The book Hoop Genius by John Coy tells the story of how basketball was invented. This picture book is perfect for those students or children with a passion and interest in non-fiction. If you have a student who has expressed interest in sports or basketball, they would enjoy this book. The beginning of the book features the ACTUAL rules for basketball as written by its inventor, James Naismith. Mr. Naismith invented basketball in 1891 as a gym teacher. Three teachers had succumbed to the wild teenagers in class before Mr. Naismith came along. He tried many different sports with the boys, but to no avail. They were a group of rowdy boys that were eager for something new, something exciting. Mr Naismith knew he had to find something fast, or he'd be the next gym teacher to go. On December 21, 1891, he used an old soccer ball, and two peach baskets to start basketball. At first, Mr. Naismith had to call many fouls on his students. They were too rough! After the students realized they'd have to sit on the sidelines when they inflicted a foul, they stopped fouling during the game. They really wanted to play. Mr. Naismith had figured our a game that kept his students excited, and engaged. His students became so excited about the game that they began teaching others what Mr. Naismith had taught them. The game grew in popularity across the country, and in 1936, was finally introduced as an Olympic sport. I think this book has done a fantastic job of teaching me about the history of basketball, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as well!
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