When I was a kid, I loved reading books and magazines.
Growing up, we didn’t have much money, so we didn’t go to Barnes and Noble. We went to the public library and the Goodwill to get books and magazines for me to read.
One thing I noticed during those times was that there weren’t many kids’ books geared toward black children. I can’t recall any at that time. None of the books reflected what life was like in America for black kids back in the 90s when I was growing up.
That is why I am so happy I got to talk to Caron Butler about his new children’s book “Shot Clock.”
Please don’t get me wrong, the book can be read by all kids of all races, creeds, and colors, but I think young black kids will relate. Here is a synopsis of the book.
Former NBA All-Star Caron Butler and acclaimed author Justin A. Reynolds tip off the first book in a new middle grade series about a young boy trying to make his mark on an AAU basketball team coached by a former NBA star in his hometown. Perfect for fans of The Crossover and the Track series. A Junior Library Guild Selection!
Tony loves basketball. But the game changed recently when his best friend, Dante, a hoops phenom, was killed by a police officer. Tony hopes he can carry on Dante’s legacy by making the Sabres, the AAU basketball team Dante took to two national championships.
Tony doesn’t make the team, but Coach James likes what he sees from Tony at tryouts and offers him another chance: join the team as the statistician. With his community reeling and the team just finding its footing on the court, can Tony find a path to healing while helping to bring the Sabres a championship?
I talked to Caron about how important it is to bring literature geared toward us and why it is also essential that black children know that sports aren’t the only way to make an impact in this world.
Check out the full interview below and pick up your copy of Shot Clock on Amazon.