Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball

Dive into the extraordinary life of Elgin Baylor with the captivating picture book, "Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball." Published on October 6, 2020, and honored with the 2021 Orbis Pictus Award, this biography illuminates the journey of a basketball legend and pivotal racial justice advocate. Before the era of basketball giants like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, there was Elgin Baylor, whose gravity-defying moves on the court revolutionized the sport. Illustrated with dynamic artwork and told through lyrical prose, the book not only explores Baylor's groundbreaking athletic skills but also his courageous stand against the racial injustices of his time. Facing discrimination during team travels, Baylor's bold one-man protest demanded attention and respect, marking a significant moment in sports and civil rights history. Ideal for elementary school readers, "Above the Rim" is more than a sports story—it's an inspirational tale of resilience and the fight for equality, encouraging young readers to learn and reflect on the past struggles that continue to influence today's social justice conversations.