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Americans have a love affair with basketball. This homegrown sport creates excitement, fuels aspirations, generates rivalries, and produces celebrities. Across America, from playgrounds to sports arenas, players young and old, male and female, hone their skills in one-on-one matchups and team competition. The thrill of a no-look pass, a blocked shot, or a slam dunk brings spectators to their feet and raises the stature of the player. Memory of the moment is lasting and exhilarating.

Basketball’s inventor, James Naismith, who designed this fitness activity for YMCA patrons in 1891, would be astounded by the modern spectacle of March Madness. Senda Berenson, who adapted Naismith’s game for young ladies, would applaud the WNBA. Over the past 115 years, the game has evolved in skill and in social significance. Begun as a simple contest requiring only passing and shooting, it now entails players running the floor in offensive and defensive patterns. Basketball has also helped raise the social consciousness of America. African Americans no longer star in a separate, segregated league, while women struggle against fewer limitations.

Passion for basketball sends students at every grade level in search of information on the sport. Selected how-to books target specific age groups and share dynamic layouts, helpful illustrations, specifics on rules and skills, and a “you can do it” enthusiasm. Contemporary sports biographies and team books are often published in series, but gems of journalism by Madeleine Blais, Ben Joravsky, and Larry Colton stand alone. Engaging anecdotes, documentary photos, and historic context are hallmark features of survey books included here. The human side of the game is poignantly captured in fiction, while athletic energy and style resonate in the poetry of Charles R. Smith, Jr. and Robert Burleigh. Through fact and fiction, a basketball collection embraces skills and historical achievements, stories of personal struggle and triumph, and the magic and metaphor of this revered sport.

COY, John. Around the World. illus. by Antonio Reonegro & Tom Lynch. Lee & Low. 2005. RTE $17.95. ISBN 1-58430-244-5.

Gr 1-4–Tanika and Jamal’s New York City playground game cleverly morphs into a single continuous pickup game of basketball played simultaneously in nine other locations around the globe. The vibrant, comic-style spreads are packed with expressive, elongated players; sound effects; dialogue bubbles; crisp game commentary; and visual details of various cultures. Competitive passion for basketball is universal!

RICHARDSON, Charisse K. The Real Lucky Charm. illus. by Eric Velasquez. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-3105-1; pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-14-240431-4.

––––. The Real Slam Dunk. illus. by Kadir Nelson. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-8037-3050-0; pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-14-240212-5. ea. vol: Dial. 2005.

Gr 2-5–Life lessons on the importance of practice, education, and “dream[ing] more than one dream” emerge in these easy chapter books featuring 10-year-old twins, Mia and Marcus. In Lucky Charm, Mia’s initial on-the-court self-confidence and performance spiral downward when she loses her gold charm. In Slam Dunk, Marcus meets his idol, pro player Jason Carter, and learns that success can be measured in many ways.

WALLACE, Rich. Dunk under Pressure. 2006. ISBN 0-670-06095-X.
––––.Technical Foul. 2004. ISBN 0-670-05941-2. ea vol: (Winning Season Series.) Viking. Tr $14.99.

Gr 3-6–In Dunk, slow, flat-footed Cornell Duncan earns a spot on an all-star summer league team because of his never-miss free throws. In Foul, star shooter Jared battles his temper while learning to be a team player. Supportive family and coaches, candid peer relationships, and a sense of humor help these New Jersey sixth graders on and off the court.

BURLEIGH, Robert. Hoops. illus. by Stephen T. Johnson. Harcourt. 1997. Tr $16. ISBN 0-15-201450-0; pap. $6. ISBN 0-15-216380-8.

Gr 2-8–The spontaneity and exhilaration of a pickup, playground game are captured in vivid phrasing and vibrant full-page pastels, while the physical intensity of teen players sets the pace in this sensory- and imagery-rich poem. An inviting read-aloud.

CROSSINGHAM, John & Sarah Dann. Basketball in Action. Crabtree. 1999. PLB $18.90. ISBN 0-7787-0162-X.

Gr 3-8–Conversational and upbeat, this useful, self-guiding handbook provides a solid introduction to positions, techniques, and terminology. A mix of color cartoons and action photographs illustrates fundamental skills, warm-ups, and practice drills. Games like “Monkey in the Middle” (passing) and “Around the World” (shooting) are described and recommended to reinforce specific skills.

GIBBONS, Gail. My Basketball Book. illus. by author. HarperCollins. 2000. Tr $5.95. ISBN 0-688-17140-0.

