I Am #12: Lebron James

I Am #12

by Grace Norwich

I am basketball's biggest superstar--I am LeBron James.

LeBron James was the MVP of the 2013 basketball season and he is one of the best basketball players of all time. His accomplishments on and off the court will appeal to a wide audience-especially boys. He's the perfect person to lead with as the I AM series expands to include more current subjects.

The updated I AM series features full-color illustrated covers, and a mix of photos and illustrations throughout the interiors. A timeline, an introduction to the people you'll meet in the book, maps, sidebars, and a top ten list of important things to know help young readers understand the text and align the series with Common Core State Standards.

Genres: Sports, Biography

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2014

About the author

Grace Norwich has written many books for young readers on a variety of topics, including health, fashion, animals, and more. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should start by mentioning that I really couldn't care less about sports, or sports "stars." I'm not impressed by them and I think it's ridiculous how much they get payed.

That said, I still read these books because I like to read what my fifth graders are reading and many of them are interested in sports. I've been surprised by how much I've enjoyed reading many of the sports books. I was especially impressed by Derek Jeter and his character. I thought Babe Ruth, while not that great of a character, was quite interesting. Jackie Robinson and Henry Adams were impressive simply because of the racism they had to fight against and the strength of character they showed.

I did not feel that way about LeBron James. It could be that he's younger and hasn't really had a chance to make his mark. It's cool that he pulled he and his mother out of poverty and I do admire how much he loves his mom. When I finished this book I just felt very "meh." It's been my least favorite athlete book so far.

The writing wasn't bad at all, so I split the difference on the rating and went in the middle of how I felt emotionally and logically.

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

i am lebron James explains his life up until this point and some facts that you might not now.For example lebron james did not have a father growing up.So as a result when lebron had his first child bronny james he vowed to be the best father than his dad he was.Another fact was that lebron missed 82 out of 160 days of school.Lebron james had a group of 4 called the fab four who he had been playing with since he was little,but he had a hard decision to make where he was going to go to school so he had to decide. Lebron ended up deciding to go to school with the fab 4 at s v marry school

[Lorinda Dodrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a clear biography of Lebrons life. If you are doing any sort of research project i recommend this book.

[Zeke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I'm not much of a Lebron James fan, it was interesting to learn some new facts about him.

[Aadi Srivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the streets of Akron, Ohio to the bright lights of the NBA , LeBron James has been from the bottom to the top. I Am LeBron James by Grace Norwich, is a biography about LeBron James which shows his life from a toddler to a multi-million dollar basketball player. LeBron Raymone James was born on December 30th 1984 in the small city of Akron, Ohio to his 16 year-old mother, Gloria James. As a 16 year-old mother Gloria struggled to provide for James, and by the age of five LeBron and Gloria were moving from couch to couch. In high school, it got better for the James family. LeBron was all over the news and he was receiving D1 college offers and brand deals from various show companies. By this time, he had gotten the nickname “The Chosen One.” He was also featured on the front cover of Sports Illustrated multiple times. In 2003, he was drafted by his hometown team the Cleveland Cavaliers. After that day he has built his legacy through many awards including MVPs and championships. I love this book a lot, it is a very detailed book about LeBron James’ life before and during the NBA. This book is very interesting and as a LeBron James fan it makes it better. I would recommend this book to ages eight and older and any LeBron James fans out there.

[Lidia Boucher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lebron James worked, since day one to get where he is today. His mother helped him so much by getting him a basketball when he was turing 2 years old. His family struggled throughout this life time and he felt as if basketball was his way out and to make his family better. When Lebron was 5 his father left, Lebrons mother. So from that day it was just Lebron and mom. They had a bond that could´t be broken. Lebron said his mom was his biggest supporter and would´t be able to get where he is without her. In high school, that´s when he knew what he wanted to be. A basketball player and thatś where he is cause he set goals and reached them.

[Destiny Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was pretty good because I got to learn more about a basketball player that I didn't really know. Also, I got to learn about his background and saw that he wasn't always the person he is today. Like when he was little he didn't have the best house, they actually had to move from place to place with his mother since his father was out of the picture. This had a very good message that to always believe in your dreams so you could achieve them just like how LeBron James did. I really enjoyed reading about this Famous NBA player and his childhood.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was very good because there was so much tragedy Lebron James went through, especially moving 12 different times. Also he missed more than half of his school days. Next, Lebron James started playing basketball in 6th grade and he started football at 8th grade but he quit football junior year of highschool. Although he had a decision to go to the best basketball high school in the state, he decided to go with his friends to Saint Mary's High School.

