Heart Over Height

by Nate Robinson, Jon Finkel

3x NBA Slam Dunk Champion Nate Robinson and Jon Finkel, author of The Dadvantage and the Greatest Stars of the NBA series, team up to present Robinson’s jaw-dropping life story in the new book, Heart Over Height.Throughout the pages of Heart Over Height, Robinson takes fans behind-the-scenes of his childhood, his career and his most famous moments. From outperforming LeBron James on one of the NBA’s biggest stages, to mapping out his iconic slam dunk contest win over Dwight Howard, to being named Washington’s high school football and basketball player of the year, Heart Over Height brings to life a story that personifies perseverance.Beginning with his improbable selection as the New York Knicks’ first-round draft pick after only playing basketball full time for two years, and continuing on to his unprecedented three NBA Slam Dunk Championships, Robinson has defied the odds every step of his career; a career that many analysts and pundits felt would never happen because in a sport filled with seven-footers, Robinson stands only 5’9” tall.Having just completed his 9th electrifying year in the NBA, Robinson has proven all doubters wrong. Heart Over Height tells the story of the people, places, teams and fans that helped make his rise to stardom possible.

Genres: Basketball

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2014

Reviews

[Andrew Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 7th grade when I was 5’6 and thought I was going to the NBA

[Gray P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book "Heart Over Height" by Nate Robinson because he is one my favorite basketball players of l time. He is a professional basketball that proved everyone wrong. From the time he was young he was told he would never make it to the NBA because he was smaller then most professional basketball players. I loved this book because it is by Robinson and it is based on his life and is based in Seattle where he grew up. I like this book because I relate to it. I rated this book 4 out of 5 because I loved it. I would of rated it 5 out of 5 but I don't like autobiography's that much.

[Alec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Heart Over Height, by Nate Robinson in my opinion it was an excellent book. It was a book about his whole life, it shows how he had struggles being short as an athlete but at the end he always excelled in whatever sport he was playing. He grew up in Seattle and a short time Oakland, while he was in Seattle he played football and basketball at his high school, Rainier Beach HS. He was an amazing football player and a very good basketball player. He was scouted for football when he was in high school but when college recruits came to basketball games to recruit other kids they were always interested in him when they left. He then decided to go to college at Washington University, at Washington University he played both football and basketball. As his college career went on he then later decided that he wanted to pursue a career in basketball and try to go to the NBA. Heart Over Height, is a phenomenal and very inspirational book, it shows you that whatever is in your way of what you want to achieve you have to have a good work ethic and you also have to put all you got into it. This book shows how Nate Robinson standing at five feet and nine inches, had to work even harder and at the end of the day he reached his goals. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good book or anyone who wants to read an inspiring book.

[Damien Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book "heart over height" is about Nate Robinson's struggles in life and on the basketball court. It discusses how he went from being a kid that lives in Seattle to being a three time dunk contest champion. Nate grew up loving football, that was always his dream sport. He was always the shortest kid in everything. He when getting to college he attended wWashington University and played basketball and football. After his sophomore year he decided to give up on his dream and focus on basketball. He got picked 21st in the 2005 draft, even though he was only 5"9'. He played for 7 different teams and won three dunk contest throughout his career.

I liked the book a lot. I liked the book because I could relate to most of the things that he went through as a young athlete. His dad was very hard on him when it can't to making the right decisions, getting good grades, and giving it his all when it came to sports. Nate was very talented and and stood out playing high school basketball and football. He went to Reiner Beach high school with Jamal Crawford ( best 6th man to ever play basketball.

A reader that is an athlete or a big follower of sports would like this book a lot. This book doesn't remind me of any other book that I have read. It is one of a kind.

[Colin]

one of the best sports selling book heart over height was written by jon finkel.
the problem is that he loves basketball but is really short. he wants to be in the nba and he accomplishes that. the author is qualified to write this book cause he tells the story in first person making you feel like you were the one in the story. this book is humorous and easy to relate to because lots o people grow up in tough neighborhoods. this book was really awesome and relating to because i'm small just like him and go through what he went through. my favorite part is when he wins the dunk contest not once but 3 times thats amazing for how short he is he proved everyone wrong. i would recommend this book to anyone who loves sports they will love this book a lot . this book is cool if they had a 2nd part i would definitely read it.

