Strong to the Hoop

By John Coy, Leslie Jean-Bart
Paperback: $11.95

A boy finally gets to play basketball on the main court with the older boys, and has to prove he can hold his own.

Front cover for Directo al aro by John Coy and Leslie Jean-Bart
This book is also available in Spanish
Directo al aro
By John Coy, Leslie Jean-Bart

Description

James has always settled for watching his big brother Nate play basketball from the sidelines. Then one day, a player is injured and James is asked to join the older boys’ game. This is James’ chance to prove himself on the main court, and he knows there is much more than “game point” riding on his last shot.

John Coy’s energetic prose captures the intensity and emotion of the competition, while Leslie Jean-Bart’s photo collages deliver the urban pace of the game.

About the Creators

John Coy

John Coy is the author of several award-winning books for children, including Strong to the Hoop, an ALA Notable Book and Night Driving, named one of the Best Books of 1996 by The New York Times. Around the World was inspired by Coy's lifelong passion for basketball. Mr. Coy teaches writing to children and has developed an innovative class that combines basketball and poetry. He and his family live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Leslie Jean-Bart

Leslie Jean-Bart photographs and photo collages have appeared in New York Magazine, Newsweek, and The New York Times. A native of Haiti, he received a masters degree in journalism from Columbia University. Mr. Jean-Bart now lives in New York City. Strong to the Hoop is his first book for children. To find out more about Leslie Jean-Bart, visit his Web site: www.lesliejean-bart.com.

Awards

  • Notable Books for a Global Society

    International Literacy Association (ILA)

  • ALSC Notable Children's Books

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People

    National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  • Marion Vannett Ridgway Award Honor

    University of Minnesota Libraries

Reviews

  • "[V]isually stunning. . . This book is a wonderful example of the vibrancy of urban life and the importance of community and family."

    - International Literacy Association (ILA)
  • "In this uniquely designed picture book, 10-year-old James finally gets to play basketball with his older brother's friends and proves he can hold his own. Basketball terminology abounds ('glides down the lane, flips a finger roll') and should delight children who also yearn for the day when they will have the self-confidence to play with an older crowd."

    - School Library Journal
  • "It's an engrossing. . . debut for Jean-Bart"

    - Kirkus Reviews

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781584301783
  • Price $11.95
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 1999
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 10.75 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 967
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781880000809
  • Price $16.95
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 1999
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 967
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Sports & Recreation / Basketball
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Fiction, Games / Toys, Heroism, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Realistic Fiction, Siblings, Sports
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 4
  • Guided Reading Q
  • ATOS Book Level 2.5
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 520
  • Reading Level 2
  • SRC 3.2
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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