Winner of 2021 Orbis Pictus Award! The story of Elgin Baylor, basketball icon and civil rights advocate, from an all-star team Hall-of-famer Elgin Baylor was one of basketball's all-time-greatest players--an innovative athlete, team player, and quiet force for change. One of the first professional African-American players, he inspired others on and off the court. But when traveling for away games ...

Crossover is an engaging set of free verse poems describing events in the lives of 7th grade twin boys throughout their basketball season. The poems are charming and engaging, some in a rap style. The short, pithy style and athletic allusions will appeal to middle school boys. The story is told through one brother’s eyes, and sibling rivalry between the two is a part of the plot. The parents are ...

Ryan, Zeke, Eli, and Miles have always shared a love of sports, especially basketball. When it's time for basketball team tryouts, these best friends practice together, compete in a local 3-on-3 tournament, and carefully compute their chances of making the team. However, when tryouts arrive, will all their athletic skills pass the test? Can their friendship survive if one of them doesn't make the ...

Brett Carter, the Wildcats' star forward, is a hotshot on his basketball team--or at least he was. After missing an easy layup shot at the buzzer in one of the most important games of the season, he feels like a total loser. And things only get worse from there... At his best friend's birthday party at a rock-climbing center, Brett freezes on the wall. Then he blows an easy question in the America ...

Doors seem to close at every turn in this exciting basketball-based book. The Wasps' community center is closing. The team is disbanding. Money is gone. All these happen in the midst of a local championship tournament. Young sports fans will enjoy the play-by-play descriptions of the critical games while experiencing a story that illustrates that sometimes character overcomes resources.

Taking over a rowdy gym class right before winter vacation is not something James Naismith wants to do at all. The last two teachers of this class quit in frustration. The students--a bunch of energetic young men--are bored with all the regular games and activities. Naismith needs something new, exciting, and fast to keep the class happy--or someone's going to get hurt. Saving this class is going ...

In dynamic verse and pictures, the sport of basketball is brought to life, capturing the energy and passion that electrifies every moment in a game of hoops.

A chance to meet her favorite basketball player by winning a free throw contest prompts Becca to practice. But the practice sessions start badly and get worse. Will she even have a chance at the contest, and if not, will she ever meet her hero of the hardwood? Another winner in this early chapter series.

Mo doesn't want to shoot the ball. He just wants to learn to pass it correctly. With the odds stacked against him and countless failed attempts, can Mo pass well enough to help his team in the big game? A delightful protagonist returns and provides a humorous (and unexpected) confusion, showing that even the little guy can be a team player.

This heartwarming picture book, written by the superstar's mother and sister, teaches that hard work and determination are much more important in becoming a champion.