Synopses & Reviews
Cheer on twelve professional women basketball players with a collection of vivid poems by Charles R. Smith Jr. set against vibrant photographs of the players in action.Seven-foot-two-inch Margo Dydek blocks shots like a "Fly Swatter." Ticha Penicheiro feeds the ball to her teammates like a "Chef . . . mixing / and tossing / and chopping / and whipping." And then theres "Fire Starter" Chamique Holdsclaw, rapidly racking up points and "blazing a trail with moves that scorch."
These are just three of the twelve women profiled by Charles R. Smith Jr. in a remarkable group of poems honoring the unique talents and determination of some of the best female players in professional basketball. With its arresting visual layout, action photographs on craft paper, and kinetic lyrics illustrating each players style, HOOP QUEENS will grab the attention of any kid who loves basketball - and score a slam-dunk with teachers of poetry. The books special cover treatment includes a cloth spine and cover stamping, giving a textured feel.
About the Author
Charles R. Smith Jr. says that while growing up in California, he read anything he could get his hands on. "Reading books filled with stories and poems inspired me to write my own," he says. "The more I read, the more I wrote. And if I wasnt reading a book, I was playing a sport: I played everything, particularly basketball, and spent many afternoons on the court, perfecting my jump shot." While working on his high school yearbook as a writer, Charles R. Smith Jr. was introduced to photography and immediately decided to make a career out of it. He graduated from photography school and headed to New York to pursue his dream. "I continued with my writing, and, with a heavy influence of rap music,
began writing more poetry instead of stories," he says. "Now, I have combined my photographic skills with my love of reading, writing, and sports to create an exciting career for myself!" Among the books the poet-photographer has written and illustrated is RIMSHOTS: BASKETBALL PIX, ROLLS, AND RHYTHMS, which was selected as an American Library Association Notable Childrens Book.
Table of Contents
Margo Dydek, fly swatter -- Dawn Staley, bounce to this -- Lisa Leslie, on the attack -- Ticha Penicheiro, chef -- Sheryl Swoopes, all that -- Yolanda Griffith, double trouble -- Chanique Holdsclaw, fire starter -- Tina Thompson, T 42 -- Teresa Weatherspoon, hurricane T -- Nykesha Sales, bomb -- Nikki McCray, sole controller -- Natalie Williams, working overtime.