Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball - Hardcover

Bryant, Jen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 141974108X ISBN 13: 9781419741081

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 2020

Synopsis

Before Michael Jordan, before Julius Erving, there was Elgin Baylor. With his soaring leaps, creative shot-making, and electrifying style of play, Baylor revolutionized basketball and helped redefine what players could do above the rim.

In this inspiring picture book biography, award-winning author Jen Bryant and acclaimed illustrator Frank Morrison introduce young readers to the life and legacy of one of basketball's greatest pioneers.

Through lyrical storytelling and dynamic artwork, the book traces Baylor's journey from a young athlete with big dreams to an NBA Hall of Famer whose innovation on the court influenced generations of future stars. 

But Baylor's impact extended far beyond basketball. As one of the first African American superstars in professional basketball, he faced discrimination throughout his career. When segregation and unfair treatment became impossible to ignore, Baylor took a stand, using his voice and actions to challenge injustice and help bring change to the sport. 

Perfect for young basketball fans, sports lovers, educators, and families, Above the Rim combines sports history, biography, and civil rights history in a powerful story of courage, perseverance, and leadership. Winner of the 2021 Orbis Pictus Award, this engaging and beautifully illustrated book celebrates a groundbreaking athlete whose influence can still be seen throughout the NBA today.

“A new generation of fans will be introduced to the legendary basketball player Elgin Baylor. . . . A timely read about an NBA player who spoke out against Jim Crow injustice.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Inspirational and timely.” ―School Library Journal

About this title

About the Author

Jen Bryant is an award-winning author of picture books, novels, and poetry for readers of all ages. Known for bringing history to life through engaging storytelling, she has received numerous honors for her work, including Caldecott Honors, ALA Schneider Family Book Awards, Sibert recognition, and the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award. In Above the Rim, Bryant shines a light on basketball legend Elgin Baylor, introducing young readers to his groundbreaking athletic achievements and lasting impact on both sports and society.

Frank Morrison is an acclaimed illustrator and fine artist celebrated for his energetic, movement-filled artwork inspired by sports, music, and contemporary culture. His distinctive style combines bold colors, expressive figures, and a powerful sense of motion, making him one of today's most recognizable picture book illustrators. Morrison's illustrations for Above the Rim vividly capture Elgin Baylor's athletic brilliance and determination, bringing this important story to life for a new generation of readers.

Reviews

K-Gr 4-Bryant and Morrison team up to honor 11-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor (b. 1934). This captivating account chronicles Baylor's rise to basketball stardom in spite of the obstacles he faced in the segregated cities of his childhood and throughout his career. The poetic narrative captures Baylor's unique style of play in the early days of the NBA: "The way he played was so different that people stopped what they were doing and watched." This observation not only reflects those who witnessed Baylor's seemingly effortless and gravity-defying moves on the court, but it is used to describe those who stopped to watch the historic acts of courage of Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges. Neither Baylor's influence nor Bryant's story is limited to the world of basketball. After Baylor staged his own peaceful protest against segregation during an NBA game in 1959, the league took its first steps toward recognizing and rectifying the discrimination that Black players faced as they traveled the country. Morrison's vibrant oil paintings fill the pages with personality, energy, and movement. His signature elongated figures are perfectly suited to depict the 6'5" baller. An author's note, suggested reading, notes, and an extensive time line enhance the value of this book. VERDICT This inspirational and timely portrait of a lesser-known hero of the sports world and the civil rights movement belongs in every school library.-Lynn Van Auken, Oak Bluffs Sch., MAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 141974108X
• ISBN 13: 9781419741081
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Morrison Frank
• Number of pages: 40