Why I Stand by Jonathan Isaac with AJ Gregory*

 Not being a sports fan (and also not a news junkie), I had not heard of Jonathan Isaac until I read an article about him in World magazine. 

Reading his autobiography was an encouraging experience. He shares about his childhood, his distorted views about himself at an early age, his advancement in the basketball, and his complete surrender to Christ. One could easily read this autobiography in one sitting. Writing in a conversational tone, Mr. Isaac engages the reader throughout the entire book. He is a courageous believer. Praise God for men like him in the sports world!

I think junior and high school boys who love basketball would benefit from reading this book. Young men will draw from his courage to obey God no matter how the world may react.

Considerations/discussions: Black Lives Matters agenda is discussed (& not supported by Mr. Isaac), Mr. Isaac hints at his party lifestyle and way with the ladies, but nothing graphic is shared. He even says to "keep this PG". He also admits to using pot in high school and in college. When they were on the road playing games, one teammate would ask him to buy him condoms in the middle of the night and have him slip them under his hotel door (rookie hazing). As Mr. Isaac developed in his faith, he decided to end this "duty". He boldly meets with the teammate and explains how he is trying to follow God and would not continue to purchase condoms for him. Covid/vaccine (he didn't get the vaccine & received heat).

Above the Rim by Jen Bryant illustrated by Frank Morrison*

 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.

Rebound by Kwame Alexander *

This novel in verse relates the events  in the summer of 1988 of Chuck Bell, Jordan and Josh's father,  from the 2015 Newbery Medal winner, The Crossover.  Twelve year old Chuck is reeling from his father's sudden death.  Not knowing how to handle him, his mother sends him to spend the summer with his grandparents.  With tough love from his grandfather, compassion from his grandmother and interactions with his competitive cousin Roxie, he begins to heal.  Then he is at the wrong place at the wrong time and lands in jail. 
The novel ends returning to 2018 when Chuck's boys, Jordan and Josh are about to graduate.
This book made me cry at parts, knowing that Chuck dies a premature death like his father (which takes place in The Crossover).
I love, love the adults in this book.  They face the issues Chuck is experiencing with tenacity and love, letting him suffer appropriate consequences. 
*Highly recommend for junior and high school (see "points to discuss").
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss: death, attitude, lying/skipping school, drugs (pot), jail time, friend choices, briefly refers to an uncle's boyfriend

Jabberwocky re-imagined and illustrated by Christopher Myers

Mr. Myers changes the setting and the hero's task in his version of Jabberwocky to the city streets/park and winning in basketball.
I read this with my two boys as we discussed context clues.
The library has this book placed in "young adult section".
-Borrowed from the library.

The Playbook by Kwame Alexander photographs by Thai Neave*

52 Rules to Aim, Shoot and Score in this Game Called Life
I loved Mr. Alexander's book The Crossover and liked his other book Booked so I was eager to read more works by him.
This book is organized by basketball quarters and each quarter has a different theme.  The theme is introduced as it would be seen in the dictionary and then Mr. Alexander shares an inspiring story about a sports hero (and examples from his own life) that epitomize the word.  After that are poems that further exemplify the word.  He labels the poems "rules".  Not only do these themes and poems apply to the sport field but also to life.  Quotes from famous sports stars and well known individuals are distributed throughout the book.
Inspiring!
I loved the design of the book too.  The end pages are bright orange and have raised dots to portray a basketball.  Awesome photographs by Thai Neave only enhance the book.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Charlie Plays Ball by Ree Drummond illustrated by Diane deGroat*

In this book, Charlie describes all the different sports the children play on the ranch.  After all that exercise, Charlie really looks forward to the snacks and spaghetti and meatball dinner!
A recipe for spaghetti and meatballs is included in the back.
*Highly recommend.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander**

Newbery Winner-2015
I admit-the only reason I checked this book out of the library to read was because it won the Newbery Award this year.  I am so glad I did!
**Highly, highly recommend it.
Told in verse form, Josh shares with readers a few months of his life.  He and his twin brother play  basketball together-receiving lots of pointers from their famous basketball player father.
Then life changes for Josh-his dad's health is deteriorating, his brother has a girlfriend and he estranges himself from his twin brother.  For the first time in his life, he feels alone and must choose how to play the game of life.
The family unit is a strong one-where the parents care, are involved and make sure their sons experience the necessary consequences.
Lots of basketball terms but even I understood most of it.
Interspersed are Mr. Bell's (the dad) basketball rules (which can be applied to life) and vocabulary words which Josh defines.
Strategies: inferring, figurative language (lots of it!), connections, cause/effect, main idea, check for understanding
So clever and unique! I loved the use of figurative language and variety of poetry.
Points to discuss: heart disease/ heart attacks, death, Josh catches his brother Jordan kissing his girlfriend Alexis

Hoop Genius by John Coy illustrated by Joe Morse*

This book explains how and why James Naismith invented the game of basketball.  This biography was told in a story-like format.
Mr. Coy shared a lot of information without boring the reader!
*Highly recommend.

Kevin Durant Basketball Superstar by Matt Doeden

a "Superstar Athletes" series   Sports Illustrated Kids
A great, simple overview of Mr. Durant's basketball career
Text features: table of contents,  headings, bold words, word definitions on page, insert text boxes, quotes, timeline, glossary, index, read more