Thirteen-year-old basketball star Jordan Ryker feels like his life is falling apart.
All Jordie wanted was for his parents to stop fighting. Soon, he gets his wish. His parents separate and then his dad announces he’s gay. Shocked, Jordie struggles with how to process all this. His dad taught him everything he knows about basketball, and there’s an important championship game coming up. He needs him more than ever. But Jordie feels like his dad has abandoned his family. He doesn’t want anything to do with him now and he definitely doesn't want to meet his dad’s new boyfriend. It takes a new girl with wicked basketball skills and a revelation from his best friend to help Jordie realize that while some things change, other things never do.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
“On the Line navigates emotionally charged themes with compassion and honesty. The dynamic basketball setting will appeal to its middle-grade audience along with its cast of well-drawn and endearing characters. A touching and refreshing story of a young teen learning what it means to love unconditionally.”
“On The Line is a heartwarming story about a 13-year-old boy named Jordan, who is put in a situation that requires great maturation. Jordan’s growth involves navigating around new obstacles surrounding homophobia, sexism and masculinity. Through all of the pain Jordan experiences, basketball is the guiding light that offers support when needed and catalyzes him to reflect when he’s ready. Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the book is the relationships between characters and how they develop. The friendships are immensely powerful and act as a great example of what to strive for. This story brought tears to my eyes because I can relate to how sport has the ability to be the space where one feels comfortable when everything around them seems to be falling apart. I was also really impacted by seeing the reality of how one’s actions have a ripple effect on those around them, including how quickly word can spread throughout a community. A must-read for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community, allies, athletes or anyone with a beating heart!”