A singular basketball obsessive’s voice in richly creative verse.
All-star–caliber poems inspired by all-star NBA players.
With varied rhyme schemes, rhythmic structures, and forms wrapped around high-energy art, Smith’s newest addition to his b-ball–celebrating poetry collections is a solid refresher on some of the who’s who of today’s NBA. The poems are thoughtful and cleverly representative of the on-court production of 12 outstanding players from Anthony Davis to Russell Westbrook. In Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid, Smith sees sizable power, which he uses an acrostic poem to translate into large text and a bold, clear statement of Embiid’s dominance: “Juggernaut / Of / Extreme / Length.” To celebrate Kevin Durant’s smooth athleticism, Smith pivots to jazz rhythms: “KD B-ball / he ball / all the time. / KD do it all / with the ball / all the time.” Striking black-and-white photos from a variety of sources are touched up with fluorescent scribbles, adding energy. As with any field with as many die-hard fans as professional basketball, there is certainly room for debate about insulting omissions and questionable inclusions, but with concluding notes provided in the endmatter, readers get transparent and instructional insight into both poetics and athleticism.
A singular basketball obsessive’s voice in richly creative verse. (Picture book/poetry. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 7, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5362-1035-4
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2021
The emphasis is more on funny than scary in this slim collection, though a few individual poems may give pause. Stella Michel’s mummy mourns the waste of good ingredients: “Fruit bat wings with Hollandaise, / eyeballs in a demi-glaze” don’t do much good for a monster with no stomach. Edna Cabcabin Moran’s zombie kid tries to catch a baseball, but the impact takes his hand off with the mitt. But in “The Witching Hour,” by Angela McMullen, an unnamed protagonist lies sleepless, hoping to survive till morning, and Wynkoop’s wishing well delivers an “eyeless beast with jagged teeth... / To search for frightened children with its heightened sense of smell.” Co-anthologist Judd is also well-represented here, with a bat-shaped concrete poem among others. While there are chills and chuckles both among these verses, they are mild ones—an additional purchase. (Poetry. 8-12)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5655-1
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Review Posted Online: June 14, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2010
An impeccably researched and told biography of Leonard Bernstein’s musical apprenticeship, from toddlerhood to his conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic at age 25. Rubin traces Lenny’s education, musical influences and enduring friendships. Lenny reveled in mounting elaborate musical productions in Sharon, Mass., his family’s summer community. As a student, he augmented support from his family by giving lessons, accompanying singers, transcribing music and more; the narrative sparkles with details that match its subject’s energy and verve. Especially crystalline are the links drawn between father Sam’s decades-long dismissal of his son’s musical gifts and the consequential importance of mentors and supportive teachers in the young man’s life. In exploring Lenny’s devout Jewish roots and coming of age during the persecution of Jews in Europe, the author reveals how dramatically Bernstein altered the landscape for conductors on the American scene. In an epilogue sketching Bernstein’s later life, she briefly mentions his bisexuality, marriage and children. Drawn from interviews, family memoirs and other print resources, quotations are well-integrated and assiduously attributed. Photos, concert programs, early doodles and letters, excerpts from musical scores and other primary documentation enhance the text. Excellent bookmaking—from type to trim size—complements a remarkable celebration of a uniquely American musical genius. (chronology, biographical sketches, author’s note, discography, bibliography, quotation sources, index) (Biography. 9-12)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58089-344-2
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: Jan. 8, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2011
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