[Andrew Welton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this book was a great book for people who want to read about the life of an exiting basketball player. It shows different achievements and it had so many different things that happen on and off the court. I recommend this book to sports fans that want to hear about stories told in Nates mind.

[Parker]

I like this book it is very interesting and very inspirational. Nate Robinson has a crazy story and he does a very good job explaining how he over came being short and wins 3 dunk competitions. His whole life he was told he was to small but he proved all those people wrong and i think that's awesome. Also i like basketball and the NBA so when a player writes about it its very enjoyable for me.

[Luke Leongas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Over Height by Nate Robinson
The story Heart Over Height is truly a remarkable story about a 5’9 basketball player trying to make it in the NBA. Nate Robinson takes us through glimpses of every journey of his life, from being named the Washington high school basketball player of the year to winning 3 NBA slam dunk contests. Robinson was doubted by everyone because of his size, but he has defied the odds throughout his career. Robinson shows true determination and perseverance throughout his motivational story to the NBA. Robinson tells this story in a way that makes you never want to give up on your dreams, he really expresses the true grit it takes to become the person you want to be even though most people don't want you to get there. The stories and adventures Robinson describes in this book makes you want to never put the book down. This book not only teaches you lessons about working hard for sports, but it also teaches you to be the best you can be in anything you do in your life. The unbelievable determination used by Nate Robinson makes this book a must read for anyone who loves a significant true story about a man who never gives up.

[Blake Robinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book "Heart Over Height" shows the importance of hard work and dedication, it also shows how you shouldn't let people bring you down because of your differences. Over the course of the book you see how Nate Robinson conquers obstacles and overcomes adversity, he was doubted his whole life but proved everyone wrong. This is a great book for any athlete because it shows the importance of work ethic.

[Lagacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book! Nate Robinson has always been one of the most exciting players from the NBA. I always looked up to his energy and pure passion in the game, it was very interesting to learn more about his life and how he overcame his height especially in Basketball

[Lancelot O'Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational af

[Collin Hecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Over Height is the inspirational true story of NBA point guard, Nate Robinson and his successes and failures as a professional basketball player. In writing this book, Nate Robinson attempted to inspire and influence his readers with motivational stories of his NBA career, and he succeeded. Being a basketball player myself, I was able to relate to several of his experiences and struggles, which made me feel like I was on the court alongside of him throughout the narrative.

The theme of Heart Over Height is to never give up in the face of adversity. Being a mere 5'9", Nate Robinson is by no means the tallest guy in the NBA; however, that didn't stop him. With his overwhelming amount of athleticism and compassion for basketball, Robinson was able to become a three-time NBA dunk contest champion and a huge role-model for generations of aspiring basketball players. It's safe to say that Nate Robinson is one of the most inspirational players the NBA will ever see.

Heart Over Height was written as a narrative of Nate Robinson's NBA career. Through a series of touching stories and motivational phrases, Robinson was able to tell his story quite effectively. Throughout several instances of the novel, I was so motivated and pumped up that I dropped the book and went outside to play basketball. Needless to say, Heart Over Height spoke to me like few other books have.

