Wish I Was a Baller

Amar Shah

Book cover for Wish I Was a Baller
Image for variant 9798855187250
Book cover for Wish I Was a Baller
Image for variant 9798855187250

Wish I Was a Baller

Wish I Was a Baller

Amar Shah

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Description
Wish I Was a Baller is part New Kid, part The Tryout, and part Dragon Hoops!

Amar Shah has some story to tell! In 1995, he was a fourteen-year-old aspiring sports journalist (and basketball superfan) angling to get into an Orlando Magic team practice. He did, and it took him on the ride of his life!

Wish I Was a Baller is a graphic memoir chronicling Amar's real-life experiences as a fourteen-year-old sports journalist covering the golden era of the NBA, when he befriended Shaq and hung out with Michael Jordan and the Bulls--all while surviving the high school, dealing with crushes, and friendships being tainted by jealousy.

"An inspiring story of friendship, family, and the swishes and misses of being a kid. Baller soars and scores!" -- Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Award-winning New Kid

About the Author

Amar Shah is a multiple Emmy-winning writer and producer who has written for ESPN.com, NFL.com, The Wall Street Journal, The Orlando Sentinel, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Slam Magazine and The Washington Post. In the 90s, Amar was a teen sports reporter and got to hang out with the Chicago Bulls during their golden era. He even landed on the cover for Sports Illustrated for Kids with Shaquille O'Neal!

Critical Reviews

"An inspiring story of friendship, family, and the swishes and misses of being a kid. Baller soars and scores!" -- Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Award-winning New Kid

"Wish I Was A Baller is funny, relatable, and authentic. A wonderful reminder about what can happen when you pursue your dream with dedication and passion. A must-read!" -- Christina Diaz Gonzalez, USA Today bestselling author of Invisible and Concealed

"Fun and full of action, this incredible true story proves that sometimes you have to take a big leap to go for your dreams!" - Christina Soontornvat, New York Times bestselling author of The Tryout

"Amar gives a wonderfully delightful recounting of an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience with one of the most iconic sports figures in the world." - Dan Santat, National Book Award winner of A First Time for Everything

Publishing Information

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books
Pub date: 2025-08-05
Length: 285 pages

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