Nelson, Kadir. Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game. Kadir Nelson, Illus. Little, Brown, 01/2026. 112pp. Nonfiction. Trade $21.99. 978-0-3162-0940-3. GRADES 3–7. OUTSTANDING.
From its origins as a game created by a Canadian PE teacher at the International YMCA Training School in Massachusetts to its development into a professional career, Basket Ball chronicles the history of the remarkable sport. By highlighting the game’s racist beginnings at all-white athletic clubs, the creation of amateur all-Black basketball teams during segregation, and the prowess of female basketball pioneers, we learn basketball is a sport for everyone. Nelson focuses on Black basketball, a unique style of fast, no-look passes, fluid movements, and slam dunks that eventually led to the game we know today. He introduces us to the first Black professional basketball player, Harry “Bucky” Lew, and teaches how his inclusion paved the way to integration of the sport. This book is informative, educational, and entertaining, including facts about innovations like dribbling and the three-point line, to details about star players like Michael Jordan. The art style is breathtaking, featuring realistic oil painting illustrations with visible brushstrokes in deep, rich tones. Back matter includes a table of contents, author’s note, timeline, glossary, notes, sources, and index. An engaging look at American history from the basketball court for basketball newbies, longtime fans, and lovers of history.
Kazuko Rance—Contra Costa County Library