Strong to the Hoop

By John Coy, Leslie Jean-Bart
Paperback: $11.95

A boy finally gets to play basketball on the main court with the older boys, and has to prove he can hold his own.

Front covernull for Directo al aro by John Coy and Leslie Jean-Bart
This book is also available in Spanish
Directo al aro
By John Coy, Leslie Jean-Bart

Description

James has always settled for watching his big brother Nate play basketball from the sidelines. Then one day, a player is injured and James is asked to join the older boys’ game. This is James’ chance to prove himself on the main court, and he knows there is much more than “game point” riding on his last shot.

John Coy’s energetic prose captures the intensity and emotion of the competition, while Leslie Jean-Bart’s photo collages deliver the urban pace of the game.

About the Creators

John Coy

John Coy is the author of several award-winning books for children, including Strong to the Hoop, an ALA Notable Book and Night Driving, named one of the Best Books of 1996 by The New York Times. Around the World was inspired by Coy's lifelong passion for basketball. Mr. Coy teaches writing to children and has developed an innovative class that combines basketball and poetry. He and his family live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Leslie Jean-Bart

Leslie Jean-Bart photographs and photo collages have appeared in New York Magazine, Newsweek, and The New York Times. A native of Haiti, he received a masters degree in journalism from Columbia University. Mr. Jean-Bart now lives in New York City. Strong to the Hoop is his first book for children. To find out more about Leslie Jean-Bart, visit his Web site: www.lesliejean-bart.com.

Awards

  • Notable Books for a Global Society

    International Literacy Association (ILA)

  • ALSC Notable Children's Books

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People

    National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  • Marion Vannett Ridgway Award Honor

    University of Minnesota Libraries

Reviews

  • "[V]isually stunning. . . This book is a wonderful example of the vibrancy of urban life and the importance of community and family."

    - International Literacy Association (ILA)
  • "In this uniquely designed picture book, 10-year-old James finally gets to play basketball with his older brother's friends and proves he can hold his own. Basketball terminology abounds ('glides down the lane, flips a finger roll') and should delight children who also yearn for the day when they will have the self-confidence to play with an older crowd."

    - School Library Journal
  • "It's an engrossing. . . debut for Jean-Bart"

    - Kirkus Reviews

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781584301783
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 1999
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 10.75 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781880000809
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 1999
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Sports & Recreation / Basketball
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Fiction, Games / Toys, Heroism, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Realistic Fiction, Siblings, Sports
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 4
  • Guided Reading Q
  • ATOS Book Level 2.5
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 520
  • Reading Level 2
  • SRC 3.2
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 24
      English Guided Reading Level Q
      Collection of 24 books: $283.80

      In Her Hands

      A recreation of events from the childhood and early career of Augusta Savage, a pioneering female sculptor and major figure of the Harlem Renaissance.

      Chachaji's Cup

      Neel loves listening to Chachaji's many stories over steaming cups of tea.

      A Place Where Sunflowers Grow

      Bilingual English/Japanese. A young girl finds things to be joyful about in the Topaz Internment Camp.

      Armando and the Blue Tarp School

      The story of a young Mexican boy living in a colonia (trash dump community) who takes the first steps toward realizing his dream of getting an education.

      Mama and Papa Have a Store

      A young girl describes what a typical day is like in her parents' Chinese store in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Recipient of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor in 2000.

      Selvakumar Knew Better

      This true story of a courageous and clever dog who saved a boy's life during the devastating tsunami of 2004 is sure to touch the hearts of readers of all ages.

      The Dragon Lover

      From the lazy farmer who hopes his food will come to him to the Sheriff who claims to love dragons only to hide his own fear, these proverbs are used in everyday Chinese life to illustrate moments of humor or clarity in our actions.

      Tan to Tamarind

      A poetry collection that explores the spectrum of beautiful shades of brown.

      Kiki's Journey

      Kiki and her parents travel back to the Taos Pueblo reservation where she was born to learn more about their Tiwa Indian heritage.

      Going Home, Coming Home

      Bilingual English/Vietnamese. This summer, Ami Chi is taking a trip to far off Vietnam, where the streets are crowded with zipping scooters and fruit is shaped like dragons and stars.

      Jouanah

      Jouanah: A Hmong Cinderella is sure to shine as one of the most beautiful and moving versions of Cinderella from around the world.

      A Shelter in Our Car

      Zettie and her Mama left their warm and comfortable home in Jamaica for an uncertain life in the United Sates, and they are forced to live in Mama's car.

