Beyond Championships

March 1, 2015

A few years after getting married and starting a career in sales, Joyce began coaching basketball part-time. Despite having played very little organized basketball and having no coaching experience, Joyce felt he was called to help young people. In 2002, he became the head boys' basketball coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, OH, where he has coached three state championship teams, won the National Coach of the Year award, and taught one of the greatest basketball players of all time--LeBron James, who wrote the foreword. This book contains the principles by which Coach Dru lives his life and instills in his players for success both on-and-off court. Each chapter centers on one principle, which is given a catchy phrase ("Decisions Create Environment") and contains real-life examples from Joyce's life as a husband and father, his years coaching, and his Christian faith. He preaches discipline, taking responsibility for your choices, and following your dreams. While these tenets are not unique, the book's style makes it palatable for a teenage, mostly male audience, especially given its connection to basketball and James. VERDICT Recommended for preteens, teenagers, and anyone who works with and mentors students of that age.--Jason Martin, Stetson Univ. Lib., DeLand, FL

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2015

Gr 8 Up-As basketball coach at St Vincent-St. Mary High School (STVM) in Ohio, Coach Dru Joyce had the good fortune to have superstar LeBron James on his first team. Joyce encountered some difficulty getting started: he initially stalled in a career he was unexcited about before going on to coach STVM's team of national champions. In this well-written and extremely thoughtful teen edition of his book, he shares the valuable lessons and principles that have guided his life and allowed him to reach his goals. Joyce discusses the importance of family, teamwork, integrity, hard work, and Christianity in his success. Though he uses basketball as a metaphor, readers don't need to be sports fans to be inspired. Religion is a major touchstone for Joyce, and he includes Bible quotes and discusses the many ways to connect to God. VERDICT A solid addition for collections seeking inspirational or self-help titles.-Elizabeth Kahn, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Jefferson, LA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.