Black Children's books; picture books; basketball practice; Basketball books; Kid Stars; Youth Sports;

CJ gets his very first basketball from Dad on Sunday, but can't go to a real basketball court until the following Saturday. He decides to practice inside the house every day until he can get to the court. Can CJ stay out of trouble at home for a whole week until the big day? CJ's New Basketball uses funny, mischievous antics to teach children the days of the week and accountability for their actions. Colorful pictures illustrated by popular children's artist Chris Padovano bring to life CJ's exciting week of "basketball practice."

What began with a peach basket on a post is now one of the world's hottest sports! Young would-be LeBrons can learn all about assists, blocks, dribbles, foul balls, jump shots, pivots, passes, rebounds, and steals. They'll also see what to do to improve--including doing 100 layups and practicing at the park!

A book about more than basketball. Bummy and the Coach is about life, relationships, politics in school systems, and a small town. A middle aged coach and a 97 year old man team up together to create a winning basketball season and a winning book for readers of all ages.

"Shelly's Adventures offers unique and fun-filled educational resources that incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) while telling a story. In "Shelly's Outdoor Adventure," the first title of the 20-book series, Shelly introduces her friends to commonly used signs while exploring the great outdoors. You sure don't want to miss out on the fun!" -- Amazon.com

Although Laine is the best shooter on Carter High's girls' basketball squad, the team becomes concerned when their star player's laziness gets in the way of the hard work and practice needed to make a successful season.

"No one spent more time with Barack Obama during his historic first campaign and term than "body man" Reggie Love, whose professional coming of age story--from team captain of Coach K's 2001 NCAA title team through junior Senator Obama's mailroom to becoming the President's confidant, friend, and Chief of Stuff--is like no other"--

The death of high school basketball star Rob Washington in an automobile accident affects the lives of his close friend Andy, who was driving the car, and many others in the school.

The most famous basketball tournament in the history of college basketball is the Big Five. And the Big Five was played in the most hallowed halls of college play: the Palestra. Now, for the first time, a complete story of this Philadelphia rivalry is revealed. Robert Lyons offers the story of the Big Five from its very beginnings in 1955. At that time, many of the Big Five schools—La Salle University, University of Pennsylvania, St. Joseph's University, Temple University and Villanova University—weren't even talking to each other, and everyone predicted the tournament would end before it began. Conducting interviews with coaches and players—including famed Temple coach Harry Litwack's last interview before his death—Lyons offers the play-by-play on the how the Big Five became an institution, and how it was ultimately undone by college basketball's own success. Lavishly illustrated with photographs of players, teams, coaches, and the Palestra itself,Palestra Pandemoniumis an immediate classic, offering a chronicle of the most monumental college basketball tournament. Anywhere. Author note: For over thirty years,Robert S. Lyonshas covered professional and college sports for the Associated Press. The former director of the La Salle University News Bureau, editor ofLa Salle, the university's alumni magazine, and instructor of journalism, advertising, and public relations at La Salle, he is now president of RSL Communications. He lives in the Philadelphia area.