K-Gr 3–Beginning readers and players will learn basic how-to-play information and vocabulary as they get caught up in a simple but lively game commentary. Cartoon illustrations depict players, coaches, and referees in action with their varied responsibilities. Gibbons emphasizes the fun and teamwork of this fast-paced sport.

HAREAS, John. Basketball. (Eyewitness Series). DK. 2003. Tr $19.99. ISBN 0-7894-9866-9.

Gr 3-8–For players or fans, this series entry is a visual feast of facts and photos organized into colorful, captioned, two-page chapters. The first half of the book presents history, techniques, and strategy. The second half is a cornucopia of facts on NBA coaches, All Stars, arenas, international tournaments, and the WNBA.

JORDAN, Deloris & Roslyn M. Jordan. Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream. illus. by Kadir Nelson. S & S. 2000. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-83371-7; pap. $7.99. ISBN 0-689-83419-5.

K-Gr 3–Written by Jordan’s mother and sister, with warm, dynamic illustrations, this affectionate, inspirational picture book conveys young Michael’s fear that he’ll never be tall enough to beat the older boys. A bit of superstition ignites his hopes of growing taller, but his parents help the boy realize that practice, determination, and patience make him a “real winner.”

FEINSTEIN, John. Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery. Knopf. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-375-83168-1; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-375-93168-6; pap. $6.50. ISBN 0-553-49460-0.

Gr 6-10–Renowned coaches, players, and announcers mingle seamlessly with aspiring journalists, 14-year-old Stevie and Carol, who overhear a blackmail threat behind the scenes at the NCAA Final Four men’s basketball tournament. Contemporary collegiate sports issues of eligibility, NCAA regulations, media pressure, and gambling are woven into this suspenseful, fast-paced story. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

HARKRADER, L. D. Airball: My Life in Briefs. Roaring Book. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59643-060-5.

Gr 5-8–Love of basketball and determination to prove that a hometown NBA star is his real father motivate inept Kirby Nickel to try out for the seventh-grade team. When Coach gives the team invisible uniforms with secret powers, everyone unabashedly plays harder, faster, and better in his underwear. Kirby’s humorous but touching story uncovers truths about friendship, hard work, and perseverance.

LUPICA, Mike. Travel Team. Philomel. 2004. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24150-7; pap. $6.99. ISBN 0-14-240462-4.

Gr 5-8–Despite his speed, skill, and passion, undersized seventh grader Danny Walker is cut from the travel team. His unreliable, alcoholic father, once a hometown hero and NBA star, forms another team to include Danny and other overlooked players. This heartwarming story sparkles with wisecracking youth (boys and girls), exciting court action, and a broken family on the mend. Audio version available from Listening Library.

MYERS, Walter Dean. Slam! Scholastic. 1996. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-614-25384-5.

Gr 7-10–Myers’s deft portrayal of inner-city adolescence brings Greg “Slam!” Harris to life. After being transferred to a visual arts high school, Slam struggles to keep up his grades, relate to his coach, and control his temper. Happiest on the court, he gradually learns that his own actions and attitudes will determine his success. Vivid sports action captures Slam’s passion and turmoil. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

GETTELMAN, Elizabeth. Competitive Basketball for Girls. Rosen. 2005. PLB $26.50. ISBN 0-8239-3402-0.

Gr 4-8–This introductory guide explains on-court and off-court basics, from warm-ups, positions, and fundamental skills and drills to nutrition, health, and teamwork. Color action photos of a girls’ middle school team help illustrate concepts while the encouraging text promotes participation, knowledge of the game, and a positive self-image.

GLENN, Mel. Jump Ball: A Basketball Season in Poems. Dutton. 1997. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-67554-X.

Gr 6-9–The story of a single season unfolds in free-verse poetry that captures the distinct, realistic voices and viewpoints of Tower High School’s team, star players, coach, cheerleaders, girlfriends, teachers, and parents. Amid the monologues, intermittent sports cable broadcasts deliver on-court action, weather reports, and local news, spinning the story toward a startling, tragic end.

LANNIN, Joanne. A History of Basketball for Girls and Women: From Bloomers to Big Leagues. (Sports Legacy Series). Lerner. 2000. PLB $26.60. ISBN 0-8225-3331-6; pap. $9.95. ISBN 0-8225-9863-9.

