 John Coy's new picture book, "Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a
Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball," is fun and a very informative look at
how the sport of basketball began. It is the story of James Naismith, a
beginning teacher in 1891, who reluctantly took over a challenging gym class
after two other teachers had quit. The rowdy boys in the class thought
exercises were boring. They wanted something that was fun.
Naismith decided to try a strenuous game that would give them a good
workout along the way. However, they were a rough lot, prone to fighting and
aggression. Indoor football and lacrosse ended in too many injuries. After
much thought, he remembered playing a game called Duck on a Rock when he was
a boy. Accuracy rather than force was important to gain points in the game.
What if he could create a new indoor game with some of the same rules and
strategies?
Armed with a list of rules, a soccer ball and with the help of building
superintendent Pop Stebbins, who provided two old peach baskets, Naismith
was ready to tackle the class again. Because those who fouled had to spend
time on the bench, tripping and pushing were soon almost eliminated. The
boys played hard, shooting the ball at the peach baskets until Naismith blew
the whistle to end the game. No one wanted to leave class!
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During the Christmas break, the boys went home and taught friends
to play the game. Soon it had spread to cities, small towns and
farms. Even women wanted to a part of the new game. In fact, that is
how Naismith met the woman who would become his wife.
Over the years, basketball became a popular pastime and a gym
class regular until nearly everyone now knows how to play. In 1936
it even became an Olympic sport.
Joe Morse's illustrations add a turn-of-the-century flair to the
story, with the young men's exuberance clearly evident. Young people
may laugh at the dress pants, belts and dresses worn by the players
of the late 1800s, while recognizing that the rules have not changed
much.
For all inquisitive readers who like an explanation of how things
came about in history or who love sports, this will be a short, fun
book to put in their hands. To check out this book or others on how
sports began, come see us at the Lincoln Public Library District,
725 Pekin St. We would love to help you find just the right story.
[By LOUELLA MORELAND, youth services librarian,
Lincoln Public Library District]
Ms. Lou's blog:
lincolnpubliclibraryupdates.blogspot.com
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