This award-winning book tells the story of ten-year-old James, who gets to join his brother's basketball game when a player is injured. James must guard powerful Marcus, whose strength intimidates him. James is skilled, but can he prove himself against the odds? Full-color photos & illustrations.

John Coy is the author of several award-winning books for children, including Strong to the Hoop, an ALA Notable Book and Night Driving, named one of the Best Books of 1996 by The New York Times. Around the World was inspired by Coy's lifelong passion for basketball. Mr. Coy teaches writing to children and has developed an innovative class that combines basketball and poetry. He and his family live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Leslie Jean-Bart photographs and photo collages have appeared in New York Magazine, Newsweek, and The New York Times. A native of Haiti, he received a masters degree in journalism from Columbia University. Mr. Jean-Bart now lives in New York City. Strong to the Hoop is his first book for children. To find out more about Leslie Jean-Bart, visit his Web site: www.lesliejean-bart.com.