Teammates: Karl Malone and John Stockton [Library Binding]

Robert Schnakenberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1998 | Age Level: 9 and up

A dual biography that emphasizes how greatly two Utah Jazz stars rely on each other on and off the court and the extent to which their careers have intertwined.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8AA timely book written in a lively style with plenty of game action, black-and-white photos, and statistics. The teammate theme is developed through an examination of the character, background, and playing styles of the two leading lights of the Utah Jazz. Stockton grew up in a white and middle-class Irish-American family in Spokane. Many thought he was not big enough, strong enough, or talented enough to succeed in the NBA. Malone, who is black, is physically much more impressive but had to overcome a childhood of extreme poverty in rural Louisiana. Much of the book deals with the manner in which these individuals have worked to develop and blend their talents in order to succeed. In the process, they have become close personal friends despite their very different backgrounds. This title should have no trouble finding an eager audience among basketball fans.ARichard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School,
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-7. Despite the Utah Jazz's recent defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bulls, the team is a powerful presence in the NBA, mostly due to the combination of Karl Malone and John Stockton. Although Schnakenberg covers the childhood and professional careers of both players, the hook lies in the relationship that the two share. As the author puts it, "John is white, a Catholic from Washington State, best known for a technical playing style. Karl is an African American Baptist from northern Louisiana, best known for his physical style of play. How could two players as different as these possibly have the strong connection they do, both on and off the court?" Using vivid descriptions of games as well as anecdotes about the two's personal relationship, Schnakenberg gives readers insight into the duo's special bond. An attractive layout and black-and-white illustrations add to the book's usefulness; however, a list of the players' stats might have been interesting. Ilene Cooper

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 96 pages
• Publisher: Millbrook Press (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761303006
• ISBN-13: 978-0761303008
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,294,228 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert Schnakenberg has been called "the Howard Zinn of nerd pop culture." He is the author of more than a dozen books, including Distory: A Treasury of Historical Insults, Christopher Walken A-to-Z, Secret Lives of Great Authors, and The Encyclopedia Shatnerica--the world's first A-to-Z guide to the life and career of William Shatner. His work has appeared in Penthouse, The American Writer, and Real People; and online at Alternet, HoleCity, Mental Floss, and PopPolitics.com. He has been a major contributor to numerous multi-volume reference works, including The St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture; Fashion, Fad, and Style; and Bowling, Beatniks, and Bell Bottoms: Pop Culture of 20th Century America.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Schnakenberg... He shoots....He SCORES!, October 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Teammates: Karl Malone and John Stockton (Library Binding)

I admit, when my daughter brought this book home for a book report, my expectations were high. We both loved Mr. Schnakenberg's Scottie Pippen book, and didn't think he could top it. We were both pleasantly surprised. Once again, he has put together an informative and entertaining book. I know it is officially a "Young Adult's" offering, but I was not ashamed to borrow it from my daughter and bring it to work to read over lunch. When a co-worker noticed it he picked it up out of curiosity. Now my daughter has to borrow it from the library again so HE can finish it. I hope Mr. Schnakenberg continues to provide his own personal brand of wit to both young and old alike. He is rapidly distinguishing himself as one of our premiere "Young Adult" authors.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good book for all ages, February 10, 2012

By 

James B. Beavan (Laurel, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Teammates: Karl Malone and John Stockton (Library Binding)

I really enjoyed reading this book and it only took me about 2 hours to complete, which is why I deducted a star. I deducted another star for not having a stat sheet for either player and only going through the Jazz 1st NBA Finals appearance. I think this book is aimed at young readers considering it's length and ease to read, but it was nice to relive the memories and learn many new things about the career of Malone and Stockton. I didn't become a basketball fan until the early 90's, so I missed some of these guys early career.

5.0 out of 5 stars Stockton & Malone are different people but best friends,, November 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Teammates: Karl Malone and John Stockton (Library Binding)

This is the first time I have ever read this book. I thought it was great. This book proves you can be of different color,different religion, and of different build and still be best friends. Even though I don't like the Utah Jazz, I thought this book described the Utah Jazz,Stockton, and Malone very well.This book proves that even if you were once poor, you never forget where you came from.I would read this book or another book by this author if I could.