In Shook by Julian Randall (published 2026), basketball star Malik, nicknamed Shake, wins the game but only by breaking his foot. His identity and friendships have always revolved around playing basketball. Who is he without the only game he’s ever played? His story also explores the questions about anxiety and mental health as he comes to terms with his injury.
As a middle school basketball novel starring people of color, Shook was thus a completely foreign book to my history. Reading it was a window into a completely different type of world from my childhood or even my small circle as an adult. But it was so well written. I listened to the audiobook and it was full of poetry. I had to see how the book itself was written, and it was, as I suspected, written in verse. It also had varied type-faces and sizes to emphasize certain words. The author read the book and it was smoothly done.
Although Shook was a short middle grade novel, the stunning character development and gorgeous lyrically writing is memorable and award-worthy. I’m hoping it is recognized for the Newbery Award.
