Home Court

STAT: Standing Tall and Talented #1

by MST Amar'e Stoudemire, Tim Jessell (Illustrator)

Standing Tall And Talented-- A slam-dunk new fiction series from NBA superstar Amar'e Stoudemire! Eleven-year-old Amar'e Stoudemire has a lot going on. He loves to go skateboarding in the park. He takes his school work very seriously. He helps out with his dad's landscaping company. And he likes to play basketball with his best friends-but just for fun. When a group of older kids start disrespecting his boys on their neighborhood basketball court, there is only one solution. Amar'e must step in and use his athletic ability and intelligence to save the day. This experience leads Amar'e to realize that basketball is his true passion.Based on the life of All-Star NBA sensation Amar'e Stoudemire, who overcame many obstacles to become one of the most popular figures in sports today. Amar'e is just as versatile in his off the court life as he is on. He is devoted to several charities. He promotes literacy and education. He is a media darling. And he has an amazing story to tell in this heartfelt, accessible middle-grade series.

Genres: Sports, Realistic Fiction, Chapter Books, Fiction, Middle Grade, Basketball, Childrens

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Xavier · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of all-time

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book about sports but also a good message about standing up for what is right and about being true to yourself.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story, first because it really is a coming of age thing, where Amar'e is on the cusp of figuring out who he is and what he's about. He acknowledges that he has a lot of interests, and that those interests, and his ability to carry them out, are changing as he grows older. Things change then, when some bullies take over his basketball court, forcing him to change and decide once and for all who he wants to be.

I really liked the characters of this book, they felt very genuine and real. The situation is handled without platitudes, and with a lot of truth and honesty. And the problems of the grownups really do stay the problems of the grownups while the problems then of the kids is likewise left to them to handle.

This is a real story, and one I really got into, even if I wasn't the intended reader. I'd really like to read more of these books.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the cover is a mis-sell. The buildings in the background of the cover illustration make it look like the story is set somewhere urban. This story is actually set in Lake Wales, FL - a city with a population of around 12,000 served by 12 schools (half of which are charter schools, btw) - if the internet is to be believed.

Second, it's marketed as the brain child of Amar'e Stoudemire (NBA All-Star), but is likely ghost-written by Michael Northrop, who I generally like. The writing isn't always brilliant, and the moralizing is very smack-you-on-the-head.

But I like the moralizing so much. This kid has fantastic intentions, strong relationships with both his dad and his older brother ([My brother and I] "were living with Dad right now. We split time between Florida with Dad and New York with my mom. I liked it here... but I was also looking forward to visiting Mom and my half brother up there in a few weeks." - mom's doesn't come on screen in this story, but might in future books in the series?), and wide-ranging interests (skateboarding, basketball, history...). He works for his dad's landscaping business on the weekends and has a diverse group of friends. There's a lot of basketball lingo (large chunks of the book describe basketball games play by play), and the whole thing wraps up with the character drawing a connection between what he's gone through in this book and the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. in his life.

Gah. Yes. More books like this for this age group, please.

My library's hosting the Book-It Repertory Theatre production of this book over Spring Break 2015.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am previewing some of the books for our book fair. I thought this was a nice little book that's based on the life of a real NBA star, Amar'e Stoudemire. Amar'e's story takes place in Lake Wales, FL, which is in the center of the state, not far from Orlando. He has a kind, supportive family and great friends. He likes to do a lot of things, including skateboarding, playing baseball, playing basketball AND doing well in school. In this book, he has a problem with some bullies AND a paper that is due to his history teacher. It turns out facing up to the bullies gives him the lesson he needs to finish the paper. It was a little predictable but I think it was nice to read something positive about NBA players and how other people might have helped them along the way. I think the kids will like this one.

