Lucy and friends are out on the playground when they spot Ava playing basketball with her cousin Jermaine, a professional player.

Jermaine calls the kids over for a lesson on the fundamentals of the game and how to play three-on-three When the kids finish, Jermaine invites them to watch him play in a pro game. Lucy, Ava and friends cheer on Jermaine and his teammates, keeping an eye out on the real court for the skills they learned at the playground.

Lucy Tries Basketball is the fifth title in the Lucy Tries Sports series, following books about hockey, soccer, short track and luge. The series encourages children to get active and participate in sports and recreation.

Also available in French as Lucy joue au basketball.

Lisa Bowes is a sports anchor who made Canadian broadcasting history when she became the play-by-play voice for the National Women’s Hockey League. While working for CBC’s Sports Journal, she was nominated for a Gemini Award for best writing in an information program or series. In February 2010, Lisa was CTV’s host/reporter for women’s hockey at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. She currently works at CTV Calgary and freelances for TSN. For more information, visit www.bowesknowssports.com.

Lisa Bowes' profile page

James Hearne is an artist who loves illustrating books for children. He lives with his patient and amazing wife Paula and two beautiful daughters, Mikayla and Vicky, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He wonders how he got so lucky. James can be reached through his website www.jameshearnedesign.com

James Hearne's profile page

• Commended, TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Reads

"Lucy Tries Basketball is a colorful and informative book that showcases inclusion and diversity. It is a fun introduction to the sport and will engage readers."

Marni Abbott-Peter, former premier wheelchair basketball player, three-time Paralympic gold medalist and Wheelchair Basketball Canada–certified coach

“Lisa Bowes takes it straight to the hoop with another delightful story about Lucy and her friends taking up a new sport. If you listen you can hear their sneakers squeaking.”

Michael Grange, basketball analyst and columnist for Sportsnet

&quotThe Lucy Tries Sports series is terrific for children! It inspires them to be physically active and reinforces so many aspects of their social skill development. A really positive assistance to parenting children.&quot

Dave King, Member of the Order of Canada, Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and IIHF Hall of Fame inductee

“The peppy, supportive approach and general overview may pique interest and encourage learning about and playing the sport.”

Booklist

&quotLucy Tries Basketball helps us understand the many important reasons why everyone can and should be active.&quot

David Legg, PhD , chair and professor, Department of Health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University

&quotLucy is a great role model for young children! In Lucy Tries Basketball she models how to live an active lifestyle and the importance of play. Lucy promotes the value of teamwork and social skills.&quot

Glenn Young, MEd, educational-change and healthy-living consultant

"Playing sports and being active empowers girls for life. Lucy Tries Sports encourages girls to try a wide range of sports and teaches them valuable lessons in leadership, supporting one another, and working towards—and achieving—your goals through sport!"

Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO at CAAWS (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity)

&quotInformative and inspiring…Lucy Tries Basketball teaches kids of all ages how important it is to get—and stay—active.&quot

Eric Smith, television and Sportsnet Radio play-by-play voice of the Toronto Raptors

&quotLucy Tries Basketball is a unique and effective way of connecting with children and introducing them to the many benefits of trying sport.&quot

Matt Young, founder of the Quality Coach Collective

“Sports is all about having fun and making friends while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Lucy Tries Sports series encapsulates the power of sports, adds emphasis to the importance of inclusivity and does a fantastic job of encouraging youth to get involved, while also keeping books in their hands. Lucy Tries Basketball is another great installment in the effort to spread the joy of sport!”

Christina Buttenham, guard, McMaster Marauders, 2019 U Sports Women’s Basketball champions

“Not only is Lucy Tries Basketball a lovely, happy little story, but it’s also informative...Kids will be able to put themselves in the characters’ shoes and see that nothing about the experience need be threatening or scary. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“The author’s purpose of introducing children to the sport of basketball is clear and entertaining, making this book a very good purchase for elementary school libraries and home libraries.”

Must Read Literature: K thru YA

"It's a slam dunk."

Kirkus Reviews

“Illustrations show an inclusive, diverse group of children enjoying the game in a community park, and indoors in a large stadium. The short rhymes that make up the story makes for a quick, easy read.”

Resource Links

“A fun introduction to the sport, an encouragement to try new things, and a reassurance that mistakes are part of the learning process.”

Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk blog