Redefine a child's view of winning with NBA coach Jenny Boucek's message of what makes a champion: daily courage, kindness, teamwork, and resilience. Join a youth basketball team as they practice shots, passes, and heart and discover that sports isn't about playing time or wins but about being your best and growing together in all of life.

NBA assistant coach Jenny Boucek is a trailblazing woman in professional basketball who knows what it's like to never give up on your dreams, lose big and keep going, and find satisfaction in who you are, not what you accomplish. In this uplifting picture book, she inspires kids to try again and again, help others, face fears, keep promises, and remember to have fun.

Be a Champion features . . .

• a diverse community basketball team, including boys and girls, different body types, and a child with Down Syndrome;
• inclusive scenes of children on and off the court;
• character-building affirmations about how to be a champion each day; and
• a growth-mindset message about bouncing back from failure and always improving.

This illustrated story is perfect for . . .

• children ages 4 to 8;
• countering culture's messages of perfectionism, winning, and physical strength;
• parents, caregivers, teachers, and coaches wanting to instill hard work, respect, and the value of effort; and
• gifting to celebrate all types of success, including graduation, participating in a competition, team awards, and the everyday heroics of showing up to do something hard.

Great for reading aloud at bedtime, story time, or to a team or class, Be a Champion offers a warm and practical message about confidence, perseverance, and true success.