Get ready for March Madness with these books about basketball!
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (2014; 237 pages). This novel in verse pops on every page as middle schooler Josh navigates life on and off the basketball court. It’s got a special place in my heart since I served on the 2015 Newbery Committee, which awarded the Newbery Medal to this book!
Elle of the Ball (Hoops #1) by Elena Delle Donne (2018; 160 pages). Elle’s starting a new basketball position now that she’s shot up to 6 feet tall in this new series starter by WMBA MVP Elena Delle Donne. Girls play basketball, too!
After the Shot Drops by Randy Ribay (2018; 336 pages). Bunny and Nasir have been best friends forever, but when Benny takes a basketball scholarship and starts attending a prestigious school across town, Nasir feels betrayed. This one is being compared to social justice powerhouse titles of 2017 The Hate U Give and Long Way Down.
Flying Lessons and Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh (2017; 2018 pages). Okay, there are all kinds of stories from all kinds of authors in this collection, but the first story, How to Transform an Everyday, Ordinary Hoop Court into a Place of Higher Learning and You at the Podium by Matt de la Pena, is one that sticks out in my mind from this collection. If you like basketball, give this story a try and then maybe give the other stories a try, too.
If you’re excited for the games to begin, grab one of these great books to keep yourself occupied until your team takes the court.
— Abby Johnson, Collection Development Leader
