STAT: Standing Tall and Talented #1: Home Court [Paperback]

Amar'e Stoudemire (Author), Tim Jessell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2012 | Age Range: 8 and up | Series: STAT: Standing Tall and Talented (Book 1)

STAT: Standing Tall And Talented-- A slam-dunk new fiction series from NBA superstar Amar'e Stoudemire!

Eleven-year-old Amar'e Stoudemire has a lot going on. He loves to go skateboarding in the park. He takes his school work very seriously. He helps out with his dad's landscaping company. And he likes to play basketball with his best friends-but just for fun.
When a group of older kids start disrespecting his boys on their neighborhood basketball court, there is only one solution. Amar'e must step in and use his athletic ability and intelligence to save the day. This experience leads Amar'e to realize that basketball is his true passion.
Based on the life of All-Star NBA sensation Amar'e Stoudemire, who overcame many obstacles to become one of the most popular figures in sports today.

Amar'e is just as versatile in his off the court life as he is on. He is devoted to several charities. He promotes literacy and education. He is a media darling. And he has an amazing story to tell in this heartfelt, accessible middle-grade series.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Amar'e Stoudemire, Captain of the New York Knicks and a six-time NBA All-Star, is a well-respected professional basketball player who has left his mark on the game and the community through his award winning outreach. He is focused on creatively inspiring youth to avoid poverty through education. He is the father of three children.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From STAT #1: Home Court

We were getting close to the corner now. You know the spot. NBA players take tons of 3s from there because it's a shorter shot and a straight, squared-up look. And that means that we all practice from there all the time too, heaving it up and trying to do what they do. Even his dribbling changed a little. You know how it does that when someone's about to take a shot? It was going to be one jump shot from the corner. I didn't think I could get up and contest it with his length, and there was a good chance it would go in.

But that's right where the big crack in the court was. It was the one I stumbled over last game. That's the whole reason I remembered it. Maybe if Carlos had tripped over it then, he would've remembered it too. But he hadn't, so he had to learn that lesson now. With his eyes already radar-locked, sizing up the rim, he had no idea it was coming.

"Look out, man," I heard Yeti yell behind me, but it was too late.

The edge of Carlos's sneaker clipped the raised edge of the cracked black top.

"What the?" he blurted.

I didn't answer, just reached in and grabbed the ball as he tumbled sideways toward the fence. I turned fast, and for this weird moment, there were four sets of eyes staring right at me. Yeti and Ledge were facing forward, waiting to rebound in case Carlos had missed. And Tavor is and Deuce were facing me, wanting to be ready for whatever it was I was planning. Now they knew what it was. They stepped in front of their guys, and I had clear sailing to the hoop.

One dribble, two dribbles, pull up, pop! If the rim still had any net left on it, it would've swished.

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (August 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545387590
• ISBN-13: 978-0545387590
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Sports > Basketball
  • #26 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > United States
  • #43 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Multicultural Stories > African-American

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Exciting basketball and a positive message September 11, 2012

By Valerie Jones

Format:Paperback

Eleven year old Amar'e is a good kid. He studies hard in school, helps his dad with his landscaping company, and loves to play sports. Skateboarding, baseball, and basketball, as long as he is with his friends and family he is having fun. But one day a group of older bullies shows up and kicks him and his friends off their home basketball court. With his athletic ability and the help of his friends, Amar'e realizes that the only way to win their court is to play a winner take all game.
Filled with the excitement of a great basketball game, Stoudemire's first novel is perfectly geared towards males, touching on issues of morality, friends, hard work, sports, and family. Amar'e likeable character, wit, and athletic prowess will inspire youth and reinforce the positive message.
Based on the life of popular NBA Star Amar'e Stoudemire, whose overcame his own obstacles to thrive, Home Court, is the first in the STAT: Standing Tall and Talented series.
Recommended for readers age 8-12.
baseballvalbooks.wordpress.com

5.0 out of 5 stars Mom, I love this book! Can you get me the next one? May 2, 2013

By 6ofUs

Format:Paperback

My son is realizing these days some of his friends are older & better at some things. He is excited to read this book series because the boy has his own struggles to overcome that I think my son can relate to. Well written! Great message!

5.0 out of 5 stars Really good April 6, 2013

By Gregory Saurelus

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I thought it was a five star book because it really showed the passion of basketball and friendship. based on a true story