The Ryming Season, by Edward Averett

The Rhyming Season, by Edward Averett, reviewed by Angela Barris, Claytor Library
(Clarion Books, 2006, $16.00, 214 Pages)



Basketball fans know all about March Madness, the high spirited competition for tournament trophies and bragging rights. Edward Averett writes about a unique high school girl’s basketball team in his book the Rhyming Season (Clarion Books, 2006, $16.00, 214 Pages). Brenda Jackson’s brother died in a car accident and her parents are struggling to accept his death. Brenda’s dad is reluctant to see her as the skilled basketball player she is because her brother, Bennie, was the star of the boy’s basketball team. A new coach is assigned to the girl’s team; his offbeat philosophy has team members reciting poetry as they play. The team begins to doubt their dream of winning the state basketball championship. After some initial fumbling, the girls find their team rhythm through poetic rhyme. Brenda and her teammates must decide about their futures: either stay in the security of their small town, or, accept collage scholarships that will take them away. This book will appeal to readers who may identify with Brenda’s determination and self-discovery.