“Blessed by the gods / with warrior gifts, / a mortal rises to become / the Mighty Giannis.” (From “The Mighty: Giannis Antetokounmpo”). Unique talents of 12 current kings of basketball are celebrated in 12 poems paced and styled to reflect the energy of the game. “Step left / cross right / cross back / out of sight. / Past defenders / behind the back / take it strong / to the rack / defender falls / with a crack!” (From “The Amazing Kyrie: Kyrie Irving.”) A photo of the player in action accompanies each verse tribute, while “Poem Notes” at volume’s end tell what about each player inspired the author to include them in this energetic, energizing collection. (Ages 7-12)

With this high-energy collection of poems and dynamic photos celebrating twelve pro ballers, Charles R. Smith Jr. scores another slam dunk.

What’s your game? Can you fly like Blake Griffin? Are you a lightning-fast force of nature like Russell Westbrook? Or are you a chameleon on the court, racking up nicknames like Steph Curry? From James Harden with his shimmy-shake-spin to “Lord of the Leap, Sir Alley of the Oop” Lebron James, here are a dozen profiles honoring the superb talents and skills of some of the best players in NBA basketball. With bold, graphic photographs and fun, accessible poems infused with his indomitable wordplay, Charles R. Smith Jr. captures the agility and finesse that each of these professionals brings to the game. Poem notes about each featured player offer further inspiration at the end.