The Man Who Invented the Game of Basketball.

Wyckoff, Edwin Brit.  The Man Who Invented the Game of Basketball.  Enslow  2014    48p   $15.95  ISBN 978-7660-4142-4  elem      series: Genius Inventors and Their Great Ideas  Biography  VG-BN

This book covers the life of James Naismith and his invention of the game of basketball.  Sports books are always popular with reluctant readers and this title is no exception.  Approximately half the book is devoted to Naismith’s childhood in Canada and the early influences that led him to become a Presbyterian minister.  His aptitude for athletics and desire to work with young people led him to obtain a job with the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, rather than a career with a church.  It is there that he invented the game of basketball to provide a winter exercise opportunity. The evolution of the game is very briefly covered, but the focus of the book is biographical.  The “You Be the Inventor!” section seems to be an odd addition to a sports book, but this title is part of a series on inventors, not purely sports figures.  A timeline, glossary, index and list of resources for further reading are included.  The series covers notable people in a wide variety of fields. Recommended for beginning and reluctant readers. Grades 3-5.

Summary: The life of James Naismith and his invention of the game of basketball. Grades 3-5.   

Basketball, Sports biography                    -–Stephanie Pennucci

Lupica, Mike. Game Changers/Play Makers.

Lupica, Mike.  Game Changers/Play Makers.  Scholastic Press  2013  201p  $16.99  ISBN 978-0-545-38183-3     ms/jr (Grades 5-8)  Sports  VG-BN    

Ben and his teammates and best friends from football season (the first book in the Game Changers series) are now playing basketball together on a community team.  Ben and his friends have just won the football championship and it looks as if they may win the basketball championship for 11-year-olds -- that is, until Chase, a newcomer and outstanding ball player, arrives to play on an opposing team.  Ben’s quest to be the best basketball player meets some unexpected challenges -- namely, the injury of best friend Sam in a late-night pickup game and worrying that a female friend from his early childhood may be interested in Chase. With plenty of play-by-play basketball action on the courts during close games, as well as the retelling of best plays by pro and college players, fans of basketball will thoroughly enjoy this book.  Verbal sparring on the court between Chase and Ben provides a moment to subtly teach what sportsmanship is all about.  The care and concern of coaches and parents is a nice touch showing that values can be imparted in casual conversation. Ben’s ability to be self-reflective about his actions and abilities allows him to mature both as a person and an athlete.  Fans will be anxious to read the next book in the series, which features baseball.  The bumpy feel of the cover, resembling a basketball, gives a nice tactile feel.      Game Changers highlights middle-school best friends who play sports together. Interwoven into the play-by-play sports action are life lessons presented in a subtle manner.  The boys learn about relationships and what it is to be a friend and leader.   

Basketball                                                        --Lois McNicol

Hill, Anne E. LeBron James.

Hill, Anne E.  LeBron James.  Twenty First Century see Millbrook  112p  $34.60   978-0-7613-8641-4  2013  ms/hs              E-BN      series: USA Today Lifeline Biographies   Biography

LeBron James is one of the best basketball players around.  His early childhood, including his time living with a youth basketball coach while his mother struggled to care for him, show him to be a hardworking athlete as well as a team player even in his youth.  His early athletic ability in football, basketball and baseball foreshadowed the strength and skills that would be put to the professional test the year after he graduated from high school.  His leadership, charity work, and ability to share the limelight with fellow players make this book an inspiration for young readers.  There are many primary-resource articles and charts taken from USA Today to supplement this easily read biography.  

This biography includes numerous color photos, charts of statistics and a conversational text.  It is a first choice for James’s fans as well as for biography and basketball player reports.  The personality of the man comes through, as do his leadership and athletic skills.  It is suitable for grades 6 and higher.              

A glossary, chapter source notes, list of resources for further reading, statistical charts, and index complete this excellent biography.

Basketball players-Biography                                                                                                                   --Lois McNicol