136 resources in this collection — customize any of them for your classroom.
Josh shows off his basketball skills and love for the game.
English Language Arts, Novels & Books
Grades 6-8
He introduces himself with energy and confidence.
Josh explains how he earned his unforgettable nickname.
He reflects on how the season begins.
Josh reveals his swagger and rising talent on the court.
He introduces his twin brother, Jordan, and their rivalry.
The boys get hyped on the way to the game.
Josh lists why his long hair matters to him.
Their mom reminds their dad to take better care of his health.
Josh and his dad talk openly about basketball and life.
Josh shares his father’s first rule about playing with respect.
The brothers’ close connection shows on and off the court.
JB’s show-off dunk attempt gets him in trouble.
Josh imagines a flashy sportscaster calling his life.
He narrates his own highlight-worthy plays.
Josh defines what it means to “cross over” in basketball.
He loves the thrill of being the center of attention.
Josh and JB make a bet that will cause tension later.
Josh celebrates his iconic hair.
The bet escalates and adds pressure to their relationship.
A tight game intensifies Josh’s competitive fire.
In the locker room, emotions run high.
JB cuts Josh’s hair in a moment that changes everything.
Josh describes the disaster in dramatic fashion.
Mom insists they eat healthier after too many meals out.
Josh feels like something important is missing in his family.
He discovers a vulnerable moment in his parents’ closet.
Dad’s injury worries the whole family.
After church, the family tries to carry on as usual.
Josh remembers his dad’s second rule of basketball.
Josh becomes curious—and distracted—by girls.
Vondie and JB hang out while Josh feels left out.
Josh notices a beautiful girl who catches everyone’s attention.
Practice leaves Josh tense and frustrated.
He walks home angry after another fight with JB.
Josh’s dad tries to teach him about maturity.
Family dinner brings out their usual rhythms.
After a win, the boys celebrate their victory.
Dad takes them out for doughnuts and repeats an old story.
Josh shares basketball rule number three.
He narrates more plays and big moments.
A new girl at school changes how JB acts.
Josh struggles after missing free throws in a game.
He recalls basketball rule number four.
Josh reflects on the ups and downs of having a strong mother.
His mom shouts warnings about health and limits.
Josh worries about his dad’s blood pressure.
He tries to fall asleep but his mind won’t settle.
Josh explains why Thanksgiving wasn’t the same this year.
He senses trouble brewing between JB and his girlfriend.
Josh gets devastating news that shakes him deeply.
A rough gym class adds to his stress.
He has tense conversations that he doesn’t know how to navigate.
Another difficult conversation leaves him feeling alone.
Josh lists basketball rule number five.
JB begins showing off more than usual.
Josh loses control in a game and pays the price.
Mom confronts him in the kitchen about what’s happening.
A scoreboard moment shows how their team is doing.
Josh plays too aggressively, fueled by anger.
He practices free throws obsessively to calm down.
Josh tries to read his father’s intentions.
Things start to feel painfully ironic in his life.
Josh answers a phone call meant for JB.
He takes JB’s place in a conversation he shouldn’t be part of.
Josh and JB drift further apart.
Josh watches JB act differently around his girlfriend.
Practice feels tense as family pressure builds.
Josh talks to himself in second person, trying to cope.
He feels like a third wheel between JB and the girlfriend.
A tense moment pushes him toward a tipping point.
Josh explains why sleep is impossible.
He reacts with surprise at something unexpected.
Another conversation leaves him uneasy.
Game time approaches and emotions run high.
Josh reflects on how much changes from year to year.
He shares basketball rule number six.
Josh narrates more of the action as things heat up.
He remembers what life was like before everything changed.
He feels the weight of what life is like after.
Josh is suspended and struggles with the consequences.
He describes feeling churlish—angry and childish.
He sums up his difficult week.
Josh shares basketball rule number seven.
He sits in the nosebleed section feeling distant.
Josh watches a fast-break play unfold.
A storm inside him matches the chaos around him.
The next morning begins with heaviness.
He sweats “profusely,” physically and emotionally.
A newspaper article reports shocking news.
Josh learns that almost everyone knows what’s happening now.
A final-jeopardy moment forces him to face truth.
He writes a heartfelt note to Jordan.
Josh admits he doesn’t know what comes next.
Healthy food returns as a necessity, not a choice.
Even Vondie reacts to the changes in JB.
Josh senses something terrible coming.
He runs into his father’s room in panic.
Behind a closed door, a tragedy unfolds.
He feels like JB’s girlfriend stole his brother.
Dinner reveals new truths about family.
Doing the dishes brings Josh some clarity.
The coach gives a pre-game talk that inspires him.
Josh narrates another game with emotion.
Mom sends him worried text messages.
Josh tries to keep it together during the second half.
School prepares to close before Christmas break.
The coach checks on him outside of practice.
He feels estranged from JB and everything familiar.
School lets out but nothing feels normal.
The phone rings with life-changing news.
Josh recalls basketball rule number eight.
He tries to focus when they finally reach the court.
A gym meeting with Dad becomes a cherished memory.
A doctor gives the boys an honest but heartbreaking update.
Josh learns his father had a heart attack.
He whispers “Okay, Dad,” trying to be strong.
Josh finally tells his mom why he’s been so angry.
Vondie sends supportive text messages.
Christmas Eve feels completely different this year.
Santa visits, bringing momentary comfort.
Josh asks heavy questions about life and loss.
He writes a poem for language arts class.
Josh admits he may never get used to grief.
He shares basketball rule number nine.
He walks onto the court for the final game.
Warm-ups feel emotional without his dad.
Mom texts him again, trying to hold him together.
Josh dedicates a moment to his father.
He makes the crucial last shot.
Another newspaper article reports the season’s end.
Josh wonders how to move forward after so much loss.
He feels “starless,” missing his father’s guidance.
He shares basketball rule number ten.
Josh realizes how many friends support him now.
He practices free throws with a new sense of purpose.
