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Above the Rim

How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball
4.45 goodreads logo

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( 675 ratings, 161 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Above the Rim, Jen Bryant tells the inspiring story of Elgin Baylor, a legendary basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers. Through compelling text and illustrations, the book captures Baylor's impact both on and off the court, highlighting his contributions to the civil rights movement and his transformative influence on the game of basketball. This children's book combines sports history with a powerful social message, making it an engaging and educational read.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate inspiring stories about overcoming obstacles and chasing dreams. Perfect for young readers interested in sports, it captures the transformative journey of a basketball legend, offering a blend of history, perseverance and passion. It's beautifully illustrated and written, which can engage children and foster a love for reading.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor was one of basketball’s all-time greatest players—an innovative athlete, team player, and quiet force for change. One of the first professional African American players, he inspired others on and off the court.

However, when travelling for away games, many hotels and restaurants turned Elgin away because he was black. One night, Elgin had enough and staged a one-man protest that captured the attention of the press, the public, and the NBA.

Above the Rim is a poetic, exquisitely illustrated telling of the life of an under-recognised athlete and a celebration of standing up for what is right.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Above the Rim is praised for its powerful blend of narrative and art, with Frank Morrison's vibrant oil paintings drawing particular acclaim for their dramatic compositions and ability to evoke deep emotions, from historical figures to pivotal civil rights heroes. Jen Bryant's dynamic verse captures the essence of Elgin Baylor's athletic prowess and his impactful protest against racial injustice, making the book both inspiring and timely. The collaboration of Bryant's storytelling with Morrison's distinctive, elongated illustrations is highlighted as creating an unforgettable picture book experience.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781419741081

Publisher: Abrams

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 06 October 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Illustration: full-colour illustrations throughout

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Frank Morrison
  • Illustrated by Frank Morrison

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 225.0mm

Height: 274.0mm

Weight: 470g

Pages: 40

About the Author

Jen Bryant writes picture books, novels, and poems for readers of all ages, including The Trial, Six Dots, and A Splash of Red. Her numerous awards include two Caldecott Honors, two ALA Schneider Family Book Awards, an NCTE Orbis Pictus Award and Honor, and a Sibert Medal and Honor.

Frank Morrison is the award-winning illustrator of many books for young readers, including the two Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor books Little Melba and her Big Trombone and Let the Children March, a John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, an NAACP Image Award winner, and a Society of Illustrators Silver Medal winner.

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