The Moves Make the Man
Bruce Brooks
1984
Jay, a young African American boy struggling with emotional instability, finds an unlikely connection with Jerome, a white basketball prodigy, through their shared love for the sport. Their budding friendship, however, is tested as Jay's behavioral issues escalate, forcing Jerome to confront the complexities of Jay's mental health and the prejudice they may face. The novel explores themes of race, class, and the profound impact of supportive relationships on navigating childhood emotional challenges.