New York Knicks captain and former NBA Rookie of the Year Stoudemire plugs his childhood self and family into a values-driven, semiautobiographical tale of hoops heroism. Along with the pleasures of sharing a delectable pizza with his strict but fair father (whose nickname for him, STAT, "Standing Tall and Talented," provides the series title) and assembling a righteous school outfit for Friday, 11-year-old Amar'e works hard on both new skateboard moves and a report on what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. means to him. A new challenge rears up when a trio of older bullies takes over a favored playground half-court, but with help from his friends, Amar'e takes on the creeps in a winner-take-all, loser-get-lost contest. Presenting himself in a flattering but not theophanic light, Stoudemire fills his tale with brisk basketball action and the requisite sentiments about the value of family ties, teamwork, and responsible behavior. Middle-grade sports fans as well as older ones with reading difficulties will be drawn to this opening episode. Illustrations not seen. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A national media campaign partnering with sports organizations will cash in on Stoudemire's NBA fame to attract the attention of young athletes and readers.

Based on the NBA star author's own life, these first two entries follow eleven-year-old Amar'e as he stands up to older boys disrespecting the neighborhood court (Home Court) and maintaining friendships when his basketball talents excel (Double Team). Stoudemire's concentration on family, friendship, and doing the right thing leans toward preachy, but kids will focus on the action-packed basketball details.

NBA star Stoudemire draws on his own childhood and nickname, STAT (Standing Tall and Talented), to pen the first in a series of chapter books that celebrate sports, smarts and friendship. Amar'e is a bright 11-year-old who loves many different things. He is as at home on his skateboard, working on his jumps, as he is on a basketball court, working on his moves. He is a good student, and he enjoys warm relationships with his older brother and father. Friends want him to participate in their upcoming tournament, but Amar'e is reluctant to commit to one sport, something his father understands. "Son, we both know you've got a gift for basketball," he says. "But your greatest gift is just being you." When a group of older boys make it impossible to play basketball on a neighborhood court, Amar'e devises a strategy to return the court to open play for the entire community. Working to resolve the conflict helps him understand the lessons of Dr. King. This first in a series of chapter books geared to young males hits all the major points in encouraging boys to read: sports, peer relationships, the value of hard work and family support. The basketball scenes are, not surprisingly, the strength of this serviceable narrative, and Amar'e is a likable protagonist. Though heavy on message, this will help address the dearth of chapter books featuring children of color positively engaged in the normal adventures of life. (Fiction. 8-12)