• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 6

Whether readers are fresh on the hoops scene or pounding the hardwood for a pro career, How Basketball Works, part of the How Sports Work series, will inspire anyone’s game. Text that is as exciting to read as the sport is to play looks at what makes a basketball the shooting, passing, and slam dunking tool that it is; the parts of the court and how each affects a player’s game; the science behind refining your skills; and how height became a dominating force on the court. How Basketball Works brings together dynamic maneuvers, fast-paced athletic grace, and an especially sleek style for a comprehensive look at a sporting event loved the world over.

KELTIE THOMAS is a passionate sports fan and award-winning children’s science writer and editor. She is a former editor of OWL Magazine, and is the author of popular sports books such as How Baseball Works; Blades, Boards & Scooters; and Inside Hockey! She lives in Toronto.

Keltie Thomas' profile page

Greg Hall lives in Oakville, ON.

Greg Hall's profile page

• Short-listed, Ontario Library Association, Silver Birch Award
• Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre, Our Choice Selection

Filled with fascinating factoids, need-to-know anecdotes, numerous sidebars, along with brightly colored photos and digital drawings, this Canadian book is an exciting look at the science and sport of basketball.

North Bay Nugget

If your reader is into basketball, he or she will devour How Basketball Works.

Chronicle Herald

From rules, to the best shoes, to how to get ‘game,’ your child will get an insider’s look at basketball… For fans of all ages. ***** (out of 5).

New Brunswick Reader

From its bright, appealing cover to the fast-paced action inside, this book, the third in the “How Sports Work” series, is a slam dunk! Thomas’s writing style is fast-paced and lively, engaging the reader throughout the book. Jam-packed with information, this book not only demonstrates Thomas’s thorough knowledge of the game, but also her ability to combine history, science and sport and to select interesting stories about NBA players and teams. Abundant photos, diagrams and Hall’s often amusing illustrations, along with the vibrant colors and graphically appealing layout, perfectly complement the text. Enjoyable, entertaining and informative, this book is a sure winner!

CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials

How Basketball Works contains a wealth of information on the game. The right combination of science, history, and entertainment blend neatly into a winning formula.

Matt Zeysing, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, MA

With a colorful, graphic layout and pop-culture narration, this appealing title is bursting with high-interest information…A witty, high-energy, encyclopedic look at the sport.

School Library Journal

Overall this book is a great one – an excellent choice for school libraries looking to include a snazzy addition to the sports section.

Resource Links

How Basketball Works [is] the third book to combine Keltie Thomas’ energetic style of writing with Greg Hall’s witty illustrations.…This latest installment in the How Sports Works series starts with the basics — the basketball — then moves on to the science of refining your shots, the scoop on the jump shot, passing, blocking shots and more.

Edmonton Sun

How Basketball Works (How Sports Work)

Legendary tales from the pros, fascinating “Quick Shot” facts, insider tips and scientific information cover basketball from every exciting angle. Illustrations and photos throughout.