PHIL CANALIN at Books Inc. Alameda

About the Book: Kelsey Chinn and her BFFs are elated to make the freshman girls basketball team for legendary Westside High. Then COVID-19 and a bullying old coach cancel their dreams of playing in their first Warrior hoops season. The girls are stunned when they are abruptly dismissed with zero chance to compete, but don't ever say 'No way' to these teammates.

They refine their game on the only court available – the Chinn's DIY driveway hoop – and when the virus suddenly strikes down the Varsity squad, an improbable opportunity emerges. To run with it, the teammates will have to brace against the pandemic, support a grieving friend, struggle with a conceited older teammate, and stand together against the abusive coach and Westside's arch-nemesis.

Wielding high basketball IQs, trust and friendship, plus a touch of hoops magic, the young BFFs morph into an uncanny, mystical basketball team beyond words -- literally. Will it be enough to soar to the school's rescue? An epic fail seems certain but...c'mon, this one's for the Gods of Hoop! Bring it on!

Phil Canalin, the second youngest of eight children, was born and raised in Alameda, CA, before moving to Benicia, CA in 2022. He resides there with Sue, his high-school sweetheart and wife of forty-four years. His love for fiction books was sparked by his 5th Grade teacher, Ms. Tarantino, backed by trips to the neighborhood library with his mother -- perhaps a simple excuse to get him and other family members out of the house. Phil’s passion for sports -- especially basketball -- fishing, music, camping, Sue, food, hanging out at Longfellow Park, family, kids, grandkids, and all things fun have never interfered with his reading time. His first writing of note was a homework assignment in the 5th Grade following a field trip to SF’s Golden Gate Park, when Phil turned in a seven-page mystery story on location, featuring many of his classmates and read to the entire grade. Besides writing and his many Life-Loves, Phil maintains his quirky collection of books -- adult, YA, MG, children’s -- comic books and graphic novels. He finally put up his new basketball hoop…on his driveway, of course.

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Host or Publisher Books Inc.