I Like Hoops

I Like to Read

by Juwanda G. Ford, Jada Jeni Bennett (illustrator)

The game is tied. Can we win? This book is perfect for kindergarteners and first graders to read on their own.

A close game of basketball, played by a diverse group of first and second graders, is full of suspense, joy–and good sportsmanship too!

With simple text, kindergarteners and 1st graders can read this story on their own. Rated level I by educational experts and includes phonics features.

The books in the award-winning I Like to Read® series build vocabulary and promote fluency, which are essential for reading success. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high-quality books that are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers or on their own!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Genres: Sports, Picture Books, Basketball, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 24, 2025

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of the I Like to Read series for early readers, this book [2.5 for me!] features large digital artwork throughout a close basketball game between a diverse cast of youngsters. Narrated by a Black girl, who misses the jump ball thrown at the start of the game, misses a pass, slips, and then later steals the ball, the story has several instances where good sportsmanship matters just as much as scoring and winning, something that seems all too rare these days. Very young basketball fans may enjoy this title almost as much as scoring a goal or hitting a free throw.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Like Hoops is a play-by-play of the last 5 minutes of a basketball game. The narrator struggles to keep the ball (missing a throw, a shot, slipping), but her team is keeping the score about even. Who will win?

A level one reader, most illustrations contain fewer than 3 words each. Many are only one. For a reader who likes basketball, this will be a lot of fun. The characters are illustrated as a mix of races and genders.

[Kate]

A sports story for kids learning to read is a welcome addition. The sentence length and font size hints at a book for a child learning to read, but the vocab is more difficult at times (foul, layup, guard). Like the diversity of the kids playing basketball. I do get tired of illustrators thinking only girls have eye lashes though.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what about this just didn't do anything for me. I guess I like beginning readers to have some humor or illustrations that I care about. I guess this just reminds me to much of a leveled reader that doesn't have a story or charcters, or problem and solution. Maybe I've just become too critical and reading this over a few times will change my mind.

[Ellon · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars (It was okay)

I cannot believe this is a Geisel nominee...

This is only marginally better than the old "this is spot. run spot run." type of I can read books in my opinion. A pretty boring plot/text. I also do not like this illustration style. The only positive was that the main character keeps messing up and that's okay. There is some good sportsmanship shown.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the artwork wasn't my favorite stylistically, I do think it's great that there is a diverse sports related beginner reader on the market. The text is simplistic and great for an emerging reader and the story itself showcases the importance of good sportsmanship and teamwork.

[Maria Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 2025 Geisel Honor Book •

Fun, bubbly illustrations. Nice, straightforward story with themes of teamwork, sportsmanship and determination with easy to read typography. Fun book, and great for an early reader.

Materials used: “digital tools”

Typeface used: unlisted

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this on a Geisel list. It's just a bit too simplistic. I know there are students who would love to learn basketball words and read about it, but the illustrations were just a bit too cartoonish for me.

[Lysa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Details the last minutes of a close basketball game

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geisel honor 2026

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think this won an award so I put it on hold. it's okay for an early reader

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3

2026 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are never enough good sports books to meet the demand, and I like this sweet little story for very early readers.

[Kate McCartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

2026 YMA Theodor Seuss Geisel Award honor

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hard time with easy readers, but thought the message to keep playing and trying when you are down was good, though I thought the bell winner was a bit of a cop out.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A preschool and up book about two kids learning to play basketball in a game. Bright bold pictures and light text

[DaNae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Early reader flush with basketball terminology. Laking in charm.