      The Blue Roses

      A modern-day Native American girl learns to understand the cycle of life after her grandfather dies.

      First Come the Zebra

      The story of two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, who find a way to overcome their traditional rivalries and become friends.

      Howard Thurman's Great Hope

      Born in segregated Daytona, Florida, in 1899, Howard Thurman grew up dreaming of a better life--a life where his mother and grandmother would not have to cook and clean for other people; a life where he could become a college man, honoring his late father's wishes and his own dreams.

      Bird

      In this gentle, award-winning picture book, an African American boy nicknamed Bird uses drawing as a creative outlet as he struggles to make sense of his grandfather's death and his brother's drug addiction.

      When the Horses Ride By

      Through these graceful and eloquent poems, written from the child's perspective, readers will experience this resilience, this optimism, and understand that it is possible to get through difficult and unsettling times while holding onto one's hopes and dreams for a better, more peaceful future. 

      Strong to the Hoop

      A boy finally gets to play basketball on the main court with the older boys, and has to prove he can hold his own.

      Richard Wright and the Library Card

      This is the true story of the renowned African American author Richard Wright and his determination to borrow books from the public library that turned him away because of his color.

      Rent Party Jazz

      An African American boy living in New Orleans in the 1930s raises money to pay the rent with the help of a popular jazz musician.

      Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin

      The story of Little Sap, a young Cambodian dancer who posed for artist Auguste Rodin in 1906 during the Colonial Exhibition in France.

      Knockin' On Wood

      An inspirational biography of Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates (1907--1998), an African American man who overcame the hardship of losing a leg at age 12 and went on to become a world-renowned tap dancer.

      Keepers

      Kenyon loves his grandmother's stories almost as much as he loves baseball.

      First Day in Grapes

      The powerful story of a migrant boy who grows in self-confidence when he uses his math prowess to stand up to the school bullies.

      1370 in stock

    • 9
      Building Classroom Community for Second Grade
      Collection of 9 books: $117.55

      Grandfather Counts

      In this contemporary intergenerational story, a biracial girl and her Chinese grandfather overcome language differences and develop a special bond.

      First Day in Grapes

      The powerful story of a migrant boy who grows in self-confidence when he uses his math prowess to stand up to the school bullies.

      Strong to the Hoop

      A boy finally gets to play basketball on the main court with the older boys, and has to prove he can hold his own.

      Willie Wins

      In this heart-warming story, a boy gets beyond peer pressure and comes to appreciate the depth of his father's love. First-time author Almira Astudillo Gilles teams up with artist Carl Angel to create an inspiring and suspenseful story. Young readers will be cheering for Willie all the way.

      Lend a Hand

      A collection of original poems centered on giving and spontaneous acts of kindness, which also incorporate larger themes of community, intergenerational relationships, young mentors, and care for the environment.

      Under the Lemon Moon

      One night, Rosalinda is awakened by a noise in the garden.

      I Know the River Loves Me / Yo sé que el río me ama

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Listen... Can you hear the river calling you? Rushing and bubbling, splashing or still, the river has so much to teach us.

      Every Month Is a New Year

      Happy New Year ... in July! This versatile collection of engaging original poems showcases New Year celebrations throughout the year and around the world.

      The Hula-Hoopin' Queen

      A spunky African American girl has a hula-hooping competition with her friends in Harlem, and soon everyone in the neighborhood--young and old alike--joins in on the fun.

    • 194
      Fluent Dual Language
      Collection of 194 books: $2,418.30

      Amelia's Road

      A girl from a migrant worker family overcomes the hardship of moving by creating a special place for herself.

      Baseball Saved Us: 25th Anniversary Edition

      Twenty-five years ago, Baseball Saved Us changed the picture-book landscape with its honest story of a Japanese American boy in an internment camp during World War II. This anniversary edition will introduce new readers to this modern-day classic.

      Caravan

      Through the story of ten-year-old Jura's first caravan trip with his father, Lawrence McKay, Jr. describes the adventures one boy experiences on the journey to young adulthood.

      Catching the Moon

      The spirited story of Marcenia Lyle, the African American girl who grew up to become "Toni Stone," the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.

      Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures

      A photographic exploration comparing celebrations in seven indigenous world cultures and the United States, highlighting common rituals such as body decoration, music, and dance.

      Coming to America

      A photo-essay of a Muslim family from Egypt; their experiences living in America; and the sacrifices they make to have a better life.

      Confetti

      The renowned poet Pat Mora celebrates the culture and landscape of the Southwest through the eyes of a Mexican American girl.

      Cool Melons- Turn to Frogs!

      For hundreds of years, school children in Japan have been introduced to poetry through the work of Issa.

      Crazy Horse's Vision

      The true story of the great Sioux warrior who, as a young boy, defies tradition and seeks a vision on his own in hopes of saving his people.

      Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life

      A photographic exploration of the cycles of traditional Balinese rice farming, a dynamic model of earth-friendly agriculture that connects a unique culture with the natural world.

      Dear Mrs. Parks

      On a December day in 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.

      Destiny's Gift

      Destiny loves words, and her favorite place in the world is Mrs. Wade's bookstore, where words abound.

      Dia's Story Cloth

      A Hmong American tells of her people's search for freedom.

      Diverse Energies

      A collection of dystopian short stories featuring diverse main characters and by authors of color.

      Estela's Swap

      A Mexican American girl learns to value the act of giving when she attends her first swap meet.

      Everglades Forever

      A photo-essay about the Florida Everglades, its unique ecosystem, and the efforts currently underway to restore this "Wetland of International Importance," told within the framework of a class study project and visit to the Everglades.

      First Come the Zebra

      The story of two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, who find a way to overcome their traditional rivalries and become friends.

      Frederick Douglass

      The story of the African American abolitionist who, in one dramatic incident, discovered the meaning of freedom.

      George Crum and the Saratoga Chip

      An account of the life and career of George Crum, a biracial chef who is credited with the invention of the potato chip at a Saratoga Springs, New York, restaurant in 1853. Based on historical records.

      Gettin' Through Thursday

      A young African American boy experiences the love and support of his family as they try to make ends meet each week.

      Goldfish and Chrysanthemums

      A Chinese American girl helps preserve her grandmother's childhood memories of China by creating a special garden for her in America.

      Home At Last

      A sympathetic tale of a mother-daughter bond and overcoming adversity, brought to life by the vivid illustrations of Felipe Davalos.

      How We Are Smart

      Musician Tito Puente. Ballerina Maria Tallchief. Explorer Matthew Henson. Congresswoman Patsy Mink. These are some of the people profiled in this book. They are well known for different reasons, but they also have something in common. They were all smart!

      Howard Thurman's Great Hope

      Born in segregated Daytona, Florida, in 1899, Howard Thurman grew up dreaming of a better life--a life where his mother and grandmother would not have to cook and clean for other people; a life where he could become a college man, honoring his late father's wishes and his own dreams.

      I and I Bob Marley

      A biography in verse of reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring the influences that shaped his life and music on his journey from rural Jamaican childhood to international superstardom.

      Heroes

      A Japanese American boy learns about heroism from his father and uncle who served in the U.S. Army.

      In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall

      In this intergenerational collection of poetry by new and established African American writers, fatherhood is celebrated with honor, humor, and grace.

      Jim Thorpe's Bright Path

      A biography of the legendary Native American Jim Thorpe (1888--1953), voted the Greatest Football Player and Greatest Athlete of the Half-Century by two AP polls, focusing on his early childhood and how school and sports shaped his future.

      Joe Louis, My Champion

      During the mid-1930s, an African American boy who yearns to be a boxer learns the value of determination, perseverance, and his own natural abilities from the example of his hero, world champion prizefighter Joe Louis.

      John Lewis in the Lead

      A biography of John Lewis, one of the "Big Six" civil rights leaders of the 1960s, focusing on his involvement in Freedom Rides, the March on Washington, and the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

      Joshua's Masai Mask

      A magical Masai mask takes an African American boy on a series of adventures, and he discovers the joy of being himself.

      Keepers

      Kenyon loves his grandmother's stories almost as much as he loves baseball.

      Juneteenth Jamboree

      A young girl, who has just moved to her parents' hometown, realizes that she has come home after the African American emancipation celebration of Juneteenth.

      Knockin' On Wood

      An inspirational biography of Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates (1907--1998), an African American man who overcame the hardship of losing a leg at age 12 and went on to become a world-renowned tap dancer.

      La vasija que Juan fabricó

      In Spanish. This vibrant storyis sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

      Louis Sockalexis

      A biography of Louis Sockalexis, Penobscot Indian and the first Native American to play professional baseball, focusing on his formative years and culminating in an historic game at New York's Polo Grounds in 1897.

      Love to Langston

      This inspiring biography on Langston Hughes celebrates his life through poetry.

      Love to Mamá

      Thirteen Latino poets celebrate their bonds with their mothers and grandmothers.