Book-A-Day 27: H.O.R.S.E - A Game of Basketball and Imagination

H.O.R.S.E

A Game of Basketball and Imagination

Written and Illustrated by: Christopher Myers

You know that phrase, "anything you can do, I can do better?"  That is the essence of this story between two friends who meet up to play a game of HORSE on the basketball court but whose imaginations get the best of them.  For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the game of HORSE it's played like this (according to the character in the book), "the game where one person shoots any kind of shot -- layup, jumper from half-court, bounce shot, whatever.  The other other player has to shoot the same shot, or else that player gets a letter. Spell HORSE and you're out."  As the two friends begin to play their game they keep attempting to out perform one another with the descriptions of the shots they are going to take.  Each new description gets more and more elaborate from around the world shots to intergalactic shots.  Reading through this story and seeing the imaginations of each of the characters in relation to a simple game of basketball is such fun!  Kids will delight in hearing this story read aloud, particularly young boys.  You might even find them on the blacktop at recess later in the day attempting to out-do one another in their own imaginative game of HORSE. 

Because this story has a distinct back and forth rhythm to the reading, it would make for a great shared read aloud.  Two people could perform this story for a class of students and the giggles and smiles will quickly ensue.  

Christopher Myers both wrote and illustrated this book.  It was published in 2012 and was awarded a Coretta Scott King honor.  Check out the video interview below to learn more about this author and illustrator.