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Lizzy Legend
Lizzy Trudeaux loves basketball. She doesn’t have much by way of money, but she has access to the community court, a worn ball named Ginger, and she practices constantly. After fighting to join the boy’s team at her school, Lizzy is finally given the opportunity to show off her hard-earned skills.
When she answers what she believes is another bill collecting phone call, Lizzy receives a magical wish: the ability to sink every shot. Pure Swish. Now eviscerating the competition in the boy’s league is small potatoes—she has the skills to dominate in the NBA. With the help of her BFF Toby and some viral video action, Lizzy goes all the way to the Philadelphia Bells’ starting lineup, making history and taking names. Then, just as she’s about to go face to face with her hero, the best player on the planet, things begin to fall apart. But Lizzy isn’t a quitter and she’ll play her hardest for the love of the game.
When she answers what she believes is another bill collecting phone call, Lizzy receives a magical wish: the ability to sink every shot. Pure Swish. Now eviscerating the competition in the boy’s league is small potatoes—she has the skills to dominate in the NBA. With the help of her BFF Toby and some viral video action, Lizzy goes all the way to the Philadelphia Bells’ starting lineup, making history and taking names. Then, just as she’s about to go face to face with her hero, the best player on the planet, things begin to fall apart. But Lizzy isn’t a quitter and she’ll play her hardest for the love of the game.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2019
22 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Ross Smith
3 books13 followersMatthew Ross Smith is an author from Philly.
He's also a teacher, a musician, and the Founder of The Spaces Between Your Fingers Project, a nonprofit that provides free biographers for people with Alzheimer’s.
He's also a teacher, a musician, and the Founder of The Spaces Between Your Fingers Project, a nonprofit that provides free biographers for people with Alzheimer’s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 18, 2023
This book was so much fun to read. Lizzy is totally serious about basketball and she is a worthy competitor for the boys in her middle school. When she gets the opportunity to make one wish, her life changes in exponential ways. At times the narrative is like a play-by-play with participants and observers contributing information. Sometimes it is famous people we all know like Spike Lee, Jack Nicholson and LeBron James. Reading about Lizzy reminded me of the movie "Like Mike" that my boys watched over and over and over when they were in the middle grades. The magic of those shoes was like the magic Lizzy finds when she makes her wish. You, too, will feel that magic when you read this debut novel. I loved it!
This is a great read to go with March Madness. Also, Matthew Ross Smith has a new book out that is also outstanding. It's a book about running called The Million Dollar Race. Check it out!
This is a great read to go with March Madness. Also, Matthew Ross Smith has a new book out that is also outstanding. It's a book about running called The Million Dollar Race. Check it out!
April 23, 2019
I grew up on stories with strong female protagonists: A Wrinkle in Time, Lizzie McGuire, etc. So, this book sounded right up my alley.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be a dud. The biggest problem with this book is, instead of describing what happens during the basketball games, all it gives is inane commentary from the players, the announcers, and random online viewers. Couldn't the author have just shown us what happened without that mess?
Add to that profanity--not only do the a-word, b-word, and p-word appear at least once, but God's name is misused at least eight times, and mostly not capitalized at that--and this one was not worth reading. Even from children's literature, I expected better.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be a dud. The biggest problem with this book is, instead of describing what happens during the basketball games, all it gives is inane commentary from the players, the announcers, and random online viewers. Couldn't the author have just shown us what happened without that mess?
Add to that profanity--not only do the a-word, b-word, and p-word appear at least once, but God's name is misused at least eight times, and mostly not capitalized at that--and this one was not worth reading. Even from children's literature, I expected better.
June 14, 2025
Great YA book! And not just because the main characters name is Lizzy. Definitely will have in my classroom and recommend to students who like basketball.
February 24, 2020
This book is a girl named Lizzy who is poor and lives with her dad because her mom died at a young age. Lizzy practices basketball every chance she gets because basketball is her life. One day when she was out practicing she got this weird call asking what she wanted for a wish and she said to never miss a shot not thinking that the wish will come true, but it does. Lizzy can't miss a shot no matter how hard the shot is she can't miss. She got onto a professional basketball team and she is on fire she can't miss a shot. But before the big game, she turns off her power trying to make another wish. Will Lizzy lose the game because of this? The reason I gave this book three stars because it was kinda boring and slow.
