Slam by Walter Dean Meyers An Advertising Campaign Prepared by Dr. Leslie Hancock

Hook Call to Attention: 3, 2, 1… and the buzzer goes off!!! If you are looking for a book that features sports and appeals to teens, your search is over. Summary: Seventeen-year-old Greg "Slam" Harris can do it all on the basketball court. He's seen ballplayers come and go, and he knows he could be one of the lucky ones. Maybe he'll make it to the top. Or maybe he'll stumble along the way. Slam's grades aren't that hot. And when his teachers jam his troubles in his face, he blows up. Slam never doubted himself on the court until he found himself going one-on-one with his own future, and he didn't have the ball.

Claim Slam, by Walter Dean Myers, is an excellent book for teens because it is well written, teens can relate to it, and it teaches valuable lessons.

Support A Statement of Support: First of all, Slam is well-written. The author demonstrates excellent use of diction, syntax, and imagery as he communicates the tone of his novel. Explanation: Diction/Syntax Quote: "But if Mtisha was peeping something strange about Ice I knew I should check it out. I knew it and didn't want to do it. I was scared again.” (p. 31) Imagery Quote: "I'm six four and I got the moves, the eye, and the heart. You can take my game to the bank and wait around for the interest. With me it's not like playing a game, it's like the only time I'm being for real." (p. 1) Tone Quote: "Cutting people from your life is easy, keeping them in is hard.” (p. 123)

Support B Statement of Support: Secondly, Slam is relatable. I can easily relate to what is happening in the main character’s life. Explanation: He reminds me of myself when he finds out that if he does not bring his grades up, he will have to stop playing basketball. I can relate to this because when my grades were slipping in school, my mother told me that if I did not improve soon, I would not be able to play either.

Support C Statement of Support: Finally, Slam teaches readers valuable life lessons. Explanation: The main character, Slam, learns the value of hard work. He has to study hard to keep the grades that will prolong his eligibility to play basketball for his school. He has to learn to work together with his teammates if he wants the coach’s approval. He has treat his girlfriend right if he does not want her to dump him for another boy.

Concessions and Refutations ConcessionRefutation Some people condemn the book because it features simple moral lesson built into predictable situations: the projects, prison, and redemption. Critics further argue that the book does not achieve it’s goal of making teens think. This could not be further from the case. The simplicity of the situations makes it easier for teens to grasp the message that hard work and dedication pay off. If it was hidden in a complicated plot, the author’s message might be missed.

Summary and Call to Action Summary: Every teen should read this book because it is well written, teens can relate to it, and teaches valuable lessons. Call to Action: So, go out and buy this book today.