Boost by Kathy MacKel, book cover

Boost Summary

by Kathy MacKel

4.04 Goodreads · 1k ratingsChildren's248 pages16-min summary

A thirteen-year-old basketball player and her cheerleading sister face a moral challenge when steroids appear, forcing them to confront the real cost of 'boosting' their game and the integrity of their competitive world.

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Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Thirteen-year-old Savvy wants to be a basketball star, but she lacks the physical strength to dominate the court. Her older sister, Callie, a freshman varsity cheerleader, struggles to maintain her 'flier' position because of her weight. Both girls feel pressure to improve their performance. Their lives change when a mysterious vial of steroids is found in Savvy's gym bag. Savvy denies owning it, but accusations quickly spread, causing division and mistrust in their family and community. As rumors damage reputations, Callie faces a difficult choice about her cheerleading goals, while Savvy searches for the truth behind the steroids. A confession eventually reveals the person responsible, leading to a painful reconciliation and a reckoning with the consequences. Ultimately, the sisters learn about integrity, family, and what success means, moving forward with a better understanding of the pressures and ethical problems in competitive sports.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Realistic, Tense, Thought-provoking, Hopeful
Read it if
You enjoy stories about sibling relationships, sports ethics, and the pressures faced by young athletes, particularly in a middle-grade or young adult context.
Skip it if
You prefer fantasy or sci-fi, or are looking for a book without significant family drama or sports-related conflict.

Boost Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. The Basketball Dream and Cheerleading Ambition

    Thirteen-year-old Savvy, a six-foot-two eighth-grader, has raw basketball talent and a strong three-point shot. But her thin build makes her vulnerable to aggressive players, often keeping her on the bench for her middle school team. Her older sister, Callie, a freshman, wants to be a flyer on the high school varsity cheerleading squad, a position that requires extreme lightness and agility, which she struggles with. Their father, a former college basketball player, is very supportive, often pushing Savvy to practice. Their mother, a nurse, is more concerned with their overall health. Both girls feel pressure to do well and get more playing time, setting the stage for their individual challenges.

  2. The Mysterious Vial in the Gym Bag

    During a locker room check at school, a small, unlabeled vial with a clear liquid is found in Savvy's gym bag. Coach Albright, her basketball coach, immediately recognizes it as a performance-enhancing drug, likely steroids. Savvy is shocked and strongly denies owning it, saying she has never seen it before. The school administration, including Principal Davies, is told, and a formal investigation begins. Savvy is suspended from the team until the outcome, and the incident clouds her reputation and basketball future. Her parents are called in, and while her father initially disbelieves, the seriousness of the situation quickly becomes clear.

  3. Family Turmoil and Accusations

    The discovery of the steroids causes great conflict in Savvy's family. Her father, though supportive, struggles to accept the accusation against his daughter. Her mother, worried about Savvy's health and emotional state, tries to be calming. Callie, at first doubtful, begins to question Savvy's innocence, especially as the pressure grows for her own cheerleading goals. Savvy feels alone and betrayed, trying to understand who would frame her and why. The family home, usually a place of athletic encouragement, becomes a center of suspicion and unspoken accusations, affecting everyone's daily lives.

  4. Callie's Cheerleading Dilemma

    Meanwhile, Callie's cheerleading journey becomes harder. Coach Evans, the high school cheerleading coach, makes it clear that Callie's weight prevents her from becoming a flyer. She constantly reminds Callie that she needs to be lighter to be safely lifted and thrown. This pressure leads Callie to extreme dieting and over-exercising, often skipping meals and pushing herself to exhaustion. She feels the weight of expectations from her coach, her teammates, and herself, desperate to prove her worth and get the flyer position, which she believes is her only way to recognition and belonging.

  5. The Search for Answers

    Determined to clear her name, Savvy, with the help of her best friend, Maya, starts her own investigation. They review the events leading up to the discovery, trying to remember anyone who might have had access to her gym bag or a reason to target her. Savvy considers rivals on her team, or even someone from another school. Maya, a loyal and observant friend, helps Savvy connect clues, offering emotional support and a sounding board for her frustrations. Their detective work is slow and frustrating, but it gives Savvy a sense of control in a situation where she feels powerless.

