Have you ever wanted to do something you were passionate about, even though the odds are stacked against you? Then you are like Danny Walker from the story Travel Team by Mike Lupica. In the story, Danny is on a good travel basketball team that wins a championship. Danny is one of the best players, even though he is much shorter than the other players. The story talks about the challenges he overcomes to play on the team, and why you should never give up on your dreams.

The story takes place in modern day Middleton, California, where Danny plays on a travel basketball team. Because the story is about basketball, much of the book takes place on a basketball court at St. Pat's School. This is where practices are held, and the big championship game at the end of the story. Some of the story also takes place at Danny's house, when they are celebrating Christmas. The Candy Kitchen is another important setting, as it is where Danny gets in a fight with Teddy Moran, who insults Danny's team and dad.

The main character of the story is Danny Walker. Danny is a 7th grader who has always loved basketball. He is disappointed when he doesn't make a travel team because he's too short, but he works hard and he and his dad start their own team. This shows that he is determined. Danny is a great player and their travel team does well, even winning the championship!

Another major character in the story is Danny's dad, Richie. He was a great ball player and even led the Vikings to a national championship when he was younger. He encourages Danny and even coaches the new travel team.

Danny's best friend Will is a joker, but also cares about Danny and tries to protect him when the Vikings travel team is practicing. Will talks a lot and is funny in the story. He's good at basketball, but doesn't love it like Danny does.

Danny overcomes obstacles in this story. He tries out for the Vikings travel team, but they do not select him because they want a "bigger" team and he is too short. He is upset as he watches the Vikings team practice without him. His dad offers to coach another travel team. They aren't great at first, but they work hard and eventually end up playing the Vikings at the championship game.

Before Danny's team plays the Vikings in the the championship game, his dad gets into a car wreck and is unable to coach the team. Danny has to step up and coach the team in the championship. Because his team is full of hard workers, they pull together and are able to win the big game, defeating the Vikings!