December 24, 2018
What I Liked
Friends, I learned so much about basketball from this book! I don't follow the sport but I was still able to keep up with the games and what was going on. Lizzy is a great character who is fierce and determined, and even the magic wish she gets doesn't stop her from grueling practice she forces herself to do. Her friend Toby and her dad offer great balance to her dogged seriousness: Toby is goofy and always live streaming on his phone, and her dad starts off pretty beaten down and sad. Lizzy's growth throughout the book is very evident and a great lesson to kids about hard work versus being handed success.
What I Would Have Liked to See
Maybe a little more of the magic telemarketer!
My Favorite!
The format of the story goes between normal third person narrative, and like an interview style. It makes me think of shows that interview one person's friends and family and then splice together the clips of these friends and family talking. There are even tweets in there! It took me a minute to figure out what it was, but once I did, I really enjoyed it!
TL;DR
Teen girl with dreams of basketball stardom is granted a wish to never miss a basket, but she soon understands that this easy way out isn't going to bring her satisfaction.
Friends, I learned so much about basketball from this book! I don't follow the sport but I was still able to keep up with the games and what was going on. Lizzy is a great character who is fierce and determined, and even the magic wish she gets doesn't stop her from grueling practice she forces herself to do. Her friend Toby and her dad offer great balance to her dogged seriousness: Toby is goofy and always live streaming on his phone, and her dad starts off pretty beaten down and sad. Lizzy's growth throughout the book is very evident and a great lesson to kids about hard work versus being handed success.
What I Would Have Liked to See
Maybe a little more of the magic telemarketer!
My Favorite!
The format of the story goes between normal third person narrative, and like an interview style. It makes me think of shows that interview one person's friends and family and then splice together the clips of these friends and family talking. There are even tweets in there! It took me a minute to figure out what it was, but once I did, I really enjoyed it!
TL;DR
Teen girl with dreams of basketball stardom is granted a wish to never miss a basket, but she soon understands that this easy way out isn't going to bring her satisfaction.
May 14, 2020
This book is pure fun. Strong female protagonist ft. bits of magic, duct taped sneakers, and lots of grit.
The writing alternates between first-person narrative and sports casting that calls in all sorts of media (Tweets, comments made by reporters, interview-style quotes). I've not seen writing like that in a MG book and think it would be perfect for hesitant readers or sports-loving students.
The writing alternates between first-person narrative and sports casting that calls in all sorts of media (Tweets, comments made by reporters, interview-style quotes). I've not seen writing like that in a MG book and think it would be perfect for hesitant readers or sports-loving students.
March 14, 2024
this book was so empowering??? like Lizzy inspired me to do everything I wanted to in life, to never quit, and not listen to what other people say I can and can't do <3
cws are some cursing (not bad though) and... that's it? maybe some inappropriate jokes but that was all
cws are some cursing (not bad though) and... that's it? maybe some inappropriate jokes but that was all
April 26, 2021
The writing in this middle grade book is a great example of how multiple points-of-view can enhance a story and keep up the fast-paced action so the reader is caught up in it.
Lizzy works her butt off (literally) to become the best basektball player she can be, but it's still not good enough to earn a spot on the 8th grade boys' team. That is, until she gets a mysterious phone call informing her she has one wish. And she wishes...that every shot she makes will go in. From anywhere. Doing anything. However she shoots.
It takes a while for her to realize she has this newfound "ability." Her best friend, Toby, clues in much faster and gets her a shot on a failing NBA team. She tries out, gets a spot on the team, and even plays. Of course, all her shots swish... until she takes her wish back.
I won't spoil how it ends. Enjoy the read!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Lizzy works her butt off (literally) to become the best basektball player she can be, but it's still not good enough to earn a spot on the 8th grade boys' team. That is, until she gets a mysterious phone call informing her she has one wish. And she wishes...that every shot she makes will go in. From anywhere. Doing anything. However she shoots.
It takes a while for her to realize she has this newfound "ability." Her best friend, Toby, clues in much faster and gets her a shot on a failing NBA team. She tries out, gets a spot on the team, and even plays. Of course, all her shots swish... until she takes her wish back.
I won't spoil how it ends. Enjoy the read!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
May 15, 2021
I am so glad to have discovered this author. Matthew Ross Smith has a real talent for writing books that have broad appeal to middle grade readers. They are thought-provoking and fun to read. I can't wait to see what he publishes next.
