Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. Today’s selection is a definite SLAM-DUNK! As someone who was born and raised in New York City, I’ve been a fan of the Harlem Globetrotters for decades. I’m also a huge fan of Suzanne Slade and Don Tate. So, when I heard about their new book which launches next week, I knew I had to share it with you.
SWISH!
THE SLAM-DUNKING, ALLEY-OOPING, HIGH-FLYING HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
Written by Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by Don Tate
Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Integration, Teamwork, Sports
Synopsis: From Amazon:
The true story of the high-flying Harlem Globetrotters — the team that changed basketball forever.
In this book you will find one-finger ball-spinning, rapid-fire mini-dribbling, and a ricochet head shot!
You will find skilled athletes, expert players, and electrifying performers — all rolled into one!
You will find nonstop, give-it-all-you’ve-got, out-to-win-it, sky’s-the-limit BASKETBALL!
You will find The Harlem Globetrotters, who played the most groundbreaking, breathtaking ball the world had ever seen. With rhythmic writing and dynamic illustrations, Swish! is a celebration of the greatness, goodness, and grit of this remarkable team.
Why I love this book:
- The story – I love stories where the little guy (or in this case, the big guys) overcomes hurdles and succeeds – and it’s a story about believing in yourself and teamwork – and how change does happen – although not always for the ‘right’ reasons. The basketball teams hired black players, not because the owners felt black players deserved equal rights, but because they wanted to win games.
- The illustrations – Don Tate – need I say more?
- The text – filled with power and energy, just like these amazing players.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Make An Indoor Basketball Game
Lots of fun for the little ones – and it develops hand/eye coordination. Just take a paper cup, cut the bottom, tape to the wall slightly above head height of your child. Use a small rubber ball or crumple a piece of aluminum foil into a ball shape.
And here are many more basketball craft ideas:
For detailed instructions: http://aboutfamilycrafts.com/16-diy-basketball-projects/
And don’t forget to hop over to read a post on the Nerdy Book Club that Suzanne and Don did on the research for SWISH! lHere is the link to that Nerdy Book Club post .
Plus, here’s the awesome trailer:
I hope you all get your hands on a copy of SWISH! It’s available for pre-order at your favorite indie bookstore. And fortunately for us, there is a copy up for grabs as a giveaway, thanks to Suzanne Slade. Just leave a comment – and share on social media for additional tickets in the giveaway hat.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
I loved the Harlem Globetrotters as a kid. I can’t wait to get a copy of this book!
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Lucky to hear Don Tate speak to our Writer’s Loft StoryQuest group this fall — and he’s part of the SCWBI/Smithsonian Non-Fiction Workshop I am participating in today and tomorrow.
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OMG this is just wonderful. Brings me back to my childhood watching the Harlem Globetrotters play! Even my son got to watch a later iteration of this fun group!
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Fabulous! Like Lynne Marie and Debbie Z., I grew up watching the Harlem Globetrotters! They were wonderful. Can’t wait to read this book. I think my basketball loving husband would love it too. 🙂
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This book looks great, love the Harlem Globetrotters! Great way to introduce them to my kids.
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Showing how the Harlem Globetrotters overcame obstacles in their life will give strength to children facing their own obstacles! Bravo!!
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LOVE the Harlem Globetrotters!!
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Swish! Love the title. As a native New Yorker, growing up in the Sout Bronx I enjoyed hearing the term Alley Oop! We all pretended to be one of the Harlem Globtrotters. I can’t wait to “Feel the Flow” of this book. The illustrations are incredible!
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I played basketball as a kid and my parents took me to see The Harlem Globetrotters perform as a birthday present. I love watching them perform. This book sounds so fun! I shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/634056058484244480/via-perfect-picture-book-friday-swish-the
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Another winner from Suzanne Slade and Don Tate! Got to read this one! I remember the Harlem Globetrotters visiting my high school 🙂
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What a great book idea! I hope kids will love the globetrotters as much as I did when I was a kid.
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I was honored to meet Don Tate at Highlights Chautauqua–glad he has another book coming out! This one looks so much fun!
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I remember the Harlem Globetrotters being so entertaining. I’m glad kids will have the chance to learn about them in this wonderful picture book!
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I don’t think you can go wrong with a book by Suzanne Slade and Don Tate. They are superstars! And this book sounds like a great mix of their creative talents, featuring groundbreaking athletes. Thanks for putting this book in the spotlight, Vivian! I’ll be adding it to my TBR list.
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Gosh, does this bring back memories of sitting on the floor, mesmerized by the Globetrotters on the TV- aand not wanting the performance to end! Cant wait to read!
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My son loved the Harlem Globetrotters. They always seemed to visit our city just after Christmas and we always got him tickets. This brings back memories. They certainly did change basketball. Thanks for sharing!
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Would love to add this to my library 🙂
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My oldest will enjoy reading this one. He has really taken an interest in basketball lately.
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