“Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball”
by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Frank Morrison.
Abrams Books for Young Readers, New York, 2020, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
Basketball is an exciting sport with constant motion and action. The Canadian-born educator James Naismith invents the sport in 1891. He wants a winter sport that is less violent than football.
In its original form, Naismith attaches the baskets used for picking peaches to an elevated track so that balls can be caught. Later they develop backboards. Eventually, people tire of climbing ladders to retrieve the ball and cut a hole in the bottom of the basket. A successful shot is now called a “basket.”
For many years, basketball moves in a steady manner. This will change in the 1950s when a new generation of players arrive. One of the most famous and spectacular players is Elgin Baylor. Jen Bryant tells the fascinating story of his stunning play and his work against racial inequality. The name of this excellent book is “Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball.”
Born in Washington D.C., Elgin Baylor grows up in an impoverished neighborhood. Many sporting events are still practicing segregation. Because of this, Elgin can’t practice on most playgrounds. As a result, he and his friends practice late at night with whatever kind of ball they can find.
Mercifully, times begin to change and Elgin starts playing basketball in high school. No one can believe what they are seeing when the young man goes up for a shot. He spins in the air, changes hands with the ball and dunks over his opponents. His play stultifies everyone. How is it possible to jump so high and hang in the air so long?
Elgin is clearly better than everyone. But racial discrimination still rages in some parts of the East Coast, so he must go to college in Idaho and later in Seattle.
While Baylor is playing in Seattle, the civil rights movement begins with the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. This awareness of racial bigotry is also acknowledged in college basketball. Elgin cannot always eat with his white teammates when travelling. He refuses to play in a game after being discriminated against. This stance is not popular at first, but is necessary to bring attention to the problem of racism.
Upon being drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA), he still faces racist taunts. He faces this discrimination with courage. At the same time, his spectacular play on the basketball court changes the American understanding of the game.
What finally happens to Elgin Baylor? Why is he such an important figure in American history? He is the first sky walker in basketball. His dunks and spins in the air are so jaw dropping that he seems to be walking through the sky.
What does he later do in his life and in the NBA? To find out, go to the library and check out this compelling biography by Jen Bryant, “Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor changed Basketball.”
This book is a fine account of a phenomenal person. Elgin Baylor graced the basketball court with brilliance and grace. He almost looked like a ballet dancer for his ability to hang in the air. His life is an inspiring tale of a man overcoming racial barriers and developing his talents.
This is an excellent read-aloud and children will like the story and pictures. Highly recommended.