March 27, 2019
The book is very good except the cuss words there is no need to put those words in the book.
February 2, 2021
The story is cute: hard work + a little bit of random magic = all your dreams come true? You have to be ok with the magic being the most convenient method to move the story from point to point and literally doing nothing else, and then you find a tale of a young girl who works her rear off and just needs a little bit of help to move past all the realistic roadblocks standing in the way of her dreams. Her dreams actually come true, and she finds out that everything that comes with it is not at all what she wants and that she feels a little guilty about how it all went down, so she tries to find a way around the guilt but ends up reversing her fortunes and coming back to reality, a little older, a little wiser, and still in love with basketball - it’s about as neat and tidy a story as you could want.
It’s a little bland, but not unpleasant. I thought the 3rd person interview style chapters were kind of weird and stunted the flow of the story, but I did like toward the end, where the other characters outside perception of Lizzy was offset by her revealing how she really felt.
The thing I especially didn’t like, but don’t figure most anyone else will care about, was some of the language. It was definitely mild from an adult perspective, but peppered in were complaints about somebody bitching, and lots and lots of the use of “god” along with a couple other words that aren’t allowed in our house, especially among our kids, so that ended up being the most negative thing about the book as a whole.
It’s a little bland, but not unpleasant. I thought the 3rd person interview style chapters were kind of weird and stunted the flow of the story, but I did like toward the end, where the other characters outside perception of Lizzy was offset by her revealing how she really felt.
The thing I especially didn’t like, but don’t figure most anyone else will care about, was some of the language. It was definitely mild from an adult perspective, but peppered in were complaints about somebody bitching, and lots and lots of the use of “god” along with a couple other words that aren’t allowed in our house, especially among our kids, so that ended up being the most negative thing about the book as a whole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2018
Gr - 5-6
Lizzy’s worked harder than anyone else for most of her 13 years at being the best basketball player, spending hours each day practicing on the rundown court outside her apartment. All the work pays off when Lizzy makes it onto her school’s 8th grade boys basketball team and quickly proves herself to be the MVP. Meanwhile, she is also dealing with bill collectors calling her constantly to get ahold of her father. At first, upon receiving a strange call from a robot, Lizzy thinks it’s someone else looking for her dad, but when the robot asks her what her wish is, she blurts the first thing she can think of; to never miss another basketball shot. When the fantastical wish actually comes true, her life is shot into a completely new orbit; winning games and ultimately being recruited for an NBA team. The story is complete fantasy and even a bit goofball, but Lizzy is a likeable character. She continually presents hard work and determination even when things get crazy. She is a good role model for girls. VERDICT: A fun book with a positive message about girls in sports.
Much like other reviewers, I wish that a) this book had been lest fantastical and b) there were more books about sports featuring girls and c) that it was very culturally limited.
Lizzy’s worked harder than anyone else for most of her 13 years at being the best basketball player, spending hours each day practicing on the rundown court outside her apartment. All the work pays off when Lizzy makes it onto her school’s 8th grade boys basketball team and quickly proves herself to be the MVP. Meanwhile, she is also dealing with bill collectors calling her constantly to get ahold of her father. At first, upon receiving a strange call from a robot, Lizzy thinks it’s someone else looking for her dad, but when the robot asks her what her wish is, she blurts the first thing she can think of; to never miss another basketball shot. When the fantastical wish actually comes true, her life is shot into a completely new orbit; winning games and ultimately being recruited for an NBA team. The story is complete fantasy and even a bit goofball, but Lizzy is a likeable character. She continually presents hard work and determination even when things get crazy. She is a good role model for girls. VERDICT: A fun book with a positive message about girls in sports.
Much like other reviewers, I wish that a) this book had been lest fantastical and b) there were more books about sports featuring girls and c) that it was very culturally limited.
