ON THE LINE by Paul Coccia and Eric Walters

 

I always find co-authored books fascinating to read. ON THE LINE may have two authors, but it flows seamlessly from start to finish. It appears that each author contributed his area of expertise to blend sports, family drama, and LGBTQ+.

Jordan is nervous about upcoming basketball tryouts. He is fairly certain he will make the team, but he doesn't want to get too cocky. His parents have been fighting a lot lately, too, which adds to his nervousness.

Tryouts go well and Jordan is made co-captain along with his best friend Junior and Aaron, the brother of a girl who also tries out for and makes the boys' team. Who would have ever thought he would be playing alongside a girl? Not just any girl either. Tammy is a girl Jordan has been crushing on for a while.

At first things are going well. The team is winning games and Jordan dances with Tammy and even kisses her. As far as his parents fighting, that has ended in a separation. His father moves out and into a small apartment above a friend's garage. Just as Jordan is adjusting to the change, his father announces he is gay. How could that be? Why didn't Jordan know?

Authors Paul Coccia and Eric Walters new novel ON THE LINE has a little something for everyone. The interaction between realistic middle school characters facing problems at school and at home provides plenty of relatable material for readers.