In 1891, James Naismith became the third teacher to take on a gym class full of unruly, energetic older boys. He tried indoor football. Indoor soccer. Lacrosse. The students excelled at injuring one another. That's when he remembered Duck on a Rock, a game he'd played as a child involving stones. It required accuracy over strength. Obviously, stones were not a good idea with this group. But what about trying to throw a ball into a goal off the ground? Accuracy would be essential. There were no boxes available for goals, only peach baskets, but the students were hooked from the first time they played. The game's popularity quickly spread. In 1892, when a group of women asked Naismith if they could play he replied, "I don't see why not." In 1936, basketball became an Olympic sport, with Naismith honored during the opening ceremonies. John Coy's picture-book account of the creation of basketball is given sophisticated visual treatment by Joe Morse. His distinctive style, with slightly elongated, angled figures and a muted palette, will appeal to older readers, as will his final image showing a group of contemporary players on the court. (Ages 7-11)

Taking over a rowdy gym class right before winter vacation is not something James Naismith wants to do at all.

The last two teachers of this class quit in frustration. The students—a bunch of energetic young men—are bored with all the regular games and activities. Naismith needs something new, exciting, and fast to keep the class happy—or someone's going to get hurt. Saving this class is going to take a genius.

Discover the true story of how Naismith invented basketball in 1891 at a school in Springfield, Massachusetts.