[Rogelio Ibarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a while ago, probably one of the only books I’ve liked and I actually remember what it’s about. I liked it because it was about one of my favorite players. It is a very inspirational book because when Lebron was a little kid he didn’t have anything. Him and his mom went from house to house. This story shows you can go from nothing to one of the basketball greats. I 100% recommend this book.

[Mac Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great book. A boy who grew up on the streets of Akron, Ohio to now a 5x NBA champion and in the conversation for the greatest player of all time. It's also amazing how the book shows that he grew up with NO father and pushed through that. The author Grace Norwich also does a great job showing the huge role Gloria James (LeBrons Mom) had in his life. Although you may say LeBron had it easy to the NBA you should probably think again.

[Maya Engbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Biography
Grades 3-5
I don't really know anything about Lebron James so I thought it was very interesting to read about his life and how he grew up as a child. There were some interesting facts about him and I definitely think that this is a good read especially for students into basketball and Lebron James.

[Keiran M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The auther is Grace Norwich and I rate this book 5 stars because it tells how Lebron grew up. I recommend that someone like Lebron James. Lebron James one time choosing football over basketball. Lebron liked football over basketball because lebron had more experience in football. Lebron wanted to try something different so he joined basketball. Lebron played for st. Vincent St. Mary High School.

[Julia Henderson]

Summary: This tells about basketball superstar, Lebron James and his accomplishments both on and off the court. This book attracts a wide audience, especially boys. The I AM series includes more current subjects.

Grade Level: 3-5

Lexile Level: 1040L

[Thomas McGinnis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a fan of lebron james but the book made like a bit more.

[Lyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally I’m not interested in basketball books, but it was actually pretty good. It explained a lot about his life.

[Aaliyah]

exuse me people but lebron james is the best player in the lakers las angels los

[Kim Yu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basketball and english fans

Are you a baskeball fan? Read the life of Lebron James basketball hero, and at the same time, somehow improve your english!!!!

[Bennett]

breaking all of the records didn't matter. all he wanted was a championship.
this is interesting because Lebron really wanted a championship and he wouldn't stop until he got one

[Levin M · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book is called "I Am LeBron James" by Grace Norwich. The book I read was interesting because I never knew that LeBron James had a rough life growing up. For school LeBron missed 82 out of 160 days of school . He was outdoors a lot and he always rode his bike with nowhere to go he just wanted to be outside. He was trying to stay out of trouble whatever he did. LeBron joined a team named the Fab Four with Dru lll, Willie McGee, and Sian Cotton. LeBron got a new coach named Kieth Dambrot. LeBrons Fabulous Four team won over 200 games and 6 championships. LeBron James is inspirational because he never gave up on whatever he did. I would rate this book a 5 star rating because its interesting to learn about other people life's doing sports. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about sports. A fun fact is that later LeBron went back to the Cleveland cavaliers. He grew up in northeast Ohio. In his words he said, I never want to leave Cleveland. LeBron has plenty of unfinished business in his quest to become the greatest basketball player of all time.

[Eli Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I read is I Am LeBron James by Grace Norwich. This book tells about the challenges that LeBron James faced as a child growing up in Akron, Ohio and the events that led to his success as a professional player. During Lebron’s childhood, he and his mother moved several times because they did not have a place to call home.
Even though LeBron may be a famous basketball player, football was his first love. He began playing football at the age of 10 for the South Rangers youth football team coached by Frankie Walker. LeBron James was the MVP of the 2013 basketball season and he is one of the best basketball players of all time.
The theme of this book is that it doesn’t matter where you come from; it’s what you do when you leave there. Also, there are other possible themes such as: from rags to riches and started from the bottom now I’m here. After reading this book, I learned a valuable lesson that hard work, determination, discipline, and teamwork would take you a long way.
My favorite part of the book was when his coach, Frankie Walker, offered him a place to lay his head until his mother could find a permanent job and a stable home for them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because it gave detailed insights on Lebron’s early life and how he rose to stardom despite his upbringing. I can relate to this book because I like to play basketball and I live in a small town. The book’s writing style was easy to read and age appropriate. I think the audience for this book is young males who like to play basketball. This book, I Am LeBron James, reminds me of the movie, Blindside and its genre is a biography.

