Jump!
From the Life of Michael Jordan
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4.5 • 2 Ratings
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
What was Michael Jordan like as a boy? You might be surprised that the greatest professional basketball player ever wasn't even the best player in his own family!
Michael Jordan was once just an ordinary little boy growing up in a North Carolina suburb, trying to keep up with his older brother Larry. Michael was always good at sports, but it seemed like Larry was always going to be bigger, quicker, and luckier. But Michael never gave up, and his practicing began to pay off. Then one summer day during a backyard game of one-on-one, Larry Jordan's "little" brother took him--and the whole family--by surprise!
Based on actual events, this story of a friendly sibling rivalry is enhanced by Floyd Cooper's stunning two-tone art. Jump! even features a gate-fold depicting Michael Jordan's trademark leap that will send young readers soaring.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fittingly featuring a vertical format, this winning portrait of the legendary basketball player centers on his childhood and adolescence. Cooper (Be Good to Eddie Lee) characterizes Michael as a boy of boundless energy, determined to keep up with his talented older brother, Larry and to beat him at one-on-one. Though he fails to land a spot on his high-school varsity basketball team, Michael sticks with the sport and, with encouragement from and early-morning sessions with his devoted coach, greatly improves his game. In a vertical gatefold that captures the energy and exuberance of the moment, Cooper re-creates the triumphant breakthrough when Michael first out-jumps Larry and scores a basket. Though delivering an inspirational message (his opening note suggests that "with perseverance and determination, a greatness may be within reach of us all"), the author avoids a preachy tone. Like the picture book by Jordan's mother and sister, Salt in His Shoes (2001), this account emphasizes the athlete's endless hours of practice, offering hope to dedicated players. Rendered in umber washes of oil, subtracted with an eraser and tinted with mild glazes of mixed media, the earth-toned art retains a pastel-like softness, and nimbly conveys the story's ample motion and emotion. A concluding wrap-up chronicles highlights of Jordan's career. An obvious fan of his subject and this sport, Cooper shoots from the heart and easily hits his mark. Ages 5-up.
