Publisher's Weekly Review
Set in the 1970s after the minting of Title IX, this feminist graphic novel, inspired by Indiana basketball player Judi Warren, follows fictional high schooler Judi Wilson, who dreams of scoring the winning basket during a championship game. But there are no girls' athletics teams at Judi's high school, so she sets aside her court desires to become a cheerleader. When her school starts a girls' basketball team, dubbed the Lady Bears, she's overjoyed to play, but her team faces many challenges, including being required to practice at the elementary school and make their own jerseys. Teammate Lisa points out that the boys' team suffers none of these indignities, and, together with Judi and another teammate, speaks out. The athletic director tells them, "When you can fill the gym, you can share it" with the boys' team. Determined to prove themselves, the girls slowly build a winning streak, setting themselves up for success despite their disadvantages. Set against snowy, ambient Midwestern backgrounds peopled by friendly faced characters portrayed with varying skin tones, Tavares (Dasher) gently relays lessons about equality and activism alongside themes of friendship and fitting in, offering an approachable, motivational entry point into Title IX's effect on sports history. Ages 8--12. (Mar.)
Booklist Review
Tavares' debut graphic novel is a historical fiction inspired by true events, following a girls' high-school basketball team in Wilkins, Indiana, as they defy expectations on their way to a state championship. Judi always dreamed of being a basketball star, though her best friend assumes they'll be star cheerleaders instead. When, thanks to Title IX, the school announces a new girls' basketball team, Judi jumps at the chance. We follow the team as they find early success despite the lack of support from their school, and the tension comes less from their on-court competitions--which are brief but nonetheless enjoyable--and more from the question of whether or not they'll change the patriarchal perspectives of their peers and administrators. The story is delivered with a wonderfully light touch, mirrored by Tavares' soft, inviting illustrations and their simplified features; clean, bold linework; and solid color fills. 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.