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Take the Shot
Bug has a secret. Actually, he has a lot of secrets.
1. He's formed a basketball team at his new school based on a giant lie.
2. His parents don't know he's playing basketball again.
3. His new team-mates have no idea he isn't allowed to play, and they definitely don't know why.
Bug will do ANYTHING to keep his secrets, keep his new team and keep his life from falling apart. Because no one can know The Biggest Secret of All: Bug risks his life every time he steps out onto the basketball court.
1. He's formed a basketball team at his new school based on a giant lie.
2. His parents don't know he's playing basketball again.
3. His new team-mates have no idea he isn't allowed to play, and they definitely don't know why.
Bug will do ANYTHING to keep his secrets, keep his new team and keep his life from falling apart. Because no one can know The Biggest Secret of All: Bug risks his life every time he steps out onto the basketball court.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2019
5 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 30, 2021
Bug is not a likeable character.
He makes it aound like having a syndrome of some description is the worst possible thing in the world.
He is insensitive.
He is also pretty sexist and gross.
He is not charming or engaging.
All he does is whinge.
He is also a liar.
And sorry mate, but people don't hate you because you have a syndrome... people hate you because you're a dick.
I cheered when his parents said no to him playing.
And do we really have to hear about the "team in his pants" so many times? 🤮
This story was a slightly better version of Tom Brennan and that's not saying much, TB was utter garbage.
Sorry Sue.
He makes it aound like having a syndrome of some description is the worst possible thing in the world.
He is insensitive.
He is also pretty sexist and gross.
He is not charming or engaging.
All he does is whinge.
He is also a liar.
And sorry mate, but people don't hate you because you have a syndrome... people hate you because you're a dick.
I cheered when his parents said no to him playing.
And do we really have to hear about the "team in his pants" so many times? 🤮
This story was a slightly better version of Tom Brennan and that's not saying much, TB was utter garbage.
Sorry Sue.
February 3, 2020
I’m always on the lookout for YA sport novels. I love them, despite not liking sport myself, and we are always keen to add more titles to our library’s sport collection. Take The Shot has a great mix of sport action, complex family relationships and an authentic teen boy narrating the story. If stories about growing up and navigating your way through high school and new friendships, try Take The Shot.
Bug lives for basketball. It’s the only place he doesn’t feel freakishly tall or gangly, where he has friends and fits in. But when he and his father are diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, his mother bans him from playing, saying it’s too dangerous. When he has to move in with his Nan, the change of school gives him the opportunity to hide his syndrome and join a mixed basketball team without telling his parents. Hiding these two secrets takes its toll, but it’s worth it to play. But it may be more dangerous that he realises.
Bug narrates the book and its easy to like him. He’s a little bit awkward and unsure but has a certain quality that draws people in, even if he would never believe it. He’s kind to others even if he is hard on himself and doubts if anyone could like him because of his having Marfan Syndrome. Bug’s feelings about his diagnosis form a big part of this story. He struggles to identify himself in the diagnosis and reconcile it with how it effects his life. As he makes new friends and forms the team, he displays great friendship skills and team leadership, he just struggles to recognise those traits in himself. Friendship, bullying, high school, and sport are all major themes of this book.
As Bug strives to hide his diagnosis from his new friends, he also has to manage his feelings about his family’s situation. His father lost a colleague at work and is facing an inquiry. His family are struggling under recent financial difficulties, and have had to move in with Bug’s quirky Nan. I loved Bug’s relationship with his Nan. He starts by being embarrassed about her, but as she continues to support him and he learns more about her history, he grows to accept and understand her. I also loved Bug’s relationship with his sister, who is so much fun.
Take The Shot is an enjoyable book about belonging and finding your place in life, and about the complexities of navigating new friendships and changes in family circumstances.
Bug lives for basketball. It’s the only place he doesn’t feel freakishly tall or gangly, where he has friends and fits in. But when he and his father are diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, his mother bans him from playing, saying it’s too dangerous. When he has to move in with his Nan, the change of school gives him the opportunity to hide his syndrome and join a mixed basketball team without telling his parents. Hiding these two secrets takes its toll, but it’s worth it to play. But it may be more dangerous that he realises.
