicago legends like his pops and late Uncle Kenny. But when Shake fractures his ankle in a championship game, he's sidelined for the first time since his first dribble. As his world is turned upside down, Shake feels like there’s ginger ale bubbling in his chest and sweat slicking on his palms. With a best friend who’s getting more distant by the day, a growing silence between him and his dad, and varsity tryouts fast approaching, Shake will have to cross up every obstacle to find a way back onto the court--and back to being himself. Thankfully in Marshall Grove, the sky is always full of hope."--
September 25, 2026
Listened to audiobook read by the author. Review to come. I LOVED it. It has all the things I want from a middle grade book. And NO DEAD PARENTS! Yippee!
After Shake breaks his ankle thereby impacting his bid to try out for the varsity team, he begins experience anxiety attacks. Through the help of a therapist, he begins to heal.
Cautions: There’s a bit of a code switch. Readers are pulled in by the basketball, then thrust into the mental health challenge. It’s gets back to basketball, but it’s more about forgiveness. Shake and Kayla are best buddies who are both going through something without sharing with their best friends. Kayla eventually shares that she is queer. But it just sort of spews that, but doesn’t resolve other than that they are upfront that they don’t want their friendship to be involve secrets. I have yet to read the book book.
Strength: I LOVED the poetry. The language. The two NO DEAD parents.
I need to reread The Crossover. It’s been a minute.
After Shake breaks his ankle thereby impacting his bid to try out for the varsity team, he begins experience anxiety attacks. Through the help of a therapist, he begins to heal.
Cautions: There’s a bit of a code switch. Readers are pulled in by the basketball, then thrust into the mental health challenge. It’s gets back to basketball, but it’s more about forgiveness. Shake and Kayla are best buddies who are both going through something without sharing with their best friends. Kayla eventually shares that she is queer. But it just sort of spews that, but doesn’t resolve other than that they are upfront that they don’t want their friendship to be involve secrets. I have yet to read the book book.
Strength: I LOVED the poetry. The language. The two NO DEAD parents.
I need to reread The Crossover. It’s been a minute.
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