In conclusion, Heart Over Height is one of the most enriching books that I have ever read. Everything that Nate Robinson said in this book stuck with me and made me realize that I should never back down. I liked that I was able to relate to him and his struggles that he faced while being a basketball player. Honestly, the only thing that I didn't like about this narrative was that it had to end.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I picked this book was cause I just love Nate Robinson. I love him since he is 5'7 and he can dunk on a NBA hoop! He's my idol since he has a hard time since he is one of the shortest point guards in the league and he is still one of the most popular players.The title of the book is basically what he stands for. Heart over Height, it's saying how it doesn't matter how tall you are in the league it's just how much you want it. In the book he said he blocked the tallest center in the league (Yao Ming). He is known not for being tall he is known for having more heart then heart. He also blocked so many taller people, like Lebron James, etc. He won three dunk contest, he always is fighting to play basketball and he doesn't care where he is, he just cares if he is going to play. I think the purpose of this book would be how it doesn't matter how small you are it just how much you really want it, it's how much you push your self. The audience is really met for people who follow basketball or who at least know something about Nate Robinson. Three facts I didn't know about Nate Robinson would mostly be like how I didn't know why he switched to many teams, but the only reason he switches teams is cause NBA teams wouldn't sign him. I didn't even know how he blocked the tallest center in the NBA, and I didn't know his first team was the New York Knicks. I think the theme of the story would mostly be how it doesn't really a matter about size since the author is Nate Robinson he discuss how it was so hard making in to the NBA could of his size. He risk it all just to make in to be the best in the NBA. I thought it was one of the most best book I ever read. I just wish how it talked about his chemistry with his family or teammates, but overall this book is a solid ten.

[Nolan Gerwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Over Height by Nate Robinson and Jon Finkel is the story of Nate Robinson's life. In the book Nate tells us all the struggles he had growing up and being short. when Nate was in grade school he was not that short compared to the other kids because none of them were very tall, but when he got to high school he was way shorter than everyone else. It was hard was hard for him to be good at sports for his height disadvantage. After all that he went through in trying to do better than everyone else even though he is so short.
My personal favorite part of the book is when he told the story of how he learned to play the sport. he said when he was young he would go and learn how to play basketball from his cousin Passion. He thought it was funny that a player of his quality was taught how to play basketball by a girl. This is my favorite part of the book because I would have never guessed that he was taught by his cousin. There are many good parts in the book but this was my favorite.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a good book. If you like sports books or an inspirational books this is the book for you. I would also recommend this book to anyone hat likes Nate Robinson and all that he does. I would definitely recommend this to a friend that wants to read a book in modern times and everyday struggles. I liked this book and I'm sure you would too.

[Travis P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book Heart Over Height about Nate Robinson. I was able to connect with it very well because Nate Robinson talks about being a short athlete. This book also has given me a new drive to word hard, and assures myself that I can do whatever I put my mind to. The main character is Nate Robinson. The Plot talks you through the difficulties he has had because he is a short athlete. He tells you how he was always surprising people with his abilities. A lot of times scouts would come to scout other players on his team and they would leave wanting to recruit him. The main thing that I like is when he explains his determination and work ethic. I have found myself thinking about his story in my sports when I am thinking I can't do something.This helps me push and go harder than I thought I could. In Heart Over Height the setting is in a poor neighborhood in Seattle. Nate often times refers to the support he got from his friends, and family even though they were having tough times. Nate also said that growing up in a rough neighborhood helped push himself. This book is perfect for anyone who is trying to overcome a difficulty that is in the way of their dreams. I would highly recommend this story for anyone with big dreams.

[Quinnton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinnton Waugh

Heart over Heights
By: Jon Finkel
122 pages

The book is about Nate Robinson and how his shortness didn’t hold him back from greatness.

In the book Heart Over Heights the author Jon Finkel decides to write about Nate Robinson and how people in Seattle helped him and didn’t help him. The author brings up many details about him and how he grows up. For example, Jon Finkel told us that the only reason that he learned basketball was from his female cousin. She taught him how to play basketball.
The book addressed many things about Nate Robinson like how he was a three-time dunk champion. He also went through many obstacles to get where he is. For example, the college that wanted him said that he couldn’t play football if he was going to play for them so he had to choose. I’ve learned many things from this book. one of them is to never judge someone for how they look or how they dress because they all have hidden talents.

[AGerwitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a story of Nate Robinson. It is about his life and how he overcame obstacles. In the book he always says how he is a football player and plays basketball for fun. Even though in the end he is a NBA player. This book is very motivational and makes you try harder to reach your goals.
At the beginning it tells about is early basketball carrier. In high school he played for both JV and varsity and destroyed on both teams. My favorite part of the book is when he is in the NBA slam-dunk contest. In the contest he wins despite his hight.
I would recommend this book to anyone who plays basketball or watches basketball. I enjoyed this book because he has a very cool story and him overcoming obstacles in the streets of Chicago. Overall it is a great book and I recommend you to read it

[Logan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book summarizes the life accomplishments of NBA point guard Nate Robinson. The book explains Nate's early life at James Logan high school and University of Washington. You will read about how a young boy grew up to be a 5'9 182 pound 3 time sprite slam dunk champion in a league full of six and seven foot players. Nate is more than that. He became a lights out shooter and a great passer. If you are looking for a book that proves size doesn't matter, this is the book for you. I recommend this book to classmates because it is a fun read about a great athlete who proved everyone wrong and stayed proud and humble doing so.

[Trenton Mounts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Over Height I think is one book that if you like basketball you would read it, but if you like biographies also then you may like it. If you read this book, you will learn about Nate Robinson (A Professional NBA Basketball Player). You learn about how his childhood life was, and how he made it into the NBA, and all of the struggles that he had to go through as a child and growing up. if you want to find out about his life and how he goes about his life on a daily bases then read this book. I think its a really good book because I like Nate Robinson, and I like to play basketball so when I herd about his book coming out I was dying to read his book and it was worth it I think.

[Alex Bleam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate Robinson offers a glimpse inside one of the smallest players to ever play the game of basketball and succeed because of his heart and drive to do better than anyone else. This is a phenomenal read for anyone who likes the sport of basketball or who are vertically challenged in any sport. This is one of the most inspiring sports books I have ever read coming from someone whose profession isn't even an author which I find very impressive. There seemed to never be a dull moment in this book throughout. Thank you Nate, and remember Heart over Height!!!

[Ardaaydin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate Robinson's Heart over Height is a really impressive book. I got a chance to get know one of my favorite athletes.We see how he come from nothing to a basketball player who gives all out every game.His inspiration not only for short people but actually anyone in life.He talks about how hard work helped him succeed and become a man he is today.how he stay away from bad an accept good with open arms. Any basketball player or person who need little inspiration to achieve something big, should read this book and follow his path.This book will not disappoint you.

[Darion Lycksell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was powerful. It made you believe in yourself and encouraged you to try your hardest no matter what. Nate Robinson has had to overcome a lot in his life because of his size. Well of course he has phenomenal athleticism but without size it's very hard to reach an accomplishment such as his was. I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends and anyone who likes Basketball and respects Nate Robinson as a person.

[Dejaun Corbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book heart over height written by Nate Robinson about his life, was inspiring to me. For a point guard who has heard that he was to small so many times and slowly started to believe them and give up. This book picked me back up, Nate's life story told me, no matter what anybody says, as long as I keep working hard and doing the things I need to do. Nothing will ever be denied from me.

[Luke M · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book Heart Over Height by Nate Robinson Nate goes threw many challanges but never gives up. Nate Robinson is a great inspaation for kids like me to let us know that we can do anything like when he blocked Yau Ming or Shaq or being the seoned shortest player and winning 3 dunk contest. Heart Over Height is really insparatinol.

[Lorna Doerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 12 year old dreams of NBA events and careers. So I read this at his request. Nate is a hard worker and really does work to overcome his height deficit. I had lots of questions - schooling? Education, family? But this book is just about basketball - and it is entertaining and inspirational.

[Jake Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are into sports and biographies. This is a book about Nate Robinson and his way into the NBA. He had to overcome a lot of challenges because he was under 6 feet tall. Nate in college was a 2 sport athlete he played football and basketball in college at the same time.

[Cody]

yeah

[Matt Smith]

Haven't read but want to I can't find it anywhere but I'm a tall athlete but I respect him so much I just need to read but I can't find please any help

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Motivates everyone to achieve their dreams no matter how big they are.