Bug narrates the book and its easy to like him. He’s a little bit awkward and unsure but has a certain quality that draws people in, even if he would never believe it. He’s kind to others even if he is hard on himself and doubts if anyone could like him because of his having Marfan Syndrome. Bug’s feelings about his diagnosis form a big part of this story. He struggles to identify himself in the diagnosis and reconcile it with how it effects his life. As he makes new friends and forms the team, he displays great friendship skills and team leadership, he just struggles to recognise those traits in himself. Friendship, bullying, high school, and sport are all major themes of this book.
As Bug strives to hide his diagnosis from his new friends, he also has to manage his feelings about his family’s situation. His father lost a colleague at work and is facing an inquiry. His family are struggling under recent financial difficulties, and have had to move in with Bug’s quirky Nan. I loved Bug’s relationship with his Nan. He starts by being embarrassed about her, but as she continues to support him and he learns more about her history, he grows to accept and understand her. I also loved Bug’s relationship with his sister, who is so much fun.
Take The Shot is an enjoyable book about belonging and finding your place in life, and about the complexities of navigating new friendships and changes in family circumstances.
June 6, 2022
Bug has a lot on his plate: he's moved in with his grandmother who is (quite frankly) crazy, he has to start a new school and make new friends (and it’s a co-ed school – how are you meant to act around girls??), his old friends are not being supportive, his dad is having to go through a serious inquiry, and he's recently been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. Since basketball is the biggest thing in Bug’s life and his new diagnosis threatens to stop him from playing, what can he do?
Well... maybe he can be economical with the truth...
In terms of raising awareness about a rarely known genetic disorder, I thought this was fantastic. White has certainly taught me about a condition I've never even heard of. Marfan syndrome effects approximately one in 5000 people in the UK – although I don't know the statistics for Australia – but is actually one of the most common connective tissues disorders. People with Marfan are typically tall, very long-legged and armed (often arm span can surpass height), with particularly long fingers and toes; it can affect the aorta in unpredictable and fatal way; the lenses of your eyes become can become dislocated which can cause blindness; and it is also associated with lung problems and other internal organs failure. People with more fun have a reduced life expectancy, usually living into their 40s. It’s a genetic condition: if one parent has it then there is a 50% chance they will pass it on. But there are many different levels of Marfan, and you may not know that you have it, as is the case with Bug’s dad.
Because of all this, particularly the effects on the aorta, Bug has been forbidden from playing basketball - which is his life. But he joins the team at his new school without his parents knowing, and the school don’t know about the Marfan syndrome. The secrets begin to pile up until it becomes too much...
There was great representation in the book, and I really learned a lot, (although I looked up some of the things afterwards because the book wasn't totally explicit, but that's OK because it's not non-fiction.) The main problem for me was that the book felt like it was dragging a lot of the time unfortunately. I think it could have been about 100 pages shorter and still managed to fit everything in – just in want of some good editing. Also, Bug’s reference to the ‘team in his pants’ became so regular that I just wanted to scream! There are also some interesting subplots about his grandma and various relationships with friends at school. I particularly liked the grandmother storyline.
This was from the audible plus catalogue, and it was worth a listen – the narration was great. However, I probably wouldn't recommend this because I didn't feel like the writing style was up to par. Still grateful to have come across it – it’s amazing how many conditions/syndromes are not well-known.
Well... maybe he can be economical with the truth...
In terms of raising awareness about a rarely known genetic disorder, I thought this was fantastic. White has certainly taught me about a condition I've never even heard of. Marfan syndrome effects approximately one in 5000 people in the UK – although I don't know the statistics for Australia – but is actually one of the most common connective tissues disorders. People with Marfan are typically tall, very long-legged and armed (often arm span can surpass height), with particularly long fingers and toes; it can affect the aorta in unpredictable and fatal way; the lenses of your eyes become can become dislocated which can cause blindness; and it is also associated with lung problems and other internal organs failure. People with more fun have a reduced life expectancy, usually living into their 40s. It’s a genetic condition: if one parent has it then there is a 50% chance they will pass it on. But there are many different levels of Marfan, and you may not know that you have it, as is the case with Bug’s dad.
Because of all this, particularly the effects on the aorta, Bug has been forbidden from playing basketball - which is his life. But he joins the team at his new school without his parents knowing, and the school don’t know about the Marfan syndrome. The secrets begin to pile up until it becomes too much...
