Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game

by John Coy

When they piled into cars and drove through Durham, North Carolina, the members of the Duke University Medical School basketball team only knew that they were going somewhere to play basketball. They didn't know whom they would play against. But when they came face to face with their opponents, they quickly realized this secret game was going to make history.

Discover the true story of how in 1944, Coach John McLendon orchestrated a secret game between the best players from a white college and his team from the North Carolina College of Negroes. At a time of widespread segregation and rampant racism, this illegal gathering changed the sport of basketball forever.

Genres: Picture Books, Sports, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Biography, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

John Coy is the author of young adult novels, the 4 for 4 middle-grade series, and fiction and nonfiction picture books. John has received numerous awards for his work including a Marion Vannett Ridgway Award for best first picture book, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor, Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, Notable Book for a Global Society, and the Burr/Warzalla Award for Distinguished Achievement in Children’s Literature. He lives in Minneapolis and visits schools around the world.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a basketball book – Game Changer is an exceptional anti-racism tale.

Game Changer by John Coy is one of the best books I’ve ever read to my grandchildren. It talks about the first time the white Basketball team played an played an all black team in the south. In 1944, interracial competition was never heard of — but it happened secretly in Durham between Duke and North Carolina College of Negroes.

The retro artwork is pretty exciting. It was very subtle and artful manne.

From a personal note, reactions from my grandchildren was precious and serious. Soon it developed into a true teaching moment. They were stunned about the extreme racism of 1944

It’s through books such as this one that young and all, will learn.

I give it my highest recommendation!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It might seem like no big deal when two basketball teams met to play a game in 1944. But the year during which the game was played and the secrecy under which it occurred on a basketball court in North Carolina gives some hint of its significance. When the white players from Duke were trounced by the black players in a game orchestrated by John McLendon, the coach of the North Carolina College of Negroes, both sides realized that basketball could be played in different ways and that both races were adept at the sport in their own ways. Arguably, that game would change how the sport itself would be played. The author makes note of the fact that this game occurred three years before the color barrier in baseball would be broken and nineteen years before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described his vision of a better, fairer nation where opportunities for a better future existed for all. Although the suspense at the start of the book will entice readers and the camaraderie shared by the players at the end of their playing is commendable, older readers will shudder in fear at what the outcome might have been. As told here, the groundbreaking potential of a sport to change public opinion and serve as a civil rights stepping stone cannot be dismissed. The illustrations bear a strong resemblance to images that someone might find in a comic book, adding to the book's appeal for young readers. This title is an excellent addition to a text collection of civil rights and sports titles and would be a good introduction to the topic of segregation and the civil rights movement. Many youngsters will be surprised at what they learn from the book's content.

[Adam Glasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game Changer, written by John Coy and illustrated by Randy DuBurke, is an amazing nonfiction picture book that tells the story of a secret basketball game that took place in Durham, North Carolina in 1944. The game was played between the all-white men's basketball team from Duke University and the all-black men's basketball team from the North Carolina College of Negroes (which is now NC Central University). The game took place in a locked gym without any spectators because it was illegal for white and black teams to play against each other. The North Carolina College of Negroes team easily won the game 88-44. Then, the players mixed up the teams, creating teams with both white and black players, and played another game for fun. Afterwards, the players agreed to keep the game a secret in order to protect themselves and their coaches.
This children’s book is powerful because it gives us a true story about the Jim Crow South and how the game of basketball was used to build bonds between people of different races in our local community. In a society that was so divided by race, these teams decided to not only play a game against each other, but also with each other. Basketball was used as a tool to help them move past their differences and build community with one another.
I would strongly recommend this book as a read aloud option for any second, third, or fourth grade class. This book would be a excellent choice to use during any social studies unit covering concepts such as equality or community building, or more specific topics such as racial segregation in the American South or Civil Rights. This book would be especially useful if you are teaching in North Carolina schools or other areas where college basketball is so meaningful and relatable to many of the students. Due to the complex topics of the book, I would recommend preparing background information and/or guided discussion questions in advance. The book also features a timeline that includes a few major dates for racial integration in basketball and Civil Rights, which you can use as a resource.

[Yoo Kyung Sung · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Nineteen years before Dr. King's " I Have a Dream" Speech and three years before Jackie Robinson broke the color line in major League Baseball, black players and white pliers worked together as teammates in an illegal game in segregated North Carolina"-- Simply powerful history!

