Bricktown Boys by Pete Fanning

An inspiring book for early teens.

Bricktown Boys is a highly relatable story about a pre-teen boy named Sam who wants to get his football team started more than he wants to study for his math exams. Sam’s mom seems to be on an endless loop of lowlife boyfriends and bad choices. As an escape and a point of stability, Sam spends a lot of time with an elderly neighbor. In a humorous turn of events, this sweet older lady ends up coaching Sam’s newly formed football team, naming them The Bricktown Gospel. Besides the humiliating name, the bible lessons during practice, and a female player and coach, Sam’s team has a boatload of derision and racism to contend with. Will their common love of football be enough to keep the Gospel from falling apart?

Pete Fanning has truly hit his stride with this well rounded sports-centric book for young readers. For those that lived through the late 80s, this book will feel nostalgic with all the awesome mix tapes and Slurpee cups. Youths may find it trippy to read a story embellished with windbreaker pants and battery powered boomboxes. Somber real life issues, such as racism, poverty, neglect and abuse, are handled in a straightforward way that is not sugar-coated. Viewing the first hand effects from Sam’s vulnerable vantage makes for a compelling read, meant to stir questions within. All the while, there are positive messages subtly steering the narrative, keeping the story from becoming too dark or hopeless. Ever ready with a lesson or a scripture, Mrs. Coleman is one of the best supporting characters I’ve read in a while. Infused with humor and heart, Bricktown Boys is an inspiring book for early teens that packs more than a few punches! 

Amazon

Amazon