Shook by Randall, Julian

"A gift!" --#1 New York Times-bestselling author Jason Reynolds

Shake's dream of making the varsity basketball team is in peril when he gets injured. Can he rebound and make his way back onto the court--and back to feeling like himself? For fans of Kwame Alexander and Jason Reynolds.

Beautifully designed with illustrations.

"Masterful." --Newbery Honoree Jasmine Warga

Malik Page--though unless you're his mama, call him "Shake"--dreams of making the Marshall Grove varsity basketball squad as an eighth grader. Then he'll be on his way to joining the ranks of Chicago legends like his pops and late Uncle Kenny. But when Shake fractures his ankle in a championship game, he's sidelined for the first time since his first dribble.

As his world is turned upside down, Shake feels like there's ginger ale bubbling in his chest and sweat slicking on his palms. With a best friend who's getting more distant by the day, a growing silence between him and his dad, and varsity tryouts fast approaching, Shake will have to cross up every obstacle to find a way back onto the court--and back to being himself. Thankfully in Marshall Grove, the sky is always full of hope.

Perfect for readers who love:
● Sports Stories (though non-sports fans, you'll love this one too!)
● Short, Quick Reads
● Hopeful Depictions of Anxiety and Mental Health
● A Main Character Who Exudes Swagger
● Humor and Heart

A Read Across America selection!

"Readers, make permanent room on your shelves--and in your hearts-- for this witty and poignant novel." --National Book Award winner Elizabeth Acevedo

"Stunning. This book is powerful." --Newbery Medalist Tae Keller

"Witty, electric and profound." --National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride

Author: Julian Randall
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: 08/04/2026
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781250882059
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 05/18/2026
Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2026
School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 85
Booklist 07/01/2026
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001

About the Author

Julian Randall is a Living Queer Black poet from Chicago. His poetry and essays are published in New York Times Magazine, POETRY, and Vibe. He is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize. Julian holds an MFA in Poetry from Ole Miss. His first book, Refuse, won the Cave Canem Poetry Prize and was a finalist for an NAACP Image Award. Julian has previously worked as a youth mentor, teaching writing workshops to children on house arrest. He is the author of the Pilar Ramirez duology, The Chainbreakers, and Shook.
juliandavidrandall.com