Gr 7-10–Well documented with photos and facts, this accessible, engaging social history chronicles the evolution of women’s basketball from pioneer Senda Berenson’s P.E. classes at Smith College in the 1890s to the successful inauguration of the WNBA in the 1990s. Profiles of influential personalities are embedded in an enlightening account.

MCKISSACK, Fredrick, Jr. Black Hoops: The History of African Americans in Basketball. Scholastic. 1999. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-590-48712-4.

Gr 6-10–With few exceptions, segregation kept African Americans on their own college and professional teams until the NBA drafted three black players in 1950, and the Civil Rights Movement opened new and diverse opportunities. With illuminating anecdotes, racial candor, and historical insight, this engaging history reviews the social struggle and athletic prowess of African Americans who brought style and athleticism to the game.

MATTERN, Joanne. Basketball Greats. (History Makers Series). Gale. 2003. PLB $27.45. ISBN 1-59018-228-6.

Gr 6-10–Individual chapters on six stars incorporate player quotes, human-interest anecdotes, career highlights, and personal struggles. George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, John Stockton, and Michael Jordan are refreshingly portrayed as human beings and extraordinary athletes. Black-and-white photos accompany a well-documented and highly readable text.

SMITH, Charles R., Jr. Rimshots: Basketball Pix, Rolls and Rhythms. Puffin. 2000. pap. $6.99. ISBN 0-14-056678-3.

Gr 4-10–Blending his passion for basketball and photography, Smith packs rhythm, humor, frustration, and exuberance into energetic hip-hop poetry and reflective prose pieces. Each colorful, artistic, double-page layout includes eye-catching lettering and a striking photograph of a young male player. From “Please Put Me in Coach” to “The Sweetest Roll,” the on-court voices and descriptions celebrate the excitement of the game.

STEWART, Mark. The Miami Heat. (Team Spirit Series). Norwood House. 2006. PLB $25.27. ISBN 1-59953-009-0.

Gr 4-7–Young enthusiasts will savor the color photos, dramatic moments, fun facts, records and awards, and memorable quotes in this dynamic title from the consistently attractive, easy-to-read series that spotlights specific basketball teams. Sportswriter Stewart introduces basketball jargon in his verbal snapshots of the Heat’s fans, arena, Coach Pat Riley, and players Shaquille O’Neal, Dwayne Wade, and Alonzo Mourning.

THOMAS, Keltie. How Basketball Works. Maple Tree, dist. by PGW. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-897066-18-X; pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-897066-19-8.

Gr 4-8–With a colorful, graphic layout and pop-culture narration, this appealing title is bursting with high-interest information, sidebars, and anecdotes about ball and shoe design, mental and physical training, basic shots and moves, historical moments, star players, fun facts, and scoring stats. A witty, high-energy, encyclopedic look at the sport.

VANCIL, Mark. NBA Basketball Basics. Sterling. 1995. PLB $17.95. ISBN 0-8069-0927-7.

Gr 6-10–This visually appealing handbook gives solid explanations of offensive and defensive techniques and plays. Although celebrity photos and key tips feature older NBA stars and coaches, illustrations are eye-catching and the advice is fundamental. Ballhandling, passing, shooting, and rebounding are described and illustrated, and step-by-step skill drills and conditioning exercises are clear and useful.

BROOKS, Bruce. The Moves Make the Man. HarperCollins. 1984. PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-020698-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 0-06-447022-9.

Gr 8-10–Despite his court-savvy moves, spunky, resilient Jerome Foxworthy runs into a racist basketball coach at his newly integrated Wilmington, NC, high school and doesn’t make the team. He keeps his skills sharp, however, playing on a secluded court where he connects with an athletic but emotionally troubled white classmate. Their intense one-on-one play becomes a metaphor for coping with life. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

de la PEÑA, Matt. Ball Don’t Lie. Delacorte. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-385-73232-5; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-385-90258-1.

Gr 9 Up–Seventeen-year-old Sticky shines on the court at school and as the only white player at Lincoln Rec Center in Los Angeles. But foster homes since the age of seven, loneliness, an obsessive-compulsive disorder, poverty, and shoplifting threaten his dream of playing college ball. Tough, gritty descriptions and dialogue reveal Sticky’s troubled world and his basketball passion.

DEUKER, Carl. On the Devil’s Court. HarperCollins. 1991. pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-380-70879-5.

Gr 8 Up–Moving to Seattle his senior year, Joe Faust finds comfort and inspiration in basketball. Desperate for his own success and identity, he makes an imaginary but haunting Faustian pact to give up his soul if he wins 24 games. Family and adolescent conflicts fuel Joe’s angst as he is swept along in the riveting sports-action drama that echoes the classic tale.

