The man who many consider to be the greatest basketball player in history is now a children’s book author, too.
LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers forward who has won four NBA MVP awards, will publish his first children’s book, I Promise, this summer, USA Today reports. It’s part of a two-book deal with publisher HarperCollins, who will also publish a middle-grade novel by James in 2021.
“Books have the ability to teach, inspire, and bring people together,” James said. “That’s why these books, and the opportunity to get children and parents reading together, mean so much to me.”
“Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close,” HarperCollins said on a webpage for the book. “I Promise is a lively and inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow’s success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.”
The book will feature illustrations by Nina Mata, who also collaborated with Renée Watson on Ways To Make Sunshine, out in April.
James’ book is inspired by the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, which is funded by the basketball star’s LeBron James Family Foundation, Cleveland.com reports.
James has co-written one book previously, Shooting Stars, a chronicle of his high school basketball career, with Friday Night Lights author Buzz Bissinger.
I Promise is scheduled for publication on Aug. 11.
Michael Schaub is an Austin, Texas–based journalist and regular contributor to NPR.
