Boston Ball: Ball Built Her

By Gregory E Lilien

Big shots start small.

Twelve-year-old Ciara O'Malley doesn't look like a baller. She's quiet, undersized, and new to the neighborhood. But when she laces up her sneakers and steps onto the court, everything changes.

With her grandpa's Celtics stories in her heart and a secondhand ball in her hands, Ciara begins to find her rhythm-on and off the blacktop. Fast breaks replace bad days. Crossovers replace second guesses. And every no-look pass becomes a step toward something bigger.

As the games get tougher and the noise around her grows louder, Ciara has to fight for her spot-against bullies, expectations, and even her own doubts. Now she must decide: Will she shrink back into the shadows-or show Boston exactly what she's built of?

Boston Ball is a story full of sneakers, street courts, heart, and hustle-perfect for fans of The Crossover, New Kid, and Stand Up, Yumi Chung . Set in the heart of Boston, this illustrated middle grade novel celebrates grit, growth, and finding your voice one bounce at a time.

Boston Ball is part of a growing series that highlights bold kids from cities across the country. Each book features a different story-until their paths start to cross in powerful and surprising ways.

Age Level: 9-12
Grade Level: 4-7
Perfect for: Readers who love basketball, stories of resilience, or underdogs who rise up and change the game.
What readers will discover:
Themes of perseverance, identity, community, and courage make Boston Ball a slam-dunk pick for classrooms, book clubs, or any kid learning to trust their shot.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F748BHFN
• ISBN13: 9798282007206
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 106 Pages
• Weight: 0.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.5" x 8.5"