There was great representation in the book, and I really learned a lot, (although I looked up some of the things afterwards because the book wasn't totally explicit, but that's OK because it's not non-fiction.) The main problem for me was that the book felt like it was dragging a lot of the time unfortunately. I think it could have been about 100 pages shorter and still managed to fit everything in – just in want of some good editing. Also, Bug’s reference to the ‘team in his pants’ became so regular that I just wanted to scream! There are also some interesting subplots about his grandma and various relationships with friends at school. I particularly liked the grandmother storyline.
This was from the audible plus catalogue, and it was worth a listen – the narration was great. However, I probably wouldn't recommend this because I didn't feel like the writing style was up to par. Still grateful to have come across it – it’s amazing how many conditions/syndromes are not well-known.
November 30, 2020
I might write a better and longer review later or maybe just leave it like this.
I feel like this book could have been 100 pages shorter. Like seriously I feel like the only reason the book is as long as it is is so the author could put as many basketball references for the chapters as possibly. I respect the author for a writing a book about something like this but that's about it. I didn't find it funny or charming and the character names were just odd. Also that twist about the grandfather was super guessable.
I've got nothing left to say so I'll just leave it at that.
I feel like this book could have been 100 pages shorter. Like seriously I feel like the only reason the book is as long as it is is so the author could put as many basketball references for the chapters as possibly. I respect the author for a writing a book about something like this but that's about it. I didn't find it funny or charming and the character names were just odd. Also that twist about the grandfather was super guessable.
I've got nothing left to say so I'll just leave it at that.
November 9, 2019
A great read for all ages. I love this book and Mei loved it too. Made me laugh and cry and realise how much more there is to learn about genetic diseases. The best way to learn. Looking forward to more stories Sue! 😍
February 14, 2022
I loved the story, the characters and relationships in this book, Bug’s relationship with his Nan, his passion for basketball, the capturing of new kid at school politics, school hierarchies and the quick funny dialogue. A really great read!
April 3, 2021
Update: reread to write readers cup questions
Totally engaging and authentic.
Totally engaging and authentic.
October 13, 2020
I picked up this novel hoping for a light, easy read with a bit of family drama, and I was not disappointed! I didn't have overly high hopes for it, since it looked like it was a little below my reading level and I don't play basketball, but I was actually quite surprised. The book is really well written and, although it is an easy read, covers a unique topic and really does it justice. I felt and understood every one of Bug's emotions, and I felt quite a strong relationship with him that is often really hard to build. All the relationships between characters have been established, and the plot was not in any way far-fetched or unrealistic (which is what I feared would happen). The only problem I did have with the book was the ending, as Bug didn't seem too worried about the future when I think that he probably should have been. Other than that, I really enjoyed it!
July 10, 2021
It was pretty mediocre.
June 11, 2020
I flew through this CBCA Older Readers 2020 longlisted book, set in my familiar hometown of Melbourne. This book would appeal to a wide audience, not just the boys or basketball fans - there were heartwarming elements around friendship & families and a wonderful mix of strong male & female characters.
September 10, 2019
A book for teenagers. Bug (Dougal) is 14 years old. Due to circumstances out of his control - Bug has to change schools, go and live with is Nan and leave his so-called mates behind. Bug and his dad have also found out they have a genetic condition known as Marfan. One of the symptons of this syndrome, is an enlarged aorta which means Bug cannot continue to play his favourite sport, basketball. At his new school, the only way Bug sees a way to make new friends, is to play basketball. So without telling his parents he joins a mixed basketball team. One little white lie, leads to another until the day Bug's web of lies comes apart with possible devastating consequences.
July 16, 2020
I decided to read this as it was shortlisted for the Readings YA Fiction 2020 prize and it did not disappoint. An interesting sports-focused YA, exploring friendships, secrets and passion. A teenager whose family is going through challenges, moves from a private boys school to a public co-ed school as his family moves in with his nana. The narrative explores the complexities of life and the impact that challenges can have not just on those directly involved, but also family members and friends. An easy-to-read novel that would be very engaging for teenage boys (especially those keen on basketball!).
August 29, 2020
4.5* Read on the recommendation of a Year 6 male student and it’s fantastic! It’s so hard to find quality novels featuring sport as a main theme and this is an awesome addition to that particular collection. It also features the beautiful development of relationships within family and friends. Bug is a brilliant male lead; gentle, considerate and brimming with that gorgeous teenage awkwardness.