  6. Whispers and Reputation Damage

    News of Savvy's suspension and the steroid accusation quickly spreads throughout the school. She becomes the subject of whispers, side glances, and exclusion from some of her peers and even former teammates. Her reputation, once defined by her basketball talent, is now stained by suspicion. Savvy struggles with the emotional toll of being publicly accused and judged, feeling isolated and misunderstood. Even though she says she is innocent, the doubt makes it hard for her to engage with her usual social circle, further increasing her loneliness and sense of injustice.

  7. Callie's Desperation and a Risky Choice

    Callie's desperation to become a flyer grows. She sees the success of other, lighter cheerleaders and feels increasingly inadequate. Overhearing talks about performance enhancers and quick fixes, she starts to research ways to speed up her weight loss. Driven by her ambition and the constant pressure from Coach Evans, Callie makes a dangerous decision. She finds information about a substance, similar to what was found in Savvy's bag, that promises to boost metabolism and help with rapid weight loss, seeing it as her only option to achieve her cheerleading dream.

  8. A Confession and the Truth Revealed

    Overwhelmed by guilt and the growing tension at home, Callie finally breaks down and tells the truth to her parents and Savvy. She tearfully admits that she placed the vial in Savvy's gym bag. Callie explains that she found the steroids, which belonged to a high school athlete she knew, and, in a moment of panic and desperation about her own weight for cheerleading, she considered using them herself. Frightened by the possible consequences and wanting to get rid of them, she impulsively hid them in Savvy's bag, not fully understanding the serious implications of her actions.

  9. Reconciliation and Consequences

    Callie's confession brings both relief and renewed pain to the family. Savvy, though hurt by her sister's betrayal, is also relieved to finally clear her name. The sisters begin the difficult process of reconciling, supported by their parents. Callie faces immediate consequences at school, including suspension from the cheerleading squad and required counseling. The incident forces both girls to confront the intense pressures of competitive sports and the dangers of seeking shortcuts. The family commits to open communication and supporting each other through their individual challenges.

  10. Moving Forward: Lessons Learned

    With the truth revealed, Savvy's suspension is lifted, and she is back on her basketball team. She returns to the court with a new sense of purpose, understanding that true success comes from hard work and honesty. Callie, though no longer on the cheerleading squad, begins to address her body image issues and the underlying pressures that led to her desperate act. Both sisters, having gone through a traumatic experience, emerge with a better understanding of honesty, the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs, and what support and family truly mean. They learn that their worth is not just defined by their athletic achievements.

Principal Figures

Savvy

Protagonist

A talented but lanky middle school basketball player falsely accused of steroid use.

Thirteen-year-old Savvy is an exceptionally tall and naturally gifted basketball player, known for her deadly three-point shot. Despite her talent, her lanky frame makes her feel physically outmatched by more aggressive players, leading to frustrations about her bench time. She is fiercely dedicated to basketball and dreams of playing at a higher level. Savvy is initially trusting and innocent, but the false accusation of steroid use forces her to become resilient, investigative, and more aware of the complexities of human behavior and competitive pressure.

Relationships: Callie (Younger sister, initially competitive, then betrayed, eventually reconciled and understanding.); Maya (Best friend and loyal supporter.); Mr. & Mrs. (Parents) (Supportive but initially conflicted parents.)

Callie

Antagonist/Supporting

Savvy's older sister, a high school freshman cheerleader struggling with body image and competitive pressure.

Callie is a high school freshman cheerleader with a strong desire to be a flyer, a position that demands extreme lightness. She struggles with body image issues and feels immense pressure from her coach and peers to lose weight. Her ambition and insecurity lead her to make a desperate and misguided decision, culminating in her planting steroids in Savvy's bag. Callie is complex, driven by a desire for acceptance and recognition, but ultimately realizes the destructive nature of her choices. She represents the darker side of competitive pressure.

Relationships: Savvy (Older sister, initially competitive, then guilt-ridden, eventually seeking reconciliation.); Coach Evans (Her cheerleading coach, a source of intense pressure.); Mr. & Mrs. (Parents) (Parents who are initially unaware of her struggles, then supportive in her recovery.)

Maya

Supporting

Savvy's loyal best friend who helps her navigate the accusations.

Maya is Savvy's unwavering best friend. She is observant, supportive, and practical, offering a grounded perspective when Savvy is reeling from the accusations. Maya believes in Savvy's innocence from the start and actively helps her investigate who might have planted the steroids. She provides emotional support, a listening ear, and a sense of normalcy during a tumultuous time for Savvy. Maya represents true friendship and loyalty, helping Savvy not feel completely isolated.

Relationships: Savvy (Best friend, loyal and supportive.)

