Beginning with James Naismith nailing up a peach basket at either end of the gym in the early 1890s, the introduction of this book rolls out 10 masters of the slam dunk. Though a chronological arrangement would have given a better sense of history, the current and former players are presented alphabetically, from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Dominique Wilkins. A typical chapter discusses the player's achievements, includes an exciting moment from a game or dunking contest, and ends with a short section of fast facts. Color photos show the players in action. Source notes are appended. Rappoport mentions Vince Carter's creative moves; Darryl Dawkins' rim-ripping, backboard-shattering strength; Julius Erving's first dunk in the ABA; Michael Jordan's airborne magic; and Hakeem Olajuwon's late mastery of the dunk. Oddly, given the book's subject, dunking prowess isn't mentioned in the chapters on LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, and Bill Russell. Still, this entry in the Top 10 Sports Stars series will appeal to young basketball fans.

From Babe Ruth to Alex Rodriguez, Oscar Robertson to LeBron James, John Unitas to Tom Brady, this collection provides information about celebrated players. Anecdotes include "the Curse of the Bambino" and Terry Bradshaw's "most famous pass in NFL history." Though the information is selective, the volumes' glossy action photos, concise statistics, and accessible writing style may appeal to reluctant-reader sports fans. Reading list, websites. Ind.