To be honest, I have no real interests in basketball. I know there is a basket and a ball. I know that people play on teams. I know that it is very popular during March. I know that you did not sit behind a friend of mine at a game because her arms would get to flapping so hard and fast I was afraid she would take off.
However, I know a little about poetry. And to be honest, I was wondering how poetry would mix with a sport when I saw the title Hoop Queens 2 (Sports Royalty) by Charles R. Smith in an email that was giving the opportunity to request a finished copy. I knew it could be done, but could it be done well? YES! Extremely well, in fact. I was very amazed at how fun and clever each poem was. I did not know the person spoken about, but I was given a glimpse at the game, the person and something really, well I hate to say magical as it makes it seem a bit pretentious, but magical.
As someone who enjoys poetry the facts of each subject were presented in a way that made you forget it is a basketball person, but basketball is still front and center. The forms allow the flow of words to fit perfectly. And the feelings the poet gets from each player comes alive (the reasons for each poem’s format and presentation are all described at the end of the book). Things are great on multiple levels (you have sports, poetry and it can be adapted for most ages, including adults).
And each page has a photograph of the person. This photography also gives you the tone the poet wants. They show someone “pointing” or “leading” or being the “S” shape of their name or way they move across the court. As mentioned, I was unaware of the women included in this, but again, I don’t follow basketball. This was a nice introduction to the sport, to the women included and a nice way to get away from the “mainstream” players.
This book is just such a big WOW for me, I plan on finding Hoop Queens 1; Hoop Kings 1 and 2 and even Soccer Queens. I highly recommend everyone of all ages (though it is aimed at the probably at least six/seven, but 8 and up crowd; and adults) to read this.