Super Sports Star Kobe Bryant

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Reviewed with Ken Rappaport's Super Sports Star Penny Hardaway. Gr. 2-5. With large type, colorful photographs, and generous use of white space, books in the new Super Sports Star series will appeal to primary- and middle-grade readers looking for background material on their favorite sports heroes. In Penny Hardaway, Rappoport reports that though the boy grew up in a poor neighborhood, he had enough discipline, drive, and talent to make him a superstar, first with the Orlando Magic, then with the Phoenix Suns. Kobe Bryant tells the story of the L.A. Lakers' guard who learned to play basketball when his family lived in Italy, then became a top player in a U.S. high school, then in the NBA. Each book discusses the player's youth, high-school, and (if applicable) college sports activity and professional career. Sidebars provide sidelights, such as the origin of Kobe's name. Each book concludes with career statistics (ending with the 1999-2000 season), an address for the player, a glossary, and a list of books and Internet sites. Check the Series Roundup for volumes on other players. Carolyn Phelan
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Card catalog description
Looks at the personal life and professional basketball career of NBA star Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.


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Kobe Bryant is a very talented new player in the NBA. Bryant is one of the few professional basketball players to join the professional league directly from high school. Bryant lived as a child in Italy and has been exposed to many different people from all over Europe. While he has become rich and famous at an early age, he is able to maintain his individuality and his love and respect for his family. Bryant has also set up a scholarship and taken a special interest in combating illiteracy. Thornley focuses on Bryant's basketball career, but has also included information about the Los Angeles Lakers and about positions and moves practiced in professional basketball. Full color photos are included throughout the text. Also included are Bryant's Career Statistics, an address to contact Bryant, a glossary of basketball terms, a bibliography and an index. Part of the "Super Sports Star" series. 2001, Enslow, $18.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer:Danielle Williams


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