Matt Tavares Books
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HOOPS, a graphic novel by Matt Tavares
Hoops
Written and illustrated by Matt Tavares

Indiebound National Bestseller

2023 New England Book Award
2024 Charlotte Huck Award, Recommended Book
New York Public Library Best Books of 2023
2023 Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards
Kids' Indie Next List, American Booksellers Association
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Publishers Weekly Top 10 Spring 2023 Graphic Novels


Download the press kit and a cover image.
Read the first 40 pages!

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Hoops middle grade graphic novel basketball
matt tavares

Hoops grapic novel matt tavares

HOOPS by Matt Tavares

  Junior Library GuildKids Indie Next List
Matt Tavares Hoops
It's 1976 and on Friday nights in Wilkins, Indiana, it seems like everyone in town shows up to cheer on the boys' basketball team. Cars fill the parking lot and fans pack the gymnasium for every home game.

Most people don't know it, but Wilkins
actually has more than one basketball team. And what the newly formed girls' team lacks in resources they more than make up for with grit and ball skill. But teammates Judi, Cindy, and Lisa aren't satisfied with being treated as an afterthought to the boys. They want equal access to the gym for practices and games, as well as uniforms, transportation to away games and everything else the boys get.

What will it take for the girls' team to be recognized by their community- winning games, packing arenas, bringing home a state championship?

Matt Tavares, inspired by a real-life team, has crafted a story of heart and determination for a new generation of readers, athletes and sports activists.


Reviews:

"MIla, my oldest, flew through this graphic novel that will encourage even reluctant readers. Hoops is a celebration of females in sports, teamwork, and the power of dreams."
-Jenna Bush Hager

"Holy smokes! my mind was blown... Hoops is a must read!"
-Colby Sharp, co-founder of Nerdy Book Club

"A winning tale, all the more exhilerating for its links to history."
-Kirkus Reviews

"I really, really love Hoops! It's such a great story, and I'm glad the world will get to know Judi and her teammates... I love when I can get involved in a sports story that makes me really care about the characters and their lives, and Hoops does just that."
-Victoria Jamieson,
New York Times best-selling creator of When Stars Are Scattered and Roller Girl

"Poignant and fresh... sure to have readers of all ages wanting to shoot hoops!"
-Jennifer L. Holm, New York Times best-selling cocreator of the Sunny and Babymouse series
 
"An inspiring, heartwarming story about a small town high school basketball team... that will be adored by readers of all ages."
-Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat

"A fast-break story of stout hearts, raw talent, and the will to stand up for what's right... hop-hoop-hooray for Hoops!"
-Scott Magoon, New York Times best-selling illustrator

"The story is delivered with a wonderfully light touch, mirrored by Tavares' soft, inviting illustrations... Although it's technically set in high school, grade school readers will have no problem connecting to the friendship drama or rooting for Judi, her dream, and her epic '70s bowl cut. Highly recommended."
-Booklist







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HOOPS. Illustrations copyright 2023 Matt Tavares. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Inc., Somerville, MA.