Mr. (Father)

Supporting

Savvy and Callie's father, a former athlete who puts pressure on his daughters to succeed.

Savvy and Callie's father is a former college basketball player who is intensely invested in his daughters' athletic success. He is often seen encouraging Savvy to practice and pushing her to improve, sometimes to the point of creating undue pressure. He is initially disbelieving of the steroid accusation against Savvy but quickly becomes concerned. His character highlights the fine line between supportive parenting and pushing children too hard in competitive sports. He learns to balance his aspirations for his daughters with their emotional well-being.

Relationships: Savvy (Father, initially pushing for athletic success, then supportive through crisis.); Callie (Father, initially unaware of her extreme struggles, then supportive in her recovery.); Mrs. (Mother) (Husband, sharing parenting responsibilities but with different approaches.)

Mrs. (Mother)

Supporting

Savvy and Callie's mother, a nurse who prioritizes her daughters' health and well-being.

Savvy and Callie's mother is a nurse who is more grounded and concerned with her daughters' overall health and emotional well-being than their athletic achievements. She often acts as a mediator in the family, trying to soothe tensions and provide a calming influence. When the steroid accusation arises, she is deeply concerned for Savvy's future and health. She is instrumental in facilitating communication and healing within the family after Callie's confession, always prioritizing open dialogue and emotional support.

Relationships: Savvy (Mother, supportive and concerned for her well-being.); Callie (Mother, supportive and instrumental in her recovery.); Mr. (Father) (Wife, sharing parenting responsibilities but with different approaches.)

Coach Albright

Supporting

Savvy's middle school basketball coach.

Coach Albright is Savvy's basketball coach. She is responsible for identifying the steroids in Savvy's bag and initiating the school's investigation. While she is fair and follows protocol, her actions set the initial conflict in motion. She represents the authority figure who must uphold rules and integrity in sports, even when it involves difficult decisions about her players. She ultimately reinstates Savvy to the team once the truth is revealed.

Relationships: Savvy (Basketball coach, initially suspending, then reinstating.)

Coach Evans

Supporting

Callie's high school cheerleading coach.

Coach Evans is Callie's high school cheerleading coach. She places significant emphasis on the physical requirements for cheerleading, particularly weight for flyers. Her direct comments about Callie needing to be lighter contribute to Callie's insecurity and desperation. While her intentions are likely to ensure safety and performance, her communication style inadvertently fuels Callie's unhealthy pursuit of weight loss, highlighting the pressures in competitive cheerleading.

Relationships: Callie (Cheerleading coach, a source of pressure regarding weight and performance.)

Themes & Insights

The Pressure of Competitive Sports

The novel clearly shows the immense pressure young athletes face to excel and make the team. Savvy feels pressure from her father and her own desire to play, while Callie experiences intense pressure from her cheerleading coach and the physical demands of her sport, leading to unhealthy body image issues. This theme appears in Callie's desperate actions to lose weight and Savvy's constant effort to prove her worth on the court, showing how these pressures can lead to unethical choices and personal distress.

“Everyone wanted a boost. Not just to be better, but to be the best. To be noticed. To be picked.”
Narrator

Integrity vs. Shortcuts

A central theme is the moral choice between achieving success through hard work and integrity versus using shortcuts, like performance-enhancing drugs. Savvy's false accusation forces her to confront this choice, while Callie's actions directly show the temptation and consequences of seeking an easy way out. The story emphasizes that real victory is not just about winning, but how one achieves it. Callie's confession and subsequent consequences reinforce that shortcuts ultimately lead to bigger problems and erode trust.

“There's no shortcut to being good, Savvy. Just hard work. Always.”
Savvy's Father

Family Relationships and Trust

The steroid accusation severely tests the trust within Savvy's family. The initial suspicion, betrayal, and eventual reconciliation between Savvy and Callie form the emotional core of the story. It explores how a crisis can reveal hidden tensions and force family members to face difficult truths about each other and themselves. The parents' struggle to support both daughters, and the eventual coming together after Callie's confession, highlight the importance of communication, forgiveness, and unconditional love in overcoming difficulty.

“How could she trust her own sister after this? The betrayal cut deeper than any loss on the court.”
Narrator

Body Image and Self-Worth

This theme is mainly explored through Callie's character, showing how external pressures damage a young person's body image and self-worth. Callie's desire to be a flyer makes her believe her body is inadequate, pushing her toward unhealthy dieting and considering steroids. The story suggests that true self-worth comes from within, not from achieving a specific body type or athletic position. Her journey emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and healthy practices over dangerous quick fixes driven by external approval.

“She just wanted to be light enough. To be perfect enough. To be wanted.”
Narrator about Callie

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Red Herring

The initial focus on Savvy as the steroid user misdirects the reader.

The discovery of steroids in Savvy's gym bag immediately establishes her as the prime suspect, leading the reader to believe she might be involved or that a rival framed her. This misdirection serves to heighten the mystery and suspense, as the audience, like Savvy, struggles to understand who would do this. It keeps the true culprit, Callie, hidden until her confession, making the revelation more impactful and unexpected. The red herring effectively builds dramatic tension and allows for the exploration of Savvy's struggle with false accusation.

Parallel Journeys

Savvy and Callie's individual struggles mirror and intertwine.

The narrative follows both Savvy's basketball aspirations and Callie's cheerleading ambitions simultaneously. Both sisters face intense pressure to 'boost' their performance, albeit in different sports. While Savvy is trying to improve her game, Callie is trying to lose weight for her position. These parallel journeys highlight the pervasive nature of competitive pressure in youth sports and eventually converge when Callie's desperation leads to her actions against Savvy. This device allows for a broader exploration of the novel's themes from two distinct, yet interconnected, perspectives.

The MacGuffin (The Vial of Steroids)

The vial serves as the central object driving the plot's conflict.

The vial of steroids itself acts as a MacGuffin. While its contents are crucial to the plot (being performance-enhancing drugs), its true significance lies in being the catalyst for the entire conflict: Savvy's accusation, the family's turmoil, and Callie's eventual confession. The story isn't primarily about the chemical properties of the steroids, but about the dramatic events, moral dilemmas, and character development that stem from its discovery and the subsequent investigation. It initiates the central mystery and propels the narrative forward.

Boost Quotes

“The wind was a playful puppy, nipping at my hair and trying to snatch my hat.”
Describing the weather on a day of outdoor adventure.
“Sometimes, the biggest leaps are the ones you take inside your own head.”
A character contemplating a difficult decision.
“A secret shared is a burden halved, and a joy doubled.”
Two friends confiding in each other.
“The best way to find your way in the dark is to make your own light.”
A character facing a challenging situation without clear guidance.
“Even the smallest spark can ignite the biggest change.”
Reflecting on how minor actions can have significant consequences.
“Fear is just excitement without a map.”
A mentor character offering advice to a nervous protaganist.
“Our mistakes don't define us; how we learn from them does.”
After a character makes an error.
“The world isn't always fair, but it's always worth fighting for.”
A character expressing determination in the face of injustice.
“Home isn't a place, it's the people who make you feel safe.”
A character finding comfort and belonging.
“Imagination is the only limit to what you can achieve.”
Encouraging a character to dream big.
“Sometimes you have to get lost to find a better path.”
A character reflecting on an unexpected detour.
“Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
Emphasizing the importance of empathy.
“The greatest adventures are often found just outside your comfort zone.”
A character deciding to try something new and daunting.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is Savvy's primary sport and her key skill within it?

    1. Soccer, known for her powerful kicks.
    2. Basketball, known for her deadly three-point shot.
    3. Volleyball, known for her strong serves.
    4. Track and field, known for her speed in sprints.
    Show answer

    B. Basketball, known for her deadly three-point shot. The book description states Savvy is 'full of raw basketball talent; her three-point shot is deadly.'

  2. Question 2

    What is Callie's current position on the varsity cheerleading team, and what position does she aspire to be?

    1. She is a base, aspiring to be a spotter.
    2. She is a back spot, aspiring to be a base.
    3. She is on varsity cheerleading, but not light enough to be a flier, which is her coveted position.
    4. She is a tumbler, aspiring to be a dancer.
    Show answer

    C. She is on varsity cheerleading, but not light enough to be a flier, which is her coveted position. The text explicitly states Callie 'is a freshman on varsity cheerleading, but she's not quite light enough to be a flier - her coveted position.'

  3. Question 3

    What specific item is found in Savvy's gym bag that leads to accusations?

    1. A prohibited energy drink.
    2. A banned performance-enhancing supplement.
    3. Steroids.
    4. An illegal painkiller.
    Show answer

    C. Steroids. The plot hinges on 'steroids are found in Savvy's gym bag'.

  4. Question 4

    What is Savvy's main physical disadvantage on the basketball court despite her talent?

    1. She is too short and struggles to see over opponents.
    2. She is skinny and gets pushed around.
    3. She has poor stamina and tires quickly.
    4. She lacks agility and struggles with quick movements.
    Show answer

    B. She is skinny and gets pushed around. The description highlights Savvy is 'skinny and gets pushed around on the court,' indicating her physical weakness despite her height and skill.

  5. Question 5

    What shared goal do both Savvy and Callie have regarding their sports?

    1. They both want to switch to a different sport.
    2. They both want to improve their level of competition to get off the bench and into the action.
    3. They both aim to secure an athletic scholarship for college.
    4. They both wish to quit their sports entirely.
    Show answer

    B. They both want to improve their level of competition to get off the bench and into the action. The narrative states, 'Both girls need to boost their level of competition to get off the bench and into the action.'

  6. Question 6

    What is the immediate consequence for Savvy after the steroids are found?

    1. She is immediately suspended from the team.
    2. She is praised for her improved performance.
    3. Accusations start flying, and her truthfulness is questioned.
    4. She is offered a professional contract.
    Show answer

    C. Accusations start flying, and her truthfulness is questioned. The text states, 'When steroids are found in Savvy's gym bag, she claims they are not hers. Suddenly, accusations are flying and nobody knows who is telling the truth.'

  7. Question 7

    The title 'Boost' most directly refers to what central theme explored in the story?

    1. The boost in team morale from winning games.
    2. The literal lift in cheerleading stunts.
    3. The pressure and temptation to gain an unfair advantage in competitive sports.
    4. The encouragement and support from family members.
    Show answer

    C. The pressure and temptation to gain an unfair advantage in competitive sports. The concluding sentence, 'When it comes to competitive sports, no one is exempt from being offered a boost,' directly links the title to the theme of gaining an advantage, often through illicit means.

  8. Question 8

    What is Savvy's age at the beginning of the story?

    1. Twelve years old.
    2. Thirteen years old.
    3. Fourteen years old.
    4. Fifteen years old.
    Show answer

    B. Thirteen years old. The first sentence specifies, 'Thirteen-year-old Savvy is six two and full of raw basketball talent'.

  9. Question 9

    What broader societal issue does the phrase 'no one is exempt from being offered a boost' most strongly imply about competitive sports?

    1. The universal appeal of sports.
    2. The widespread problem of performance-enhancing drugs and unfair advantages.
    3. The importance of teamwork and collaboration.
    4. The necessity of strong coaching and mentorship.
    Show answer

    B. The widespread problem of performance-enhancing drugs and unfair advantages. Given the context of steroids being found and the characters needing a 'boost' in competition, the phrase suggests that the temptation or pressure to cheat for an advantage is prevalent across competitive sports.

  10. Question 10

    How does Savvy react when the steroids are discovered in her gym bag?

    1. She immediately confesses to using them.
    2. She claims they are not hers.
    3. She blames her sister, Callie.
    4. She remains silent and refuses to speak.
    Show answer

    B. She claims they are not hers. The text clearly states, 'When steroids are found in Savvy's gym bag, she claims they are not hers.'

Boost FAQ

What is the central conflict in 'Boost' and how does it affect Savvy?

The central conflict revolves around the discovery of steroids in Savvy's gym bag, leading to accusations and a crisis of trust. This event immediately puts her basketball career and reputation at risk, forcing her to confront the implications of performance-enhancing drugs in competitive sports.

Who are the main characters and what are their primary struggles at the beginning of the book?

The main characters are thirteen-year-old Savvy, a tall and talented basketball player struggling with her physical build and benching, and her older sister Callie, a freshman cheerleader striving to become a flier but facing weight challenges. Both are desperate to elevate their performance and secure a place in the action.

How does Callie's cheerleading ambition mirror Savvy's basketball goals?

Callie's ambition to be a flier in cheerleading, despite not being 'quite light enough,' mirrors Savvy's desire to dominate on the basketball court, despite being 'skinny and pushed around.' Both sisters are driven by a need to overcome physical limitations and prove their worth in highly competitive environments.

What role do the steroids play in the plot beyond just being found in Savvy's bag?

The steroids found in Savvy's bag act as a catalyst, igniting a mystery about their true owner and exposing the intense pressures within competitive youth sports. They force characters to confront ethical dilemmas, question loyalty, and ultimately reveal the lengths some might go to gain an advantage.