I didn't know that "Race mixing" was a crime punished by death back then when KKK was active. New information to me.

Things we take granted for it is privilege in old time standards.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sports picture book, but way more than that. In 1944, all-white Duke University Medical School basketball team played a secret game against the North Carolina College of Negroes basketball team. The men on these teams had, in most cases, not been that close in proximity to a person of another race. It changed the game of basketball.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a picture book based on a true story. One spring Sunday afternoon in 1944, two basketball teams came together in great secrecy. The Duke University Medical School basketball team met in a small gym to play against the North Carolina College of Negros in the first ever integrated basketball game. Though rules kept black and white teams from playing each other, John McLendon, coach of the North Carolina College of Negros, "believed basketball could change people's prejudices."

At first both teams were uncertain; some players had never seen a white or black player up close let alone touch them or bump them. Then the spirit of the game kicked in. The final score was 88 to 44 in favor of the College of Negroes.

This is an interesting but little-known story. In 1944 the consequences for “race mixing” were serious, so serious that anyone caught doing it could be put to death. For years, no one ever knew about the game for fear of reprisals and those involved were sworn to secrecy. It wasn’t until 22 years later, in 1966 Texas Western’s all black basketball team played against a heavily favored, white team from Kentucky for the national championship ending the era of segregated big-time college basketball.

I loved the story behind the book, but was disappointed that no one at the time was brave enough to publicize it or benefit from it. The title of this book is Game Changer. Was it a game changer? Not really since no one at the time could or would speak or write about it. Integrated college basketball did not happen until the 1960s.

I loved the illustrations in this book. In the beginning they are black and white sketches tinted with water color. To me they look like faded old photographs. The font looks like it’s from an old typewriter. These things help make the book feel like it’s from the 1940s. Full color comes into the pages after the initial game is played and then the teams integrate to play a game with members of both sides – skins against shirts. Highly symbolic.

The book opens with the four questions John McLendon asked his players – Who are You? What are you? Why are you on this earth? Where are you going? Powerful questions then and now.

The author, John Coy has written other award winning sports books. The illustrator, Randy DuBurke has won awards for his illustrations including the Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award for New Talent.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game, written by John Coy and illustrated by Randy DuBurke, is a nominee for the 2017-18 South Carolina Children's Book Award.

Game Changer is the true story of a coach, players, and a game who did what they could to change perceptions. Even though it was dangerous, even illegal, two teams came together in 1944 to play a game of basketball that would eventually change their lives.

Segregation was reality in most of the country back then, even when it came to sports. Before Jackie Robinson would break into professional baseball, Coach John McLendon had the courage to lead his players in a game between the Eagles from the North Carolina College of Negroes and the highly lauded all-white team from the Duke University Medical School.

At first, the players were hesitant to even brush up against each other, but eventually basketball helped them to overcome whatever discomfort they might have felt. McLendon's team beat the Duke boys soundly, and it was clear that a new way of playing basketball was on the horizon.

Before the day was over, both teams bonded over their love of the game and the many things they had in common. Their differences didn't matter so much anymore, and the secret game they played would go on to convince others of the same thing.

When speaking about the game later, McLendon stated, "I just wanted to further the idea that we all played basketball, that we all played it well, and that we should be playing it together." He succeeded in his mission.

An excellent book for those who enjoy basketball, Game Changer is also ideal for studies of civil rights. This book would be awesome for integrated units of study, particularly how sports can impact society. Many students may have already heard about such figures as Jackie Robinson or Jesse Owens, but Game Changer and books like it could highlight other individuals and teams that helped to break down the barriers to equality.

[Carley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of how John McLendon and the Eagles, a Negro basketball team, participated in a secret game against a team of white players, breaking the prohibition of that time. McLendon lead his team to the location they would play without giving them any idea of where they were going, as well as covering windows and taking precautions to make sure no one was following them. If McLendon was caught doing such an illegal activity, he would be fired or worse. The Eagles (McLendon’s team) beat Duke’s team 88-44, leaving everyone shocked. Then they played another round, after they had mixed up the players to even things out. People who witnessed this event were shocked, but the players claimed that their viewpoints of African-Americans had changed from that point on. The most amazing part about this story is that this basketball game happened 19 years before Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech, “I Have a Dream”. This sends a really important message to readers that even a small group of people who are passionate about something can take steps towards changing the world around them. One strength I saw throughout this book was that it was well balanced between telling an interesting, engaging, and well-illustrated story, and also incorporating lots of interesting facts, dates, and quotes about the event and events of that time period.

