Each year the 7th grade science classes do a “physics of sports” report in the spring.  This book will be perfect for anyone who chooses basketball as their topic (especially chapter 5 titled “The Physics Behind the Moves.”)  Other chapter topics include The Discipline of Training, Sports Medicine, High-Tech Equipment, Bodies in Motion, and The Psychology of Winning.  Chapter 1, “Peach Baskets and Playoffs,” will be helpful to anyone needing to research the history of basketball.

A basketball fan myself, I found the book engaging as it discusses changes in the rules as the game evolved, information on sports nutrition, repeated concussions, hydration, and chronic injuries especially interesting.  While some famous players are pictured, most of the photographs are of everyday people enjoying the sport, which I liked.  sidebars with interesting facts, a glossary, and charts and graphs add color and interest to the body of the book.

Other sports in the series to date include baseball, swimming, snowboarding, gymnastics and soccer.