[Trent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home court by Amar'e Stoudemire is about an eleven year old boy Amar loves sports and hanging out with his friends. After school one day him and his friends head over to the park were they play basketball most days only to find people were playing on the courts. Day after day they keep finding these boys playing at the court making messes and leaving without cleaning them up. One day Amar and his friends challenge them to a basketball game only to find out that the boys play dirty. Getting beat at there own game they train day by day and challenge them to another basketball game. Amar gets everyone from his school to go to the basketball game for support. The tough and thrilling game came to an end as Amar made the last basket for the win. They beat them and there court back, going through this challenge opened Amars eyes and showed him that basketball is his true passion.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kids book from New York Knicks superstar Amar'e Stoudemire that teaches kids right from wrong, family values & hard work pays off. Will be a winner with parents with kids that want to be sports stars as shows you have to work hard in school also. Good fun with more to come as a series of books to follow.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that a big time baller, Amar'e Stoudemire, took the time to write a book with a positive outlook toward hard work, education and problem solving. Plus, it was a fun read.

[Devin Lenzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a boy growing up who is interested in a lot of things such as skateboarding, history, baseball, basketball, and playing with his friends. Amar’es friends always wanted him Amar’e to play basketball because he was so tall, and good at it. Eventually some older and taller bullies took over the court and wouldn’t let the other boys play. The boys tried to play the bullies several times and being beaten every time they play as well as physically hurt from playing the older boys that don’t play fair. Finally, after Amar’e was mowing lawns to help his dad’s business when he decided to convince everyone to come to the court to watch the boys play once last time for the right to the courts. After being down in the game the young boys came back to win it and learn the lesson of how to deal with people that are jerks.

This is a good book for 3-5th graders to start enjoying reading because they can connect with sports and weren't connecting to other books. This can also be used to really expand the vocabulary of the kids.

[Checkthebook · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3rd grade book, written by an NBA sports legend. This is the type of book where a budding sports champion faces kid-sized challenges. I think it is acceptable, although it contains some street slang, like "ay-yo" "sucks" "D up this clown" "baller." I do not know what most of these mean. I think a baller is a person who is talented at basketball. But I have to say that that is the only drawback I see, and the positives are many. The book contains lots of good life lessons, like hard work, loyalty and courage. Plus a bonus--- a really awesome FATHER, who sets limits, has fun, inspires and listens, and is hard-working and honest, and actually masculine.

(I believe the author became a ger, in E"Y, and was featured in Mishpacha.)

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stat is really good at basketball so pretty much everyday he plays with his friends Deuce and Mike at their basketball court, that is until its overrun by three teenagers who play dirty. Stat makes a deal. If him and his friends win then they get the court but if they lose they can never come back.

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is very good in my opinion because it tells a part of Amare’s childhood and him growing up together with his friends going through lots of hardships. It shows that anything is possible when you stay together and work as a team.

[Kylie Combs · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who isn’t a super huge fan of sports, I can honestly say I really liked this! Super cute, super wholesome, and a great message. Everything was easy to follow and not just about sports. Really glad we have it in the school’s library!

[Eve Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this series again with my son. It’s wonderful to have a chapter book with a black protagonist, and my son is a jock who can easily identify with his dilemmas of friends versus competitions, school versus play, having a lot of competing athletic interests.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Amar'e Stoudemire for telling about your childhood! I loved this book. I recommend this to 3 graders and up who love basketball and/or skateboarding.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring and poorly written, it's not worth my time to comment further, other than to recommend two much better books: A Whole New Ballgame or Athlete vs. Mathlete.

[Maggie Mcateer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing this review on behalf of an 8 year old boy...he couldn't put these books down! I couldn't get him into Kwame Alexander's books but these he ate right up.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a easy read because you can quickly read it and I knew a lot of the words.

[Landon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book one of my very first basketball books read and really entertained me. Loved the action and learning of skills and abilities from the character.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this book interesting so far because he uses his basketball skills and intelligence to fight off bullies in basketball

[Temisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

STAT was a book that I read in third grade and it was a really good book. It was a topic that I really thought would be good. Basketball. It changed me because I read the book and it just made me want to read more sports fiction books. It has helped me become the reader I am today.