SWEENEY, Joyce. Players. Winslow. 2000. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-890817-54-6; pap. $5.95. ISBN 1-58837-016-X.

Gr 7 Up–Varsity team captain Corey Brennan hopes to win the All-City Championship. But, after a hot-shot, aggressive newcomer Noah Travers is added to the roster, misfortunes plague the team. Noah is Machiavellian in his ruthless quest for personal glory, drugging a teammate, committing blackmail, and planting a gun in a locker. Teens will love the suspense, court action, and scary sociopathic moments.

VOLPONI, Paul. Black and White. Viking. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-670-06006-2; pap. $6.99. ISBN 0-14-240692-9.

Gr 9 Up–This taut tale of friendship, racial tension, and sacrifice is told in alternating chapters by high school teammates Marcus and Eddie, who commit robbery. Although Eddie, who is white, fires the gun, the victim identifies Marcus, a black teen, who stoically serves a prison sentence while Eddie denies involvement and claims a college scholarship. Complex issues of guilt, honesty, and loyalty fuel a gripping story of personal choice and consequences.

BLAIS, Madeleine. In These Girls, Hope is a Muscle. Warner. 1995. pap. $13.95. ISBN 0-446-67210-6.

Gr 8 Up–With insight, humor, and compassion, this illuminating title examines the 1992-1993 championship season of the Amherst Lady Hurricanes. Longtime contenders but never before champions, the girls and Coach Moyer are profiled as they reflect, practice, and play. The emotional, psychological, and physical factors that affect each girl and the coach’s positive, constructive leadership contribute to a team dynamic rarely discussed in girls’ sports.

COLTON, Larry. Counting Coup: A True Story of Basketball and Honor on the Little Big Horn.Warner. 2000. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-446-52683-5; pap. $14.95. ISBN 0-446-67755-8.

Gr 8 Up–This poignant chronicle recounts a year in Hardin, MT, with the Lady Bulldogs, a talented but inconsistent high school team made up of whites and Crow Indians. Focusing primarily on Sharon LaForge, a troubled but gifted athlete, the journalist author explores relationships among the girls and their coaches, cultural conflicts, and the profound social problems on the reservation where basketball is revered but aspirations are rarely achieved.

JORAVSKY, Ben. Hoop Dreams: The True Story of Hardship and Triumph. HarperCollins. 1996. pap. $13.95. ISBN 0-06-097689-6.

Gr 9 Up–Following the acclaimed documentary film, Joravsky published this moving account of the aspirations, friendship, achievement, and struggles of William Gates and Arthur Agee, talented teammates from Chicago’s infamous Cabrini Green. Recruited to play at prestigious St. Joseph’s High School, the boys cope with performance pressure, academics, family problems, poverty, and loneliness that ultimately alter their lives and their dreams.

MORGAN, David Lee, Jr. LeBron James: The Rise of a Star. Gray & Co. 2003. pap. $14.95. ISBN 1-886228-74-4.

Gr 7 Up–Fans of 2003’s number one NBA draft pick will delight in this informative and intimate biography that details James’s impoverished youth, love of sports, high school career, and early NBA selection. Despite media scrutiny of his family and controversies over team travel and excessive gifts, the athlete is portrayed as untarnished, compassionate, loyal, and enormously talented. Includes great photos.

PALMER, Chris. Streetball: All the Ballers, Moves, Slams, & Shine. HarperCollins. 2004. pap. $16.95. ISBN 0-06-072444-7.

Gr 9 Up–The subculture of streetball has its own phenomenal players, style, and popularity. This hip, upbeat, photo-rich, promotional overview follows streetball from its 1960s emergence on Harlem playgrounds to its current Showtime international tours. Sponsored by and featuring the “And 1 Mix Tape Team,” this guide presents biographies and step-by-step techniques of streetball pros.

STEWART, Mark. Basketball: A History of Hoops. Watts. 1998. PLB $34.50. ISBN 0-531-11492-9.

Gr 7-10–From Naismith and his peach-basket goals to Jordan and his aerial style, this comprehensive history of basketball (1891 to 1998) provides a wealth of information. Stewart incorporates political, economic, and social issues that impacted and shaped the game during the 20th century. His engaging text is enhanced by documentary photos; sidebar anecdotes; and a compendium of NCAA, Olympic, and NBA statistics and records.