I GOT NEXT by Daria Peoples-Riley tells the story of a young basketball player who does not quite have the confidence yet to join a neighborhood pickup game, despite his shadow’s eagerness and readiness to play. As the boy practices on the playground, his shadow urges him to play hard and provides encouragement to overcome pregame nerves so the boy can join the game, ready to try his best.

With plenty of game faces and basketball drills, the collaged artwork with its gouache effect and watercolor on paper wonderfully complements the bounciness of the text, which is perfect for reading aloud.

The themes of self-confidence and perseverance will resonate with elementary readers and encourage kids to practice, put on their game faces, and say, “I GOT NEXT.”

Suggested Reading Age: K-Grade 3 | Greenwillow Books / Imprint of HarperCollins | 40 pg. | July 30, 2019 |

“I’ll leave my heart on the court.”