June 21, 2023
Anne suggested this book for me. It's written by the brother of Mark Smith, former colleague. I think the book would be a stretch for 8 year olds (the book is recommended for 8-12), but I think 10-15 year olds would find it fascinating, especially if they are basketball fans. At times I felt that the book couldn't decide whether it wanted to be fantasy or realistic fiction, but after a while, that didn't matter to me. I sometimes wondered whether anyone but a true basketball nerd would be able to follow Lizzy's detailed calculations for fake outs, eluding her competition, sizing up when to shoot, when to dribble, turn left or right. This character is constantly in motion. Her relationship which her friend,
November 30, 2018
I recently finished this ARC, and I loved it! It was so nice to see a book feature a girl athlete AND add a twist to the "wish comes true" trope. So often, books about wishes delve into more serious fare, a sick relative, etc. It was nice to read about something a bit more relatable--a kid who wants to be great at a sport. Lizzy also comes from a lower income family, which is not something I see a lot of in MG, and it's added in an organic way that doesn't take over the plot, but is still something she has to deal with. Overall, I loved the magical twist and was excited to see magic done in a different way. Definitely recommend to girls and boys.
February 19, 2022
Lizzy Legend is a powerful, driven, hardworking female lead and that alone got me hooked onto the book. Her story is pretty sweet and her dedication made me feel as determined as she is to achieve my goals and become the best version of myself as a player.
The reason I gave it three stars though is that the book isn't exactly your deep, exciting novel and it's a bit of a calm plot.
Nevertheless, it's a lovely book.
The reason I gave it three stars though is that the book isn't exactly your deep, exciting novel and it's a bit of a calm plot.
Nevertheless, it's a lovely book.
October 30, 2018
3.5 stars
Great addition to any sports collection at a middle schools. Parts are unbelievable and hard to follow, but Lizzy (the main character) is adorable and sweet and genuine. Loved her!! Her best friend Toby is also super endearing and charming. Just parts of this were ridiculous but the writing was really good so it made up for it! Overall, I’d recommend.
Great addition to any sports collection at a middle schools. Parts are unbelievable and hard to follow, but Lizzy (the main character) is adorable and sweet and genuine. Loved her!! Her best friend Toby is also super endearing and charming. Just parts of this were ridiculous but the writing was really good so it made up for it! Overall, I’d recommend.
May 27, 2019
Lizzy Legend is a story about a girl who has almost nothing, and one wish changes her life. She wishes to never miss a shot is basketball again. She goes on to be the first girl, and youngest player ever in the NBA. She becomes the best player ever, and then she misses a shot. Her world starts crumbling, but she learns to pick her self up again and to keep going, and gets back on her feet.
September 8, 2022
Lizzy is a tough, hard working, basketball player who just wants to play on the boys' team in middle school. She gets a wish and then has the magical ability to never miss a shot.
I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this. It's funny, has some awesome characters and some good themes.
I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this. It's funny, has some awesome characters and some good themes.
March 19, 2019
This pleasant, wish-fulfillment sports fantasy places a gratifying emphasis on hard work and gender equality, with a side of socioeconomic diversity. I was less sold on the character development; her best friend was a bit of a stock character and I didn't see a ton of growth.
November 10, 2019
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. At first, I was a little angry that a girl is only able to achieve athletic goals because she has a special wish granted. The author makes up for it.
March 20, 2025
A super easy read, just thought that it was ok. Thought the ending rapped up too early, but other than that it was pretty enjoyable to read. The plot was cool but I have so many questions that weren’t answered.
March 27, 2019
A bit intense and unrealistic.
May 24, 2019
Brisk prose and relatable characters. Freshly positive. Perfect for its target audience but great for any age! Congrats Matt! #lizzylegend
August 19, 2019
Lizzy is a hard working middle school basketball superstar. I’m excited to find students to enjoy this book.
It might be a 5 star book in the hands of a teen.
It might be a 5 star book in the hands of a teen.
June 4, 2020
I didn't think I would like a book about basketball but I am so glad I picked this up. Basketball fan or not, you like this a lot!
November 4, 2021
I think it is super good! I love the commentary parts and the message of girls can do anything if not better than boys can
November 1, 2022
I can’t understand why a book targeted to ages 8-12 needs to have curse words. It made me very uncomfortable to read the book. I won’t be reading any more books from this author.
February 23, 2022
This was a pretty good book. I liked that I could relate a bit to Lizzy in certain ways. The MC is a strong, hard-working person who is a good role model for everyone. Extras: Easy to read, quick read, dialogue, basketball theme is held throughout the book.
September 15, 2020
Sweet story and a lovable main character. Interesting plot. Great for grades 3-6, I think. Fun read!
Want to read
December 12, 2018I received a copy of this book from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews