Gene Luen Yang's Dragon Hoops captivates with its dynamic storytelling and engaging artwork, blending Yang's personal journey with a gripping basketball narrative. Praise highlights its accessibility and depth in addressing themes like culture and perseverance. Critics note the latter sections feel slightly rushed. Despite this, it remains a compelling read for both graphic novel and sports enthusiasts.

Readers who would enjoy Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang are typically fans of graphic novels blending personal storytelling with sports, akin to American Born Chinese and The Crossover. They appreciate dynamic narratives that intertwine individual growth, history, and cultural insights, appealing to both young adults and sports enthusiasts.

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang follows Yang’s journey from a high school teacher to a full-time cartoonist as he explores the world of basketball at Bishop O’Dowd High School. Through detailed research, personal interviews, and flashbacks, Yang uncovers the history of basketball and delves into the lives of the O’Dowd Dragons' coaches and players. The book includes references to childhood sexual abuse.

Informative / Inspirational / Nostalgic / Emotional

- Dragon Hoops marks Gene Luen Yang's first nonfiction graphic novel, blending his passion for comics and storytelling with his newfound interest in the sport of basketball.
- The book offers a unique perspective, blending comics and sports storytelling, and was one of the finalists for the 2020 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
- Gene Luen Yang was inspired to write Dragon Hoops after his experiences as a high school teacher, where he observed the basketball team's journey and recognized the universal themes of growth and perseverance.

**Gene Luen Yang**  
A computer scientist turned full-time writer and illustrator who becomes deeply engaged with the basketball team he documents. Yang is both the author and a character who transitions from a self-avowed academic to a passionate sports fan over the course of the narrative.

**Coach Lou Richie**  
The head coach of the Bishop O'Dowd Dragons and a passionate mentor to his team, known for his strict coaching style and dedication to basketball. He is portrayed as a foil to Gene Luen Yang and is committed to bringing out the best in his players.

**Paris Austin**  
The All-Star point guard for the Bishop O'Dowd Dragons, known for his assertive playing style and agility on the court. He maintains a reserved demeanor regarding his personal life while exhibiting dominance in basketball.

**Mike Phelps**  
The former head coach of the Dragons and a complex character within the narrative, whose career was marred by allegations from the past. Yang explores his multifaceted role with a measured narrative that reflects the lingering ambiguity surrounding him.

Gene Luen Yang

Graphic Memoir 

Nonfiction

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Dragon Hoops Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue and Chapters 1-3

Dragon Hoops Prologue and Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

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Chapters 8-10

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Chapters 11-13 and Epilogue

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Dragon Hoops

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