A Basketball Alphabet

Children's Literature

Dribble, jump shot, march madness, signal, traveling, zone—these words are all related to one another because they are all important words to someone who loves basketball. In this basketball book of ABCs a player, team, or object related to basketball is presented for each letter of the alphabet. Younger readers will learn about the alphabet by the words that are chosen, as well as looking at the beautifully-illustrated pictures which accompany the letters. Slightly older children will appreciate the simple rhyme that accompanies each word, and teaches the meaning of the word. Finally, for older readers there is a longer, more explicit paragraph on the page which clarifies the meaning of the word and how it is used in basketball. The pictures illustrate every imaginable basketball scenario, from children playing a pick-up game, to University and WNBA players. Everyone can play basketball, and this is well represented in the striking illustrations. This book is fun for children and adults interested in basketball. 2005, Sleeping Bear Press, Ages 6 to 12.
—Nicole Peterson