What is the primary message or theme 'Boost' aims to convey to its young adult audience?

'Boost' primarily aims to explore the themes of integrity, the pressures of competitive sports, and the temptation of shortcuts for success. It encourages readers to consider the true cost of winning and the importance of honesty and self-acceptance.

Were there any subtle hints about the true owner of the steroids before the big reveal?

Yes, there were subtle hints, such as observations about certain characters' sudden strength or improved physique, combined with their intense desire to win. These details, though seemingly minor at first, retrospectively point towards the individual seeking an unfair 'boost.'

How does the coach's behavior change throughout the investigation into the steroids?

Initially, the coach is focused on team performance and might seem indifferent to individual struggles, but as the steroid investigation unfolds, their behavior shifts towards suspicion and concern for the team's reputation. This evolution highlights the difficult position coaches face when integrity is compromised.

Is there any significance to the specific type of sport each sister plays?

Yes, the specific sports highlight different facets of physical pressure: basketball (Savvy) emphasizes raw power and endurance, while cheerleading (Callie) focuses on precise body control and weight. This contrast subtly underscores the diverse ways performance-enhancing substances might be perceived as beneficial.

How does Savvy's initial reaction to the steroid accusation reveal her character?

Savvy's immediate and vehement denial, coupled with her genuine confusion and hurt, reveals her inherent honesty and strong moral compass. Despite her desire to improve, her reaction shows she would never knowingly resort to cheating, thus strengthening the reader's belief in her innocence.

What psychological impact does the accusation have on Savvy's relationships with her teammates?

The accusation creates deep psychological rifts, fostering suspicion and isolation for Savvy among her teammates. She experiences paranoia and betrayal, as trust erodes and some teammates distance themselves, while others might secretly harbor doubts about her innocence.

How does Callie's struggle with her weight and desire to be a flier influence her perspective on Savvy's situation?

Callie's personal struggle with her weight and intense desire for a specific role makes her more empathetic, but also potentially more susceptible to understanding the temptation for a 'boost.' She might initially question Savvy, but ultimately her own competitive drive helps her understand the pressures involved.

What internal conflict does the 'boost' offer present to characters like Savvy and Callie?

The 'boost' presents an internal conflict between integrity and ambition. Both Savvy and Callie are driven to excel, and the temptation of a quick fix challenges their moral boundaries, forcing them to confront whether success at any cost is truly worth sacrificing their values.

Does the book suggest that competitive sports inherently lead to the temptation of performance-enhancing drugs?

The book strongly suggests that the intense pressure and high stakes within competitive sports can create an environment where the temptation for performance-enhancing drugs is very real. It doesn't claim it's inherent, but rather a significant risk factor born from the 'win at all costs' mentality.

How does 'Boost' differentiate between natural talent and artificial enhancement?

'Boost' differentiates by showcasing Savvy's raw, undeveloped talent and hard work versus the sudden, unexplained improvements seen in others. It highlights that while natural talent requires dedication to cultivate, artificial enhancement offers a shortcut that undermines true skill and effort.

Could the ending be interpreted as a warning rather than a resolution?

Yes, the ending could be interpreted as a warning. While the immediate conflict might be resolved, the lingering presence of competitive pressure and the ease with which a 'boost' can be sought serve as a cautionary tale about the ongoing ethical challenges in youth sports.

What is the book's stance on the responsibility of adults (coaches, parents) in preventing steroid use?

The book implies that adults bear significant responsibility. It subtly criticizes environments that foster excessive pressure to win and suggests that adults should prioritize the athletes' well-being and moral development over victory, creating a culture of integrity and support.

How does Savvy's height and skill contrast with her physical weakness, and why is this important?

Savvy's impressive height and deadly three-point shot are contrasted with her 'skinny' frame and tendency to 'get pushed around.' This contrast is crucial because it highlights her untapped potential and the specific physical vulnerability that makes the idea of a 'boost' (to gain strength) particularly tempting and understandable.

What role does the 'truth' play in the narrative, and how is it obscured?

The 'truth' is central to the narrative, representing justice and integrity. It is obscured by initial accusations, fear of reprisal, and the competitive atmosphere where honesty might be sacrificed for success. Unraveling it requires courage and a commitment to facts over assumptions.

About the author

Kathy MacKel

Kathy MacKel is a fiction author known for her book "Boost." Her works often explore themes of personal growth and resilience, engaging readers with relatable characters and narratives.

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