August 31, 2020
I absolutely loved this book it is about trusting yourself and your friend and that it does not matter what other people think of you only what you think of you
August 29, 2021
[CBCA Notable for older readers 2020]
This will delight secondary school readers of all ages who enjoy reading about team work not only in a sporting sense but in the art of finding and making friends.
This will delight secondary school readers of all ages who enjoy reading about team work not only in a sporting sense but in the art of finding and making friends.
August 5, 2021
This is it. This is the book I've been waiting for since I was Bug's age.
There is such a lack of beautifully heartwarming, technically accurate teenage basketball stories. I couldn't find them when I was a teenage basketballer who also liked to read. All these years later, one falls into my hands in a secondhand bookshop and I'm instantly in love. Which is ironic, considering there's no romance in this book - perfect for this old cynic.
Bug's life has turned upside down in so many ways and the only thing that holds him together is basketball. The secrets he keeps from those around him are layering complications over his life, but he can't see any other way.
I loved the friendship/teamwork aspect of this novel, of bringing people together through a common interest and how they grow to love and respect each other. I loved Bug's family, especially his sweet sister Becky and eccentric Nana. I loved watching Bug navigate his way through all the complex issues in his life - becoming more sure of himself and taking the role as playmaker and unofficial captain of the team. Some of the twists were a little easy to guess, but maybe put that down to having read a number of YA books in the past. I suppose, however, that they were lessons Bug needed to learn.
This book has made my heart so happy!
There is such a lack of beautifully heartwarming, technically accurate teenage basketball stories. I couldn't find them when I was a teenage basketballer who also liked to read. All these years later, one falls into my hands in a secondhand bookshop and I'm instantly in love. Which is ironic, considering there's no romance in this book - perfect for this old cynic.
Bug's life has turned upside down in so many ways and the only thing that holds him together is basketball. The secrets he keeps from those around him are layering complications over his life, but he can't see any other way.
I loved the friendship/teamwork aspect of this novel, of bringing people together through a common interest and how they grow to love and respect each other. I loved Bug's family, especially his sweet sister Becky and eccentric Nana. I loved watching Bug navigate his way through all the complex issues in his life - becoming more sure of himself and taking the role as playmaker and unofficial captain of the team. Some of the twists were a little easy to guess, but maybe put that down to having read a number of YA books in the past. I suppose, however, that they were lessons Bug needed to learn.
This book has made my heart so happy!
October 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this YA novel about a teenager with Marfan syndrome who loves to play basketball. For a bit of context, Marfan syndrome is an inherited (genetic) condition that affects the body's connective tissue, including the heart, eyes, skeleton and lungs. Due to the risk of a severe cardiac complication such as aortic rupture, families affected by Marfan syndrome may be advised to avoid heavy physical activity and contact sports.
After being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, Bug's parents ban him from playing basketball. However when Bug starts at a new school where no one knows he has the condition, Bug decides to form a mixed basketball team, without telling his parents. But as Bug returns to the court, it's clear his body is trying to tell him something important.
The author, Dr Susan White, is a clinical geneticist working in Melbourne, Australia. She frequently seeing young people and families who have Marfan syndrome and many other genetic conditions. She has first hand knowledge of the struggles these families face as they try to find the balance between avoiding risks and continuing to live life to the fullest.
This story has many twists and turns and deals with themes including secrets, family, friendships, identity and grief. Its a beautiful story for any young person to enjoy, but particularly for those who face their own risk of a genetic condition.
After being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, Bug's parents ban him from playing basketball. However when Bug starts at a new school where no one knows he has the condition, Bug decides to form a mixed basketball team, without telling his parents. But as Bug returns to the court, it's clear his body is trying to tell him something important.
The author, Dr Susan White, is a clinical geneticist working in Melbourne, Australia. She frequently seeing young people and families who have Marfan syndrome and many other genetic conditions. She has first hand knowledge of the struggles these families face as they try to find the balance between avoiding risks and continuing to live life to the fullest.
This story has many twists and turns and deals with themes including secrets, family, friendships, identity and grief. Its a beautiful story for any young person to enjoy, but particularly for those who face their own risk of a genetic condition.
