Basketball Belles

Witness the birth of women's basketball in this illustrated introduction from renowned nonfiction author Sue Macy.Raised on a cattle ranch, Agnes Morley was sent to Stanford University to learn to be a lady.But she soon exchanged her breeches and spurs for bloomers and a basketball-and in April 1896, she made history. In a heart-pounding game against the University of California at Berkeley, Agnes led her team to victory in the first-ever inter-collegiate women's basketball game, earning national attention and putting women's basketball on the map.This fast-paced story of perseverance and success digs deep into the history of one of America's most popular sports, and how it came to be so big. Realistic illustrations by Matt Collins put readers in the middle of the action, and you'll want cheer along with the crowd.With comprehensive backmatter including a timeline, author's note, select bibliography, and recommended places to visit for more information, Basketball Belles is a perfect introduction to an intriguing moment in sports and women's history.A Junior Library Guild SelectionBooklist Top 10 Sports Books for YouthBooklist Editors' Choice, Books for Youth, Nonfiction, Middler ReadersNCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, History/Life & Culture in the Americas

“"This excellent book offers plenty of teaching possibilities, and it should delight a wide audience."-- School Library Journal "In this rousing picture book, Macy and Collins take readers to the (very) early days of women's basketball through the eyes of Agnes Morley . . . her determination shines through in Collins's dynamic, painterly digital spreads."-- Publishers Weekly "There are plenty of books about basketball and some good ones about women's 'firsts.' This one, though, does a particularly great job of putting the two themes together . . . The sprightly text gives the game's details, but it is Collins' fabulous, in-your-face paintings that bring the palpable excitement home. . . . The author's note and time line add depth to a book that's both fun and informative."-- Booklist”

★ "There are plenty of books about basketball and some good ones about women's 'firsts.' This one, though, does a particularly great job of putting the two themes together . . . The sprightly text gives the game's details, but it is Collins' fabulous, in-your-face paintings that bring the palpable excitement home. . . . The author's note and time line add depth to a book that's both fun and informative."—Booklist (starred review)

"This excellent book offers plenty of teaching possibilities, and it should delight a wide audience."—School Library Journal  

"In this rousing picture book, Macy and Collins take readers to the (very) early days of women's basketball through the eyes of Agnes Morley . . . her determination shines through in Collins's dynamic, painterly digital spreads."—Publishers Weekly

Sue Macy loves to write about sports and fearless women. Her books have been named ALA Notable Children's Books and Best Books for Young Adults, Booklist Editor's Choices, and New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age. She lives in Englewood, New Jersey. Collins has illustrated numerous books for children. His art has also appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Sports Illustrated for Kids. His website is

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