SLAM Presents: The Ultimate WNBA Book For Kids

An excerpt from the introduction by Mya Peterson:

I’ll never forget my first WNBA memory: sitting in the living room with my grandma and dad, eating spaghetti and watching E:60. The story of Candace Parker came on and the highlight reel began play by play, breaking down her ball fake, step-through drive and finish through the lane. Growing up in a basketball household where Lakers vs. Celtics was primetime, I was used to seeing yellow and purple and watching Kobe Bryant. But this time it wasn’t the Lakers playing. It was the Los Angeles Sparks.

As the intro played, I remember lighting up because these were women playing basketball. In sixty minutes, I learned about Rocky Top, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball and the great Pat Summitt. I learned about the rivalry of UConn Huskies vs. the world and about Candace Parker dunking on the biggest stage. My eyes were wide and, in that moment, I knew I wanted to be just like her.

It wasn’t long before I was outside in the driveway practicing my go to shot and rehearsing celebrations just like Candace Parker. I started watching more games and learning about the greatness of Maya Moore. Suddenly, it all felt possible for me too. Why? Because my name is Mya, too. I took my game to recess and wanted to play 1v1 with anybody willing to step up because that’s what they would do.

Come through the lane? I’m blocking your shot like Sylvia Fowles. Talk trash to me? I’m going to work like Diana Taurasi. Big play? I’m hyping up the crowd like Sue Bird. My game became a reflection of the W because if they could do it, I knew I could too.

The more I learned about the W, the more my love for the game grew. I kept looking to see who would be next in the spotlight. Then, in 2017, I watched the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball win their first national championship. I saw Dawn Staley hold the trophy high and watched A'ja Wilson get crowned Most Outstanding Player. My mom saw that same sparkle in my eyes again, that same sparkle that said, “I want to be just like her.”

This book is special. This book is for you. As you flip through these pages, I hope you see yourself in these stories too. These women are heroes on and off the court. Trailblazers. Record breakers. Champions. Hall of Famers. World changers.

This is the first SLAM WNBA Kids Book, which means you’re our very first reader. We made this book with you in mind. Every story in here is meant to show you that greatness can look like you.

Before you turn the page, though, I have a challenge for you. Pick one actually, pick two or three greats from this book to study and look up to. Learn their stories. Study how hard they worked. See how they handled adversity, pressure and big moments. Then, when you get to the back of the book, write your own name and start writing your own story.

From there, it’s up to you. Who will you become? What will you stand for? How hard will you work? Because nothing is impossible.

Now it’s time to turn the page and learn about the amazing women of the W.

Product details

• Hardcover
• Embossed lettering
• 175 pages
• 100 lb. paper stock
• 8.5" x 11"
• All book sales final
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