Growing up in the 1940s & 1950s in Washington, D.C., Elgin Baylor developed his own elegant basketball playing style despite being limited to run-down courts and inferior equipment. When Elgin played, "people stopped what they were doing and watched." Wanting to attend college, Elgin could only go west, where Blacks were allowed. Coaches were amazed by his moves, all self-taught; he always replied to their wonderment, "It's spontaneous." Despite his talent, he remained humble and refused to brag. Despite segregation, he played and then refused to play when he was not welcomed in towns' eating establishments.
I loved how Ms. Bryant integrated Civil Rights Movement moments into the story, which were occurring simultanteously. Yes, this story features an amazing, humble basketball player, but it also immerses the reader into the tensions of this time period.
The illustrations are rich and expressive.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
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