Chamique Holdsclaw : My Story

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Gr. 6-12. With admirable humility, young basketball great Holdsclaw relates difficulties growing up with bickering parents, who eventually lost custody of both Holdsclaw and her brother to their grandmother June, an unwavering emotional anchor. The text, written with Frey's assistance, moves smoothly as it reveals how Holdsclaw's athletic talent first made her feel like an outsider, then, later, enabled her to achieve in high school and college, and eventually brought her accolades as Rookie of the Year for the WNBA's Washington Mystics. Throughout, the athlete is both frank and realistic about herself, even including insight into her much-publicized clashes with Tennessee coach Pat Summitt. By the end, she's made clear what's most important in her life and reverently credits her own wisdom to her beloved grandmother. She comes across as an inspiring role model for readers, no matter what their dreams. A color photo insert is included. Roger Leslie
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Book Description

"The sky really is the limit if you put your mind to it. I know that. I've lived it."

Summer 2000 Olympic Athlete
WNBA Rookie of the Year
Naismith Player of the Century

From a back lot in Astoria, Queens, to Rookie of the Year for the WNBA's Washington Mystics, here is the exciting life story of the athlete some people have called "the female Michael Jordan."

In her own words, Chamique tells the inspiring story of her grandmother who raised her; the college basketball coach who challenged her; the fans who adore her; and her amazing success a an athlete who has changed the face of women' sports forever.


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The excitement and intensity of Holdsclaw's personality shine through this autobiography of the WNBA star. Cha-mique tells her story honestly and clearly as she shares her early life and experiences in Queens, New York. She gives much of the credit for her success to her family, especially her grandmother, who raised her and her brother Davon, and who helped to shape her character and values. Basketball lovers will enjoy Chamique's discussion of basketball and her focus on the game as she shares many details about games and practices as she was growing up. She discusses high school experiences and goes on to describe her life as a college player for Tennessee. After graduation Chamique became a WNBA player for the Washington Mystics, and she also joined the Olympic team going to Australia. She closes her book as she is looking forward to the 2001 season with the Mystics. Throughout the book, her personal feelings, attitudes, and values are revealed as she describes her reactions to the many momentous events in her life. She honestly discusses her teams' losses as well as the wins. In fact, it is her refreshing honesty and lively personality that give this book its excitement. One cannot read this and come away with anything but a great respect and liking for this extremely talented young woman and for what she has done in the basketball world. This is a must for basketball fans. KLIATT Codes: JSA—Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2001, Simon & Schuster, Aladdin, 176p. illus., $4.99. Ages 13 to adult. Reviewer: Nancy Chrismer; Libn., Juniata H.S., Mifflintown, PA , November 2001 (Vol. 35, No. 6)


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