Center Court: The History of Basketball

November 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-These slim volumes are packed with information and incorporate graphics, color photos, and bold fonts to explain the rules, history, major teams and players, and skills of the sport. Ruling the Court focuses on championship play, including March Madness and the Paralympic Games. Women and girls share the limelight; a girls' basketball team huddled round their coach graces the cover of Full Court Press. Interspersed with photos are numerous info boxes. Some pages appear cluttered, but the busy layout can also be effective. The authors describe passing, shooting, and rebounding, as well as defensive skills, warming up, and good sportsmanship. VERDICT Though the organization and focus is loose and unfocused, fans will find plenty of interesting nuggets of information in these accessible books.

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