Mr. Bell’s advice to his sons comes through in several places, but particularly in all of the Basketball Rules. How do the rules connect to the characters in the book? How do they connect to your family?

Alexander uses basketball as an allegory for the game of life, suggesting that the lessons one learns on the court can apply to life off the court. He does this through Dad's "Basketball Rules" as well as aspects of the plot in general. Players on the court make mistakes or do incredible things, work together, sometimes win and sometimes lose, have to work hard and constantly be learning, and have to confront their assumptions about themselves. These all apply to life off the court as well, and Josh is the reader's guide for how this plays out. Your last question is asking about your family.