Thirteen-year-old Lamar Washington is the maddest, baddest bowler at Striker’s Bowling Paradise. But while Lamar’s a whiz at rolling strikes, he always strikes out with girls. And Lamar’s brother, Xavier the Basketball Savior, is no help. Xavier earns trophy after trophy on the basketball court and soaks up Dad’s attention, leaving no room for Lamar’s problems.

Until bad boy Billy Jenks convinces Lamar that hustling will help him win his dream girl, plus earn him enough money to buy an expensive pro ball and impress bowler Bubba Sanders. But when one of Billy’s schemes goes awry, Lamar ends up damaging every relationship in his life. Can Lamar figure out how to mend his broken ties, no matter what the cost?

This debut novel from Crystal Allen heralds the arrival of a fresh new voice in middle grade fiction.