Multicultural Children's Book Day 2022

I received the book LaDonna Plays Hoops, written by Dr. Kimberly Gordan Biddle illustrated by Heath Gray, published by MacLaren-Cochrane to review for Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2022. Dr. Biddle was so kind to autograph the book and include “You have the will and the skill!” Encouraging words for everyone.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2022 is a non-profit children’s literacy initiative founded by two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to spotlight multicultural books and authors while also working on getting diverse books into the hands of children and educators.

In the story, LaDonna is the main character on the way to her family reunion with her father. She wants to rematch the family basketball star, her cousin Tyrone. LaDonna ends up winning the game after a two-year wait!

LaDonna has basketball camp behind her and is ready to go one-on-one with Tyrone this year! Her father doesn’t seem to think that she can win but lets her know that playing the best helps you be the best. The family watches the game between the basketball-loving cousins and supports her when Tyrone calls a foul. LaDonna doesn’t quit, and her perseverance delivers a win.

I love the use of vivid adjectives used throughout the story. LaDonna Plays Hoops has some excellent mentor sentences to use with students. It’s also great to showcase “show, not tell” when teaching narrative writing to elementary students.

Some readers may find the use of the word “tomboy” problematic. This is how LaDonna’s grandmother refers to her. LaDonna’s character is adventurous and unlimited. She is an example that shows we should never give up on reaching our goals.

I loved how the illustrator showed diversity in the family; however, I’m not a huge fan of the caricature-like illustrations for the book.

I enjoyed reading a story with an African American girl preserving to achieve a goal. LaDonna scraped her leg but continued to play the game against Tyrone. It’s also refreshing to read a picture book about a family coming together to celebrate being a family. Playing cards games, basketball, double dutch, eating, and enjoying each other’s company.

The author has a comprehensive teacher’s guide that you can use for activities to complete with your students.

https://www.pinkpearlwriting.com/…/LaDonnaPlaysHoopsGui…

I included some activities you could use as well. https://bit.ly/3AFdBUd

Enjoy!

#MCBD2022 #readyourworld #homeschoolbooks #picturebooksforkids #booksforkids

MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission & History HERE.