The Man Who Invented Basketball
Edwin Brit Wyckoff illustrates James Naismith's difficult childhood in Ontario, Canada in the mid- to late 19th century, and connects his past difficulties with making positive contributions to others. The author shows how the inventor evolved as a person and how the game that he invented evolved as a sport.
* Reviews *
Young sports researchers will be fascinated with this child-friendly look at the inventor of a great American ballgame. As a young boy in Canada, James Naismith overcame considerable adversity. He was an excellent athlete known for his ability to get along with people. At his first job after college, he was given two weeks to invent a game that could be played indoors during the winter. Using some ideas from a favorite childhood activity, he designed a game that spread quicklyfirst around Springfield, Massachusetts, and soon across the country. The first game of basketball was played using peach baskets for goals and a soccer ball. Although Naismith's life went far beyond basketball, the focus here is on this singular achievement. Included are copies of original family photos, the original 13 rules, and a poster from the 1936 Olympic Games where basketball was included for the first time. This book will find a place in any library with students interested in basketball. Bibliography. Glossary. Timeline. Web sites. Index. Recommended., Library Media Connection November/December 2007
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Grades
3--5 IL
Grades
3-5 GRL
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