Jump! From the Life of Michael Jordan (Hardcover)

by Floyd Cooper (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-5–This lovingly rendered picture book details the events in Jordan's childhood and adolescence that contributed to his basketball stardom. Cooper's signature artwork, done in umber washes of oil, feature soft outlines and harmonious tones of brown, orange, and blue. From a scene of children running wildly through a full house to one of Michael staring longingly at the bigger, older players competing on the blacktop court, the freedom of movement and the joys of athletic prowess and competition are expressed in every depiction of the characters. An author's note details the superstar's accomplishments in professional sports. At times, Cooper's descriptions of the characters' feelings seem convoluted and unnecessarily long, but the text is easy to read, and events are related in a friendly, conversational style. While Jump! is not an essential purchase, it is a visually exciting one that will surely circulate among Jordan's many fans.–Anne M. Holcomb, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
K-Gr. 3. Cooper, whose distinctive artwork has earned numerous Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book awards, contributes both words and pictures to this stirring childhood profile of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Each double-page spread features powerful portraits of Jordan, from a wildly energetic boy to a high-school basketball star jumping for a shot in a long gatefold. Children who view Jordan as a deity on the court will take comfort in Cooper's stories, written in casual, colloquial language, which portray the icon as a regular, energetic kid who worked exceptionally hard and sometimes failed. Cooper also emphasizes the help and encouragement that Jordan received, especially from his coach, and Cooper's focus on Jordan's motivating rivalry with his older brother adds dramatic tension. The layout in a few spreads is awkward, with images separated by the center binding. Nonetheless, children will appreciate this handsome tribute, which credits Jordan's determination and support from others, more than his prodigious talents, for his glorious success. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (October 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399242309
• ISBN-13: 978-0399242304
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #228,026 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #5 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( C ) > Cooper, Floyd
  #10 in	Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > Basketball > Nonfiction
  #11 in	Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( J ) > Jordan, Michael

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It sould have won the Caldecot 2005 Award, January 19, 2005

A Kid's Review

Jump is a book about basketball superstar Michael Jordan, who struggled through life as a normal kid, to become one of today's most renowned basketball superstars. I would recommend this book to grades 3 thru 7 because of its simple but dramatic text and extraordinary charcoal illustrations, both created by Floyd Cooper. Cooper, who previously visited my school in fall 2004, tutored us about his style of art. Cooper exhibits a unique way of art, which he can do superbly. After he washes a piece of canvas, or cardboard in oil or charcoal, he erases his layer with a special kind of eraser to form lines that create a painting. This form of art requires a high-quality imagination and the skill to erase, creating a picture. The colors that he uses create a historical looking toned background, one many ages can enjoy. I highly recommend this book to young readers. This story concludes that seemingly regular children can make their dreams come true if they have a strong determination toward that goal, as Michael exemplifies in this story, anything is possible. Please enjoy!

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A Kid's Review, October 30, 2005

A Kid's Review

I tell y'all what, this book ain't for MJ, it's for ev'ryone!