True Legend- Book Review

    Drew "True" Robinson, a sixteen-year old boy, aspires to become a professional basketball player. He and his mother, Darlene, moved to California from New York to advance his basketball career. Only a junior in high school, and yet he is the best on the Oakley basketball team. If things work out, he will be scouted by the best colleges and after the minimum one year of college play, he'll head to the NBA. Lately Drew hasn't exactly been focused much on his grades, and he is getting some grief about it from his mother and his counsellor. He tries to remind them that college isn't really his goal; it's just a step into his pro career. The temptation of endorsements and perks from his mother's rich boss and scouts is beginning to take Drew's attention away from his game. Late one night Drew heads to his favourite street court at Morrison Park to practice. When he arrives, Drew comes across a street player shooting around. The guy was quite old, but he has great skills. Drew watches him unnoticed, and after seeing him a second time, he attempts to find out who the mystery player is. It turns out he was a legend years ago, by the name of Donald, but poor decisions ruined his chances to turn pro. When Drew finally does meet him, he realizes they have a lot in common. This realization might be just what Drew needs to get back on track. Hopefully, it's not too late.


Drew has everything going easy for him, but throughout the story he realizes that all the fame and glory might be distracting him from his basketball. When Drew too begins to make mistakes on the court, he seeks out Donald for help. He reminds Drew to focus on his game and to not let all the fame get to his head.

   Mike Lupica's novel, "True Legend," teaches young people to make good and informed decisions in life. We as young teenagers, have a lack of experience of life, so it's best we take advice from our elders. The clear message here is that young athletes should not let fame go to their heads, a case made so well by the story that Drew's continued arrogance and poor decision-making is sometimes difficult to believe. Author Mike Lupica focuses not only on the game of basketball, but also on the mind of the athlete in True Legend.
This story teaches young athletes that all the fame and attention can quickly ruin their dreams of becoming a professional, no matter how good you are. I think that using the old legend, Donald, in this story is a great way to express the message that Mike Lupica wants to get across to young athletes.

Main Characters

Drew (True) Robinson
"Donald" (Old basketball legend)
Darlene Robinson (Drew's mother)
Seth Gilbert (Darlene's boss/Drew's manager)
Lee Atkins (Drew's best friend, on the Oakley basketball team)

    I think the best part of the story was when Drew went and followed the legend basketball player, "Donald". I think this was the best part because this is where things got interesting. I couldn't wait to find out who the mystery player was.
    It was after the game, when Oakley had lost to Conejo, Drew was angry with himself. Drew was very upset after the loss, and frustrated with himself because he didn't make good decisions on the court. He quickly walked out of the school, and there across the street was Donald. Drew is a very curious young man, so of course he decided to follow him. He was eager to find out who the guy was, once and for all. Finally, after reaching downtown, Donald walked into an old residence hotel. Drew walked into the hotel and hung back for a few minutes until there was no one around. After that, he found out which room Donald was in, and then came up to his door. He knocked on the door. Donald opened the door and said, "You followed me." Drew told him he wanted to know who he really is.
Donald told him his full name, "Urban Donald Sellers."
   This part surprised me, and it got me really interested. To understand this part of the story, you have to have read the whole story, otherwise it wouldn't make sense. Now, to people who haven't read this story, let me tell you briefly why this part is so interesting. Earlier in the story, Drew talks about the old legend Urban Sellers with his friend Lee. (This was before Drew met Donald) According to the research on the legend that Drew and his friend did, Urban Sellers dies years ago in a tragic accident. Therefore, that is why I was so surprised when I heard that the legend was still alive.

All throughout this story, there were no bad parts. I think the author did a great job of making every part important. "True Legend" is one of the best novels I've ever read.

In my opinion, "True Legend" is a fantastic novel. Mike Lupica's vivid description of the characters, especially of Drew, adds texture to the story. This allows readers to ingage into the story. Not only that, but readers are able to view the story from Drew's perspective too. True Legend is a very inspiring story, and it teaches children, especially young athletes, a very important lesson. The message that Mike Lupica wants to get across to us, is obvious. It's telling us to make good and informed decisions in life in order to reach success. I would recommend this novel to young athletes in the ages of 12-18.
                                                                                                                            Mike Lupica
True Legend by Mike Lupica is a great story. I would rate this novel a 9/10.