Dream Big: Michael Jordan and the Pursuit of Excellence

Brief Description: From the age of nine years Michael dreams of playing basketball for the United States in the Olympics, and with hard work and his mother's encouragement, he realizes his dream. Review Quotes: Michael Jordan's mother returns for another story about her famous son's childhood. Michael Jordan s childhood dreams were always of playing basketball. His friends, brothers and mother are full of upbeat advice, encouraging him to work hard and keep practicing. After watching the U. S. Olympic team battle Russia, young Michael announces to his mother that he will be an Olympic basketball champion. More pat advice about dreamers and doers follows. But Michael puts his plan into action by asking his coach what he could do now to get closer to that dream. And in an ending that echoes Salt in His Shoes (cowritten with Roslyn Jordan and illustrated by Kadir Nelson, 2000), he goes to his older brother s scrimmage and makes a three-pointer right over the heads of his opponents. An afterword sums up Michael s journey to the Olympic Games the culmination of lots of little steps undertaken day after day. -- KirkusReview Quotes: This inspirational story focuses on the outside influences surrounding the athlete as a nine-year-old both at home and abroad. When the American basketball team loses its bid for a gold medal to Russia in the 1972 Olympics, young Jordan is watching, along with his brothers. Inspired by the close game, he informs his mother that he is going to be an Olympic champion. Through bits and pieces of conversation and parental admonitions, he learns how to achieve his goal with a series of small steps. He is called a dreamer, but proves that he is a doer as well. His mother, his middle-school coach, his brother Larry, and a friend all contribute their words of wisdom that lead him to work toward his goal. The watercolor and gouache illustrations have a warm, almost golden tone that evoke the hovering, seemingly present gold medal. In the author s note, readers learn that Jordan achieved his goal in 1984. A timely publication just before the 2012 Olympics, this book could be paired with the author s previous story about her son, Salt in His Shoes (S & S, 2000). Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City School Library Journal, May 2012Biographical Note: Deloris Jordan is Michael Jordan's mother. She works with disadvantaged children through the James R. Jordan Foundation and is the author of Family First," a parenting guide, and is also the author of several books for children: "Salt in His Shoes," " "illustrated by Kadir Nelson, "Did I Tell You I Love You Today?," " "illustrated by Shane Evans, "Michael's Golden Rules," illustrated by Kadir Nelson, and "Baby Blessings," illustrated by James Ransome. The mother of five grown children, she lives in Chicago. Barry Root is the illustrator of many books for children, including Gumbrella," which he also wrote, and three books by Ronde and Tiki Barber: Teammates," By My Brother's Side," and Game Day," which received a Christopher Award. He lives with his family in Quarryville, Pennsylvania. Publisher Marketing: It's never too soon to dream big--or to take action! Pursue excellence with this inspiring picture book from the mother of star basketball player Michael Jordan. Before Michael Jordan was a record-breaking athlete, he was a young boy who dreamed of playing basketball for the United States Olympic team. His mother tells him, "Dreaming is for dreams. If you want to play, you better get busy." So what did Michael do? He got busy! Discover how Michael made his wish into a reality--Olympic gold medal included--in this motivational picture book for sports fans, go-getters, and anyone with big dreams! Review Citations:

Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2012 (EAN 9781442412699, Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly 03/26/2012 pg. 81 (EAN 9781442412699, Hardcover)

School Library Journal 05/01/2012 pg. 75 (EAN 9781442412699, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2012 pg. 167 (EAN 9781442412699, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Jordan, Deloris Deloris Jordan is Michael Jordan's mother and the coauthor of "Salt in His Shoes, " illustrated by Kadir Nelson, which "Booklist" called "inspirational;" "Did I Tell You I Love You Today?", illustrated by Shane W. Evans, which was called "a tender read-aloud" by "Kirkus Reviews"; and "Dream Big". She is also the author of "Family First: Winning the Parenting Game", a book highlighting the seven principles of parenting. Through her work with the James Jordan Foundation in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the Jordan Institute for Families at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mrs. Jordan is widely regarded as an advocate for children and families. The mother of five children and the grandmother of eleven, Mrs. Jordan lives in Chicago. Contributor Bio:  Root, Barry Barry Root is the illustrator of many books for children, including "Gumbrella, " which he also wrote; "Dream Big"; "By My Brother's Side"; and "Game Day", which received a Christopher Award in the category of books for young people. He lives with his family in Quarryville, Pennsylvania.