They Would Never be Friends by Lawrence Walsh, Suella Walsh

Basketball! Making the starting team had been Amy and Kim’s dream since they became friends back in second grade. But Amy had broken her arm, and now Kim had to make the dream come true for both of them.

In the freshman melting-pot of girls eager to make the team were the girls from the elite Belvedere School, private and suburban. They were known as the “group,” good-looking, take-charge types, led by the beautiful, confident, and bossy blonde, Hillary. Robin, new in town, also stood out. She had an incredibly high I.Q. and zero clothes savvy. But she could play basketball!

Amy coaches Kim and Robin as they compete with the others for starting positions. Personalities are displayed as friendships grow, as boys and clothing and make-up tips are discussed, and as hopes and secrets are shared. It is certain that Hillary and Kim will never be friends. Hillary is determined to hold onto her starting spot. Kim is equally determined to show her own worth. Their sportswomanship and placement of team above self is brought about by rivalry with Baxter, a strong-arm team that brags about its victories. As a matter of team-esteem, Baxter had to be beaten. With Robin’s help, the girls meet the challenge and win the game.

The reader is treated to some wonderful insights about girls’ sports teams. Yes, personalities are important, and yes, teenage girls will be teenage girls. But practicing plays and moves to perfect them is what serious, sports-minded athletes are about. The book also dispels the misconception that fans often have of team members. Winning teammates do not have to be buddies off the court.

Lawrence and Suella Walsh have been teachers and judges of writing. They are members of SCBWI and the Missouri Writers Guild.