A boy finally gets to play basketball on the main court with the older boys, and has to prove he can hold his own.

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.