Parents' Guide to

The Playbook: 52 Rules To Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life

By Kyle Jackson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Dynamic collection of inspiring quotes, lessons from sports.

Book Kwame Alexander Sports 2017
The Playbook: 52 Rules To Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life Poster Image

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What's the Story?

THE PLAYBOOK: 52 RULES TO AIM, SHOOT, AND SCORE IN THIS GAME CALLED LIFE, by prolific author and poet Kwame Alexander, intersperses stories of athletes he admires and his experiences as a budding tennis player with 52 rules to live by based on lessons learned by playing sports. Each rule is accompanied by a complementary quote from a famous athlete or public figure, such as Mia Hamm, Derek Jeter, Simone Biles, or Kobe Bryant, to name but a few. The quotes are mostly truisms such as "Champions behave like champions before they are champions" (Hall of Fame football coach Bill Walsh) and "A surplus of effort could overcome a deficit of confidence" (U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor). Divided into four "quarters" of 13 rules each, the book uses the structure of an extended basketball metaphor to offer advice and wisdom to young people.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (1):

This book of kid-friendly wisdom is filled with encouraging, insightful messages that offer positive reinforcement to young athletes who often face incredible pressure. And it cleverly uses the words of champions and underdogs to connect directly with the kids who look up to them. Author Kwame Alexander's biographical passages are charming, if not profound, while the book's overall design and layout is engaging and vibrant, featuring dramatic photographs by former SportsCenter anchor Thai Neave of hoopers in action on a variety of blacktops.

In a world more obsessed with professional sports heroes and inspirational, meme-able quotes than ever, The Playbook is a refreshing, thoughtful, and well-compiled scrapbook that encourages kids to pick up a book and think about what they're actually getting out of spending so much time focused on athletics.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the recurring themes in The Playbook. Why do most of the athletes quoted emphasize the importance of preparation, discipline, determination, and perseverance? How does playing sports help you develop these traits?

  • Who are your sports heroes? What qualities have made them successful in their careers?

  • Which piece of advice from a sports star do you think you can use in your own life?

Book Details

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