Boston Ball: Ball Built Her

Big shots start small.

Twelve-year-old Ciara O'Malley doesn't look like a baller. She's quiet, undersized, and new to the neighborhood. But when she laces up her sneakers and steps onto the court, everything changes.

With her grandpa's Celtics stories in her heart and a secondhand ball in her hands, Ciara begins to find her rhythm-on and off the blacktop. Fast breaks replace bad days. Crossovers replace second guesses. And every no-look pass becomes a step toward something bigger.

As the games get tougher and the noise around her grows louder, Ciara has to fight for her spot-against bullies, expectations, and even her own doubts. Now she must decide: Will she shrink back into the shadows-or show Boston exactly what she's built of?

Boston Ball is a story full of sneakers, street courts, heart, and hustle-perfect for fans of The Crossover, New Kid, and Stand Up, Yumi Chung!. Set in the heart of Boston, this illustrated middle grade novel celebrates grit, growth, and finding your voice one bounce at a time.

Boston Ball is part of a growing series that highlights bold kids from cities across the country. Each book features a different story-until their paths start to cross in powerful and surprising ways.

Age Level: 9-12
Grade Level: 4-7
Perfect for: Readers who love basketball, stories of resilience, or underdogs who rise up and change the game.
What readers will discover:
Themes of perseverance, identity, community, and courage make Boston Ball a slam-dunk pick for classrooms, book clubs, or any kid learning to trust their shot.