Common Sense Media Review
By Jasmine Baten
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring true tale of teen journalist, basketball icons.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In WISH I WAS A BALLER, Amar Shah is a high schooler who sees a journalism pass as a way to sneak a peek at Michael Jordan, whose team is practicing in Amar's school gym. One moment leads to even greater ones, and soon Amar is a student journalist trying to interview the biggest names in basketball and getting a car ride home from Shaquille O'Neal. But the court is full of hurdles, from snooty school newspaper editors and a pretty girl Amar doesn't know how to ask out to jealous friends and high school rumors. Amar goes and grows through it all, finding out more about basketball and himself along the way.
Is It Any Good?
Amar Shah's fun and vibrant memoir will have readers cheering for young Amar with every jaw-dropping basketballer he interviews. Wish I Was a Baller is an inspirational read that celebrates ambitiously following your dreams and perseverance, even when things get tough. The graphic novel's bright and dynamic illustrations make the story come to life and will have you feeling like you're right there on the court with Amar and Shaq.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the allure of famous people as portrayed in Wish I Was A Baller. What does Amar learn about his famous interviewees? How did landing these interviews change things for Amar?
Amar's family experiences racial discrimination. How does the family respond? Have you heard about acts of racial bias in your school or neighborhood? Why do you think the author made sure to include this part of his life?
Why is it important that the author included his memories of the tough things that happened along with all of the good ones? How did Amar persevere, both in his pursuit of journalism and in other areas of his life?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Rashad Doucet
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : August 5, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 303
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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