About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is obsessed with their favorite NBA player but struggles to understand the value of persistence or the weight of history behind the game. This engaging narrative moves beyond simple statistics to explore the evolution of basketball from a humble gymnasium experiment into a global cultural phenomenon. It highlights the grit of early pioneers and the bravery of those who broke racial barriers, making it an excellent tool for discussing social justice through the lens of sports. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated, painterly portraits and the way Bowen connects athletic excellence to broader historical shifts. It is perfectly pitched for middle-grade readers who are ready to see their sports heroes as complex, historical figures who shaped the world both on and off the court.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book depicts instances of racial discrimination faced by Black players, such as being denied service at restaurants and facing segregated facilities. It highlights the challenges Black players faced in the mid-20th century, presenting these obstacles as systemic injustices that required courage to overcome. The tone is secular and historically grounded.