[Kallie Crowell]

This book is a biography about LeBron James. The book is written as if LeBron himself is talking. The book begins with James as a child in Ohio and tells of how became one of the best players of the NBA. Readers learn that James journey to the NBA was not an easy one but he never gave up on his dream. I would use this book as a mentor text to show voice and presentation. Although James did not write this book, the author chose to write it as if he did. The voice of the story makes the readers feel as if James is next to them telling his story. In the book are illustrations and real pictures of the people and places in James’ life. The presentation of the book brings the people and places talked about alive. This book also brings up what life is like growing up in rough neighborhoods. It would be good to have a discussion about poverty and the affect it can have on a young person. This book’s guided reading level is T.

[AJ Scheckenbach]

The book “I am Lebron James” was a very upright book for me to read. The book was very good because Lebron James has a lot of character. First, It was a good book because it talked about Lebron’s life before the NBA for like half the book and I didn’t know much stuff about him so I thought it very unique that this book talked about his life in high school and his career throughout the NBA. Second, His NBA career was very animated with lots of wins and championships. Plus when he returned to his home team after leaving them to win some championships and form the first good Big 3. Third, I recommend this to anyone who likes learning about people who have had stupendous careers in the NBA or any other sports that they are interested in. Also I recommend this to anyone who is a bandwagon and wants to know everything about the best team’s best player. All in all, Lebron James is a very cool guy to learn about and I think you should learn about and read this book too.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Filled with plenty of photographs of the basketball star, this biography provides insight into LeBron's early years as well as some of the influential players and coaches in his life. Although some of his story is sugar-coated and doesn't explore thoroughly the reasons for the family's constant moving from place to place, the author does include enough details to make it clear that his growing up years were challenging. I like how there is quite a bit of discussion of discipline, hard work, and team loyalty among all the descriptions of his feats on the basketball court. This book is easy to read, and offers just enough information to make readers feel as though they know a bit about the NBA champ. There are plenty of holes and questions that older readers may have as they peruse the title. Still, it's a good place to start.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title-LeBron James
Author-Grace Norwich
Illustrator-Ute Simon
Series- I Am Book 12
Publisher-Scholastic
ISBN-9780545673501
Copyright date-2014
Price-$5.99
Paperback
Pages-126
Type of Book –Nonfiction
Grade Range Grades 3, 4, 5
Use- Recreation
Type Size- Average
Format –Chapter, Biography
Illustration Type- Photographs, Black & White
Illustration Rating- Good
Reference Aids- Bibliography, Glossary, Index,, Table of Contents, Web Sites
Genres Realistic, Sports
Literary Merit- Good
Characterization-Good
Recommended
Summary-This is a biography of LeBron James. It gives an account of his life story up the present.
Evaluation-This is a short simple easy to read biography. It tells how hard his life was but that all through his journey he chose to look for the positive. He is a very down to earth likable fellow. The photographs and drawings enhance the interest of the story.

[Jennifer Gallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Lebron's decision to return to Cleveland, he has been forced even farther into the spotlight. Scholastic now releases an accessible background of his life and career that gives you all of the important events in Lebron's life that led to his success. For a class project or as independent reading, this book will appeal to young boys.

The audience for this book is definitely boys who like to play basketball, or just like sports in general. The language is very accessible and age appropriate. The information is not too overwhelming and would lend itself well to a book report or PowerPoint presentation.

I Am #12: Lebron James is the perfect go-to book to learn a little more about the basketball superstar!

Check out my blog at reviewscomingatya.blogspot.com.

[Rudy Khawam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read I am LeBron James by Grace Norwich. LeBron grew up in an old alley but he liked it anyways. LeBron had a love for basketball and for Christmas he got a plastic hoop and he loved it. LeBron knew he would make it to the NBA and in 2003 he did. He won the rookie of the year and he was happy.He won his first championship in 2012 and 2013.

My part was when LeBron got drafted to the Cleveland Cavaliers and he won the MVP. My least favorite part was when he left the Cavs to go to Miami Heat. We don't the Heat any more. He came back to Cleveland after four years and two championships.

I would recommend this to whoever likes sports books. this is really good book and I would have a good time if they made a movie.

[Miles Cohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good and had many great and interesting stories in it. It could have been better because there was a lot of different transitions that were pretty confusing. It was about Lebron James who suffered many rough occurrences when he was a little kid. This book is easy to understand most of the time and I would prefer it to kids who are 8 years old or older. It was a good overall book except for a few minor setbacks.

[Edwaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the Lebron james book because it tells you how his childhood is and how he came up in what he is today

[Hemza Alfroukh]

i didnt read it

[Lisa Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basketball lovers will enjoy this book. I learned so much about "King James". I can't wait to share it with my students. Lots of neat facts brought to light.