February 5, 2020
Bug Fyfe is a kid with a secret. He’s just found out he has Marfan Syndrome and that he will never be able to play representative basketball again. His friendships dwindle away (were they ever really true friends?) His family - already under crisis - shift back to his grandmother's in Fairfield, and Bug's whole world comes crumbling down. including having to start at a new school. Basketball is his reason for living and is the way he makes friends - so what’s Bug going to do when he realizes a new basketball team is forming and he could be part of it? This is a terrific book for teens that moves along briskly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
3.5 rounded up
14 yo boy protagonist - good messaging, good basketball game play, cringy I-have-a-b**er problems ... and what do you know ... girls are humans!!! 🤯🤯🤯 Mind. Blown.
CW: casual misogyny
Y9
14 yo boy protagonist - good messaging, good basketball game play, cringy I-have-a-b**er problems ... and what do you know ... girls are humans!!! 🤯🤯🤯 Mind. Blown.
CW: casual misogyny
Y9
November 30, 2020
AWESOME!
April 12, 2021
This book was goof because it was about basket ball I would recommend it for people that like
February 22, 2022
Interesting idea. Coudnt continue along the lines tho cause I’m not a big fan of the 13 year old stuff ykwim
April 17, 2024
I listened to this to make sure it was ok for my 13yo. I let her read it and afterwards we both decided he wasn’t particularly nice, and the “team in my pants” references gave us both the ick.
September 2, 2019
4.5 stars
I am always pleased when I see books dealing with teen characters who play sport as this is a topic that is very often requested. From the first chapter of a tense basketball game, that sets the scene for the dramatic action to come, we learn that Bug, our main character, has a problem. Bug has recently learnt that he has Marfan syndrome, a genetic illness that causes tall height, long limbs, feet and hands (handy to have as a basketballer) but also affects the heart. Family circumstances have meant that Bug and his family have moved in with his Nan and he has started at a new school. He feels that with his Marfan diagnosis everything has been taken from him - his health, his friends, his school and his sport. Although he has been banned from playing sport, without his parent’s knowledge, he assembles a rag tag group of friends to form a basketball team. Finally, he begins to feel that he belongs; however, it is only a matter of time before he cannot hide his condition any longer.
Suitable for 12+ - Marfan syndrome, depression, family, friends, sport, basketball, belonging
I am always pleased when I see books dealing with teen characters who play sport as this is a topic that is very often requested. From the first chapter of a tense basketball game, that sets the scene for the dramatic action to come, we learn that Bug, our main character, has a problem. Bug has recently learnt that he has Marfan syndrome, a genetic illness that causes tall height, long limbs, feet and hands (handy to have as a basketballer) but also affects the heart. Family circumstances have meant that Bug and his family have moved in with his Nan and he has started at a new school. He feels that with his Marfan diagnosis everything has been taken from him - his health, his friends, his school and his sport. Although he has been banned from playing sport, without his parent’s knowledge, he assembles a rag tag group of friends to form a basketball team. Finally, he begins to feel that he belongs; however, it is only a matter of time before he cannot hide his condition any longer.
Suitable for 12+ - Marfan syndrome, depression, family, friends, sport, basketball, belonging
November 10, 2019
This is a gorgeous novel that follows fourteen-year-old Bug as he navigates the social awkwardness of a new school and a shock genetic diagnosis that might see him lose the one thing that's keeping him sane.
This is so much more than a sport book – it's hilarious, insightful and deftly balances serious issues with moments of laugh-out-loud humor. Perfect for all YA fans, but would be especially great for reluctant readers, with heaps of action driving the plot. It's a slam-dunk of a debut.
This is so much more than a sport book – it's hilarious, insightful and deftly balances serious issues with moments of laugh-out-loud humor. Perfect for all YA fans, but would be especially great for reluctant readers, with heaps of action driving the plot. It's a slam-dunk of a debut.
November 9, 2019
‘Take The Shot’ is a cool, funny and witty book about teenage life in the world now. It takes you into Bug’s life living with a medical disease that stops him from doing what he loves… basketball. Anyone who likes sports or is interested in genetics should have this on their bookshelf (N, aged 11).
November 9, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It Is cleverly written and I loved the the touches of humour. The teenage persona was so well portrayed and the impact of a delayed diagnosis of a genetic condition very profound. I think any teenager or parent can relate to this insightful and engaging book.
October 4, 2019
I just finished your book.
I laughed and cried…I really enjoyed it.
What a great story.
I laughed and cried…I really enjoyed it.
What a great story.
November 9, 2019
I bought this book for my pre-teen but ended up thoroughly enjoying it myself! A great read about making friends, family dynamics and learning to adjust to life with a genetic condition.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews