Take Your Shot (Paperback or Softback)

Duke the Deaf Dog discovers that basketball is more than just a game. It's about teamwork, resilience, and finding your unique strengths.

Meet Duke, a fun-loving second grader who loves to draw, play sports, and explore the world around him. With his hearing aid and American Sign Language (ASL), Duke communicates in his own unique way. This season, Duke takes on a new challenge: basketball! With his dad and his friend Koa’s dad as coaches, Duke learns that communication and teamwork come in many forms.

In this heartwarming chapter book, Duke navigates the highs and lows of basketball season. From learning new plays and improving his skills to dealing with skeptical parents and losing games, Duke shows that being different can be a superpower. Young readers will relate to Duke's struggles and triumphs as he embraces his identity and helps his team find their rhythm. Perfect for ages 6-10, this story celebrates the power of teamwork, determination, and the fun of working together to achieve goals.

With easy-to-read text and engaging illustrations, this book is ideal for emerging readers eager to explore new perspectives, learn a bit of sign language, and understand that our unique traits make us stronger.

Perfect for emerging readers, this engaging chapter book offers:

• Insightful lessons on Deaf culture and ASL: Encourage understanding and empathy among young readers.
• Relatable school and sports experiences: Address common classroom and social challenges faced by children.
• Fun and educational adventures: Inspire a love of learning and diversity.

Discover Duke's story today and inspire your students with his second-grade adventures on and off the court!

Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children's books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.Parents, kids, and teachers love the children's books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it's due.A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.