Airball: My Life in Briefs by L.D. Harkrader

Harkrader, L.D. (2005). Airball: My Life in Briefs. New Milford, Connecticut: Roaring Book Press.

Plot Summary: Kirby Nickel decides to try out for the 7th grade basketball team after learning that they will be meeting the famous Brett McGrew, when Kansas State retires McGrew’s number. The 7th grade team has been invited to participate in their half time show as McGrew had grown up and was discovered in the small town of Stuckey, Kansas. Kirby believes that not only is McGrew the greatest player ever, but also his long lost father. Kirby, along with his cousin Bragger search for clues that they can compile to show McGrew when the meet him at the end of the year.

However all looks like it may come tumbling down when the school principle threatens to pull the plug on allowing the 7th grade team to meet him if they do not have a winning record. Coach Armstrong decides to make the boys practice in their underwear. As a result the boys start to act more like a team, and they begin to work together and all become friends. In the middle of the first game however the boys realize that not only should they practice in their underwear, but they would play better during games if they played in their briefs. Surprisingly this works, and it catches on throughout the nation. The team goes undefeated throughout the season. When they get set to meet up with the famous Brett McGrew, Kirby discovers that McGrew is not his father, but Coach Armstrong is.

Genre: Humorous-fiction

Suggested Age Range: 9-14 years

Subjects/themes: Basketball; Fathers

Awards:
• Junior Library Guild Selection
• Kansas Notable Books
• Thorp Menn Award Finalist
• Friends of American Writers
• Juvenile Literary Award

Reviews:
• Booklist, 2005
• School Library Journal, 2005
• William Allen White Book Review, August 2008
• Publisher’s Weekly, October 2005

Character List:.
• Kirby Nickel: Main character, 7th grader
• Bragger: Kirby’s cousin and coconspirator
• Coach Mike Armstrong: 7th grade basketball coach, and later discovered as Kirby’s father
• Brett McGrew: Famous basketball player, former Stuckey resident
• Duncan: Boy on the 7th grade basketball team
• Eddie: Boy on the 7th grade basketball team
• Russell: Boy on the 7th grade basketball team

High-interest Annotation: Enjoyable book that shows what funny conclusions boys will come up with, but with a serious sideline story that keeps readers entertained. Memorable line from the book: “You’re the smartest kid in Stuckey and I am the most willing to make a complete fool of myself. That’s a powerful combination, Kirby. Together, nobody can stop us.” (Bragger)