Synopsis
A collection of poetry written to inspire readers to view life with the same determination and passion that Michael Jordan displays on the basketball court. Color illustrations accompany the verses.
Two children discover the importance of determination and find inspiration in the life of Michael Jordan.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 1997-01-01 | | Illustrator: | Jan Spivey Gilchrist |
| Size | | Height: | 12.5 in | | Width: | 9.3 in | | Thickness: | 0.5 in | | Weight: | 17.6 oz |
Publisher's Note
This inspiring poem encourages children to view life with the same determination and passion that Michael Jordan displays in how he plays basketball. By listening to their inner voices and looking to those who love and support them, children can find their own way to fly. Full color.
Industry Reviews
Michael Jordan's grace on the basketball court and understated salesmanship as a spokesperson for everything from athletic shoes to hot dogs has inspired a generation of kids who want to "be like Mike." In their latest collaboration, Greenfield and Gilchrist (Night on Neighborhood Street) try to harness Jordan's motivational abilities as a way of inspiring their readers to persevere in their own goals; however, author and artist achieve uneven results at best. Greenfield's metaphor-laden verse first describes Jordan on the court, then likens a child's important decisions in "the game of life" to the ones the athlete makes in play ("I take my stance/ I make my move"). A preponderance of eagle images in the illustrations and several creepy scenes of trees with faces and ghostly "doomsayers" unfortunately amplify the text's melodramatic tone. Though Jordan is arguably the best-known sports personality in decades, this supposed tribute assumes much it barely includes any biographical data (save for "From North Carolina,/ at guard, six-six,/ Mi--chael Jordan!") and fails to mention Jordan's accomplishments or even his affiliation with the world champion Chicago Bulls; there's little here to hook his fans. The theme of boosting self-esteem and self-confidence may be well-intentioned, but the execution is wide of the mark. All ages. (Jan.)
Lopate
Gr 1-4 A distinguished poet and artist have combined their talents once again in a book that celebrates the human spirit in poetic words and powerful visual images. Starting with the image of a young Michael Jordan following his dream onto the basketball court, the poem then focuses on two children, a boy and girl, overcoming the "voices/of naysayers/You can't, too hard,/you can't" to find the strength within themselves to follow their own dreams: "I take my stance/I make my move./For the love of the game/of my life/I live." The vibrant watercolors show a Michael Jordan who is as large as life. The children are depicted in their pajamas, in keeping with the dreamlike feel of the art and text. Throughout the illustrations, an eagle is shown hovering in the background, dramatizing the gravity-defying moves of the athlete and the need for the children to find their own wings: "I listen to my heart/beating my rhythm." The overall effect is a powerful blending of words and pictures that delivers a message that needs to be heard by children growing up in a hostile world. Connie C. Rockman, formerly at Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
Lopate
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