Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

 

Ratings Explanation

Sexual Content:  There is a kiss (smooch) mentioned between a basketball player and his girlfriend. A basketball player had premarital sex with his girlfriend.

Adult Themes: T.J. (Jimmer’s brother) deals with a difficult illness and shares his feelings through the lyrics of his songs. Jimmer plays basketball with prisoners. Race is discussed in regards to the NBA. Religion, in particular the Mormon religion is mentioned with a basic explanation of beliefs. Jimmer’s father tells of some mischievous deeds from his own childhood in upstate New York involving fire, throwing rocks and sneaking into the drive in.

Synopsis

A contract was made in 2007 by Jimmer Fredette and witnessed by his brother T.J., “to do the work and make the necessary sacrifices to be able to reach my ultimate goal of playing in the NBA.” This is an inspiring story of a young man from Glens Falls in upstate New York who has dedicated his life to the game of basketball. From the time he was a little boy following his older brother T.J. around to his phenomenal basketball career at Brigham Young University, Jimmer has shown remarkable determination and hard work in giving his all when it came to the sport he loves best. His accomplishments include being the leading scorer in all of NCAA Division I basketball during his senior year, winning the Wooden Award, the Naismith Award, the Adolph Rupp Trophy, and the Oscar Robertson Trophy. His dreams were realized as he was drafted into the NBA to play basketball for the Sacramento Kings in June 2011. Through it all his success would not be complete without the bond he shares with his brother T.J. and the constant support of his family.

I bought this book with the intention of reading it with my fourteen-year-old son because I find stories of people who have made great accomplishments to be inspiring and motivating. This book did not disappoint. The relationship between Jimmer and his brother T.J. is priceless. Not only has Jimmer worked hard to accomplish his goals, but a portion of his success is due to the love and support of his family. It makes you wonder what we can all achieve with that kind of effort and support. This book would be great for anyone, but in particular middle school to high school age youth would enjoy it.