Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting history of evolving rules, revolutionary players.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Within a social, economic, and political context, 125 years of history is covered in BASKET BALL: THE STORY OF THE ALL-AMERICAN GAME. Divided into sections that parallel a real game (e.g., Pregame, First Quarter, Second Quarter, Halftime, and so on), the book covers major topics that include the early days, old-school play, the birth of the NBA, "from the playground to the pros," 14 revolutionary players, four winning teams, the emergence of the women's game, and the significance of the game in modern culture. Emphasis is on how Black players emerged from Jim Crow laws and segregation to achieve at the highest level along with their White counterparts. Extensive backmatter adds to the package in an author's note, glossary of basketball terms, footnotes, sources, and an index.
Is It Any Good?
This strikingly handsome and carefully researched nonfiction book covers a great game from its beginning in 1891 to the present. Original oil paintings add drama and detail to Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game. Racism and sexism figure in, as does fitful progress with expanding opportunities for Black players and women. Basketball started off a slow game (no running, just throwing) but quickly went high-octane, thanks to evolving rules and revolutionary players. Glorious portraits and exciting game-day scenes break up the fact-filled narrative, told in the friendly voice of an old-time player who often addresses readers directly. Basketball fans will surely enjoy this winning tribute to a great game with its many life lessons.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of sports in American life as shown in Basket Ball. Does your family like sports or basketball in particular? Why, or why not?
Have you played basketball yourself? If so, how do you feel about the game and the play?
Have you been to a high school, college, or professional basketball game? If so, how did you feel as a spectator? What made it fun, or uninteresting?
Many of the players featured in this book exhibit courage, perseverance, and passion. How have you shown these qualities in your life? What are you really passionate about?
Basketball relies heavily on teamwork. Do you rely on teamwork in your own life? If so, when and where?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kadir Nelson
- Genre : Sports
- Topics : History , Sports ( Basketball )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Little Brown and Company
- Publication date : January 13, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 110
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : January 30, 2026
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