[Carter Sievers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is ver good. I recommend this book to people who like basketball. Also if you need some reasons to stand up for yourself.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the most perfect find to read with one of my students who is 12 and reading a bit behind grade level. The characters are 11, but the language in the book is appropriate for 3-4 grade. There are a handful of more challenging words, but they’re words that my student recognizes because they’re in his sports vocabulary. Seeing and reading them out loud helps him practice deciphering harder words. Thanks Amar’e for the perfect book to help my kid!

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the reason why I chose a 4 stars is because It could be a bit boring at times But it still was a good book. Why you should read this book is because it was easy to relate to the characters in the book and the main character story was amassing between the bluing and the fight for the home court the team work between Amar's and his friends are great. This book is a great book for people that in joy sports.

[Karen Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amar'e Stoudemire is a New York Nicks NBA All Star and this book is based on his life story. The book is about an eleven year old boy that lives in a rough part of town with his father and brother. Amar'e is a very studious child on the "A" honor roll at school, with many interests and hobbies, mainly sports related. His father's nickname for him is STAT (standing tall and talented). Amar'e helps his father on the weekend in his lawn-care business and works hard at everything he does. All is going along well until a group of boys start moving in on the basketball court Amar'e and his friends play at. Amar'e and his friends would have been happy to share the court with them, but these boys were older and they did not want to share. Amar'e and his friends Deuce, Roger and Mike play basketball on a regular basis, but one day they show up at the court and try to play with the new boys. The boys don't want to have anything to do with them and they certainly don't want to play basketball with younger boys. When the new boys shut them out of playing Amar'e goes on his merry way and does something else. Deuce, Roger and Mike continue to try and play with the older boys. When Amar'e is gone the older boys relent and play three on three with them. The older boys act like bullies, calling them names, playing dirty, mean ball fouling Deuce, Roger and Mike and pushing and shoving. Amar'e finds out about the game and how it went down, the next day, and is really irritated that the boys decided to play after he left. Amar'e is the tallest of the four boys and he figured that the older boys thought they had a better shot of winning without Amar'e. Amar'e wants their home court back and he also wants to put the bullies in their place. Can he do it? Read this fast action book and find out.

[Justin Laluzerne]

STAT is about an eleven year old boy that lives in a rough part of town with his father and brother. Amar'e is a very studious child on the "A" honor roll at school, with many interests and hobbies, mainly sports related. His father's nickname for him is STAT, standing tall and talented. Amar'e helps his father on the weekend in his lawn care business and works hard at everything he does. Life for him is going good, until a group of boys start moving in on the basketball court Amar'e and his friends play at. Amar'e and his friends would have been happy to share the court with them, but these boys were older and they did not want to share. Amar'e and his friends Deuce, Roger and Mike play basketball on a regular basis, but one day they show up at the court and try to play with the new boys. The boys don't want to have anything to do with them and they certainly don't want to play basketball with younger boys. When the new boys shut them out of playing, he does something else. Deuce, Roger and Mike continue to try and play with the older boys. When Amar'e is gone the older boys relent and play three on three with them. The older boys act like bullies, calling them names, playing dirty, mean ball fouling them by pushing and shoving. Amar'e finds out about the game and how it went down, the next day, and is really irritated that the boys decided to play after he left. Amar'e is the tallest of the four boys and he figured that the older boys thought they had a better shot of winning without Amar'e. He wants their home court back and he also wants to put the bullies in their place. I think this book is bad because if it were real, then Amar'e would have been shot for standing up to the older boys in the hood. I would suggest this book to the kids that are growing up in bad neighborhoods. Get a group of friends and do something good.

