August 1, 2022
NBA legend Curry draws from his own childhood experiences to tell the story of an aspiring basketball player with a hidden ability. Eight-year-old Hughes isn't going to tell everyone what his superpower is--he's going to show them, and he wants to teach readers how to use theirs, too. On his way to the basketball court, Hughes discusses how he discovered his power: First, his mom told him about it, and then his coach told him, too. Dressed in his tank top and shorts, Hughes arrives at the basketball court ready for action. He watches the tallest kids and the fastest kids get picked first for teams. But Hughes' superpower isn't one that he was born with, nor is it one that he picked up quickly--it took months of practice. His is a power that can be applied to any passion: his heart. Bowers' energetic, cartoonlike illustrations work well with the comic-style narration: A Black television announcer on a screen appears on each page, prompting Hughes to share his story, which appears in speech bubbles. This dual narration makes for a dynamic presentation of the overt message, which many children need to hear. A diverse cast of characters surround Hughes, who is brown-skinned (one of his parents presents Black; the other is tan-skinned). Curry appears on the final spread, telling readers that he didn't let discouraging comments stop him from playing the game that he loves. He invites readers to go back through the book and find a list of his favorite things hidden in the images throughout. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A positive boost from a strong role model. (Picture book. 4-7)
COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
September 1, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 A basketball phenom (and book-club curator) shares his secret for success in a dynamic and empowering picture book that touts the power of a superhero's strongest asset: his heart. Hughes has been practicing before and after school every day for months, and today is the day he asks to join a team for a pick-up game of basketball. He may not "jump the highest, run the fastest, or be the tallest kid on the court," but he plays with heart, and that makes him a champion. "If you have HEART with whatever you're passionate about, you're destined for success." The story is delivered through a mix of text blocks and speech bubbles with the fresh contrivance of a narrating sportscaster who delivers play-by-plays on Hughes. Superhero portrayals with comics-style energy suit the wide-eyed and beatific cartoon illustrations. A search-and-find presented by an illustrated Curry invites rereading. With accessible advice honoring commitment to craft and fortitude, this is a sporty and strong addition to growth-mindset and SEL conversations.
COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
October 3, 2022
A budding basketball player takes to the court, revealing an unexpected superpower in this earnest, comics-style picture book from Curry. Narrating each scene, a Black-presenting television announcer follows the protagonist play by play: “Today is no ordinary day for Hughes.” The eight-year-old, portrayed with light brown skin, replies via speech bubble: “Today is the day I share my superpower... with the world!” Arriving at an outdoor court where players of varying skin tones are being chosen for opposing teams, Hughes laments that he isn’t taller, faster, or a higher jumper, but he describes what he does have: “heart.” Kinetic, rainbow-hued graphics by Bowers provide an engaging visual energy that juxtaposes the newscaster’s heavy-handed messaging: “Hughes knows he can overcome any obstacle that gets in his way.” A Stephen Curry avatar appears at the end with a list of his “favorite things” hidden throughout the book. Ages 4–7.