Books, Music & Movies · Hoop Genius

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Hoop Genius:How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball

John Coy

In 1891 James Naismith was teaching physical education to a group of rowdy boys and realized a need to channel the energy and aggressive behavior of his students. Naismith invented a game with thirteen rules using two peach baskets and a soccer ball. “Basket Ball” became wildly popular and by 1936 it was an Olympic sport. Morse’s stylized print illustrations emphasize the drama of the sport with stretched limbs and flexed muscles. This spirited historical account is an entertaining look at a beloved American sports invention. Ages 8-11