[Teresa Scherping Moulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amar'e likes basketball well enough, but there are so many other things he enjoys - like skateboarding, baseball, and helping his dad with his lawn care company - that he doesn't always join his friends on the court to play hoops. When sign-ups for a basketball tournament go up, Amar'e is pretty sure he doesn't have time for it with all his other hobbies plus trying to stay on the honor roll. But when their neighborhood court is threatened by mean older kids, Amar'e can't leave his friends hanging. Amar'e suggests a wager: one game of 3-on-3 to decide who gets to use the basketball court, loser walks away forever. It's a tough gamble, but Amar'e knows that if he can live up to the nickname his dad gave him (STAT: Standing Tall and Talented), he can accomplish almost anything.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. The writing is kid-friendly and yet kind of clever. I also liked that the plot revolves around a conflict that is believable and yet dramatic and important from a kid's perspective. I'm not sure to what extent Amar'e the character is based on the author when he was younger, but he definitely appears to be a well-rounded, admirable, and realistic kid.

I would recommend this book to kids in grades 3-6 and possibly older kids who are reluctant readers. Any fans of basketball will enjoy this, as well as fans of realistic fiction and humor. Readlikes for this book might include one of the basketball books by Jake Maddox or Dog Days by Karen English, for younger readers, or Sasquatch in the Paint by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or The Crossover: A Basketball Novel by Kwame Alexander, for slightly older readers.

[Dalton Everard]

Home Court gives young readers an inside look at Stoudemire's life when he was 11-years old. The book describes how Amar'e and his best friends Mike and Deuce are forced to stick together and stand tall when the neighborhood basketball court that they have played on since they were little is taken over by a bunch of rough, disrespectful teenagers. The three friends – along with the help of other middle school kids – must play the older kids in a winner-take-all basketball game. Amar'e, Mike, and Deuce are very talented players – but are they talented enough to defeat three high-school players? Stoudemire presents this challenge in great detail. Home Court has an exciting plot, and is written in a way that keeps children of younger ages interested and wanting to read more. Stoudemire uses problems to which almost all children are likely to relate to. One example is when the 11-year-old Amar'e had to hurry home for dinner so he would not be late and upset his father after playing basketball with his friends. Another is when his dad makes him clean his shorts after he gets them all stained from playing baseball. I recommend Home Court to any young reader who is a fan of constant excitement, realistic life situations, or basketball. Stoudemire does a great job of describing the “winner-take-all” basketball game, which was an important moment in his young life. But he also stresses the fact that he took his schoolwork very seriously when he was young. This is a great message for kids that read Home Court, as they will carry the idea that basketball is an awesome sport, but schoolwork always comes first.

[Valerie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting basketball and a positive message
Eleven year old Amar’e is a good kid. He studies hard in school, helps his dad with his landscaping company, and loves to play sports. Skateboarding, baseball, and basketball, as long as he is with his friends and family he is having fun. But one day a group of older bullies shows up and kicks him and his friends off their home basketball court. With his athletic ability and the help of his friends, Amar’e realizes that the only way to win their court is to play a winner take all game.
Filled with the excitement of a great basketball game, Stoudemire’s first novel is perfectly geared towards males, touching on issues of morality, friends, hard work, sports, and family. Amar’e likeable character, wit, and athletic prowess will inspire youth and reinforce the positive message.
Based on the life of popular NBA Star Amar’e Stoudemire, whose overcame his own obstacles to thrive, Home Court, is the first in the STAT: Standing Tall and Talented series.
Recommended for readers age 8-12.
Home Court (STAT: Standing Tall and Talented)- Amar’e Stoudemire http://wp.me/p2E73h-ch

[Jazaihb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading the book stat because you learn about Amare Stoudemires life and how he group up playing basketball.A major part in the book was that he played alot of ball with his dad.Amare is in the NBA making it happen right now he loves the game and is honored to play he is originally born in lakes wales florida he plays for the new York knicks.I suggest you read this book beacuse if you love basketball you will want to read this novel.

knock and ask him to come outside.Another activity he likes is to skate board at the park thats another reason that states hes athletic.He got bullied in school because of how he dresses they use to hit him in his knees so he could not play on the basketball team he was a triple treat to the other teams and his team he was put in every game at center there was one game were he scored 25 points.His freind`s used to call him the grim reaper cause he was so skinny at his ankles.I think hes a great player overall he is an Allstar to the league.I know this because I watched the game in 2014 Allstar game last year he had 12 points which is really good for a center.