Chris Paul (Amazing Athletes)

By: Jeff Savage
Publisher: Lerner Publications 
Publication Date: August 2009 
ISBN: 978-0761342540 
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler 
Review Date: 978-0761342540 

He was polite, he could "stand up for himself," he was an excellent student, he was elected class president every year, but Chris Paul was lacking something and that something was height. During his freshman year in high school he sat on the bench a lot because, as the author notes, "the coach wanted taller players on the court." At a mere five feet tall he just couldn't cut it in that department. He was growing, but seemingly at a snail's pace, but by the time he was drafted into the NBA he was six feet tall. He may be a relatively small man for pro basketball, but he "plays with a lot of heart."

The New Orleans Hornets snatched Chris in the 2005 NBA draft and "gave him jersey number 3 for his nickname CP3." It was a decision they would not regret because he proved his worth and as Knicks coach Larry Brown claimed, "He's as good as we've had come into our league in a long, long time." He was a "wildly popular" player and an "instant star." In this exiting book you will get a blow by blow look at a Hornets and Spurs 2008 Western Conference semifinal game, a brief biography, a stunning game he played in memory of his murdered grandfather, his amazing college days, his philanthropic activities, his drive to succeed in the pros and much more!

This is a nice, tight portrait of Chris Paul without any extraneous material. The book draws the reader in right from the start with an exciting game and sets the tone for the rest of the book. For the young die-hard basketball fan there is no explanation needed for terms like "crossover," but for those just learning about the game, they are highlighted in purple throughout the text and are included in the glossary. There are numerous photographs scattered throughout the book. This is one book in the "Amazing Athletes" series. In the back of the book there is a section of "Selected Career Highlights," an index, a glossary, and additional recommended book and website resources.

Quill says: Do you know what a Sweet 16 is? If not, you need to read this book!