By Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, and Carlyn Greenwald

Time Out is a great novel for upper-middle to high school readers. Barclay Elliot is the high school basketball star that is expected to lead his team to the championship this year. He “walks on water” to all in his small hometown. Barclay decides that he is going to come out at the first pep rally and has a rude awakening when the town and his team do not have his back. Barclay learns what it means to be an upstander in his community. He learns that true friends can help a person get through hard times. This coming-of-age novel is a must-read for all who are navigating friendships and school. There are some rude homophobic remarks said by the basketball players and bad language throughout which makes it more appropriate for grades 8-12.