Dragon Hoops

1. Bibliography

Yang, Gene Luen. 2020. Dragon Hoops. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781626720794

2. Plot Summary

Gene was never good at basketball when he was a child. As an adult, he doesn't have much interest in basketball still. At Bishop O'Dowd, however, the high school that he teaches at, basketball is all that anyone talks about in the hallways. After talking with Coach Lou and meeting the all-star basketball team, Gene's life changes as he follows the Dragons' journey to the California State Championship.

3. Critical Analysis

Yang would have never thought to write a book about basketball, a sport he had no interest in. The Dragons sucked him into the world of basketball in a way that excited him and had him on the edge of his seat. The Dragons were hoping to finally win the California State Championship after eight years of never winning, and Yang was along for the ride on the road to the State Championship, to play under all of those bright lights. The growing excitement in Yang's voice attracts the reader and has them on the edge of their seat, almost as if they were in the bleachers watching the Dragons win and lose against their various competitors. 

The simple, yet vibrant cartoonist art style lends its hand to the action scenes of the basketball games and to the team's character designs. Jeevin himself wanted to make sure his hairline looked nice, and Yang showed the different hairlines that he was working with for Jeevin. Yang even details the origins of the sport, from James Naismith creating the sport to Senda Berenson adapting the rules for women to play as well. From the swish! of the basketball through the net to the smack! of the steals, Yang masterfully creates a graphic novel that lovers and non-lovers of the sport of basketball would enjoy. 

4. Review Excerpt(s)

2020 Michael L. Printz Honor Book
From Publishers Weekly: "Yang has crafted a triumphant, telescopic graphic memoir that explores the effects of legacy and the power of taking a single first step, no matter the outcome."
From School Library Journal: "Another standout showing from Yang, this title will have even sports haters on their feet cheering."

5. Connections

Students can watch some highlight reels from some of the great NBA stars mentioned in the novel, such as Magic Johnson and Ben Simmons.
Enjoy Gene Luen Yang's other graphic novel:

• American Born Chinese. ISBN 9781250811899