Long Shot by NBA All-Star Chris Paul

Chris Paul (in white) by ZanderSt.Pierre

*Realistic fiction, picture book (sports story)
*Young boy as main character
*Rating: If you love basketball, you will definitely love Long Shot. If you love stories about hard work, determination, and perseverance, you will REALLY love Long Shot.

Short, short summary: NBA star Chris Paul tells his story about being short and wanting to play basketball in his children’s picture book, Long Shot. The subtitle is “Never Too Small to Dream Big.” The book begins with Chris dreaming of playing in the NBA. Then he gets a reality check. His older brother and friends tell him he’s too short to play basketball and make the team. He doesn’t let them damper his spirits. He just decides to practice harder. Mom and Papa Chilly encourage him to use his talents, and he keeps practicing and practicing until he makes the team.

So, what do I do with this book?

1. This book can be used with any elementary age child. Have them do a journal entry (pictures, pictures and words, or just words depending on age) of something they really want to do, like Chris Paul wanted to play basketball. Has anyone told them they can’t do it? What have they done to accomplish their goals? Did they work hard? Have they put in a lot of practice hours?

2. Students may not know a lot about basketball if they have never played. This is a great book to read during a P.E. unit on basketball or during NBA playoffs if you are teaching summer school. They may need help with some of the vocabulary. You can also use it for an opening to good sportsmanship. Is teasing someone for their height an example of good sportsmanship?

3. This book has a lot to do with family and how important family is to Chris Paul. There’s a very touching story about him and his grandfather in the author’s note in the back. Students may want to share information, pictures, drawings, and writings about their own family once they read this book. They can also compare and contrast their family to Chris Paul’s.