Alexander uses basketball to symbolize the hard work, determination, and self-confidence it takes to navigate life’s joys and hardships. Charlie avoids basketball after his father dies; the game is a source of pain because he used to play with his father. However, when he visits his father’s family in Washington, DC, Charlie discovers his passion for the sport, Finding Purpose in Hard Work and striving for athletic excellence.

As Charlie gains competence and confidence, Alexander extends the basketball symbol to represent a broader approach to life. Charlie’s grandfather, Percy, often uses basketball analogies to help Charlie understand the importance of hard work and agency: “[Y]ou have one job to do. Just one […] To be on the team. To get in the game when the coach calls on you […]This is the first quarter. We’re just getting started” (166). Here, Alexander uses a basketball team to represent a family; the role of the individual is to help their “teammates” recover from loss or make it through hardship. Telling Charlie that this is the “first quarter” reminds him that the “game” of life is long and that he will have many opportunities if he can rely on his team for support.