[Selena Richins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game Changer starts off by having a group of boys who thought they were the best basketball players in North Carolina pile up into cars. The boys knew they had a game but they weren't sure who they would be playing. The had their head covered and walked in the gym with them on so that nobody knew who they were. There was coach John McLendon, and his five starting boys from the North Carolina College of Negroes. Coach McLendon wanted to start a change within prejudice, and he knew this could be it. This book was very interesting to me because I enjoy learning about and watching the sport of basketball. This book is very informational, and could be used in a history lesson when talking about segregation. I laughed at how the boys didn't care about their skin colors and just wanted to play a game. I thought this was awesome! The illustrations really help bring out the text to make you feel like you are almost there. I also enjoyed that the book included the names of the real people that were included in this game. I would use this book in a classroom by including it in a lesson about history and segregation. This book would be a perfect example, of how segregation was coming to change and how not everyone knew it. I would have the students read it and then have a discussion about how they felt about it, and how this relates to our lesson in history.

[Rummanah (Books in the Spotlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game Changer is a nonfiction picture book that depicts the ground breaking basketball game between a white and African American teams played in defiance of segregation in the Jim Crow South. Coach John McLendon of the North Carolina College of Negroes believed basketball could change people’s prejudices and invited players from the Duke University Medical School, an all-white team, to play a “secret game” in his college’s gym. The game opened the white players eyes to the new style of playing basketball by the McLendon’s players. Since the players on both teams enjoyed playing together, they played a “shirts and skins” game, with whites and African Americans on both teams.
Game Changer is a lively and inspiring story. The illustrations are incredibly eye catching and look almost like real life photos. My only complaint about this book is that it is super short. I would have liked more pages, perhaps giving us background information on some of the players involved. At the back of the book there is more detail on Coach McLendon as well as a time line of integration in sports.

[Nolan Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story tells the story of how the all-white Duke University Medical School basketball team played a secret game against the North Carolina College of Negroes basketball team. The morning of the game the Duke team got into cars not know where they were going or who they were playing and to their surprise the College of Negroes players were waiting for them when they got to the gym. Both teams were uneasy about playing the other but they both warmed up exchanging glances with each other the whole time until finally it was game time. Some of the players on both teams had never been this close to a person of a different color and they started out hesitant to touch or bump into each other. The Duke team got out to an early lead playing fundamental basketball the way basketball was played at the time but the Eagles of the College of Negroes turned up the heat running up and down the floor playing a fast-paced game.

[Kenneth Bwanika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book because of the lesson it portrayed. The story takes place in 1940 when segregation and racism were still happening and supported by the laws. Coach McLendon takes a leap of faith and organizes a secret game of basketball between a team of black and white students. This book provides a history of what it was like for athletes back in the 1940s. We tend to take this game for granted and not appreciate the people that made sacrifices to make it happen. I am a huge basketball fan and player and this book helped to learn how to appreciate the game. The book shares themes of courage, faith, family, and many more and it can be used in the classroom to help the student learn from those themes. Coach McLendon takes his family to the game to help them witness the event that was happening. His courage helped break down the barrier of interracial interaction and prejudice. This book also teaches us how sports can be used to break barriers in life.

[Lisa Kizer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love picture books, especially on historical events or biographies. This is going to be a new one that I will add to my Black History/"What can Picture Books do for you?" lesson plans. I had never heard of this book until I saw it on our public libraries Sequoya Book Award nominees shelf. When I checked it out and showed it to my 9 yo, he starts telling me about the part where the white players cover their windows and wear hoods to go inside to play basketball. Scared me because I thought that he was talking KKK, but he said "no that is later in the story." Anyway KKK does not show up in the story just the threat of the KKK if anyone had found out about the game. Which for me is a great way to discuss the society at that time with my middle school students.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"McLendon believed basketball could change people's prejudices ..."

On March 12, 1944 in Durham, North Carolina two basketball teams broke the laws of segregation. Nineteen years before Martin Luther King's speech and three years before Jackie Robinson broke into the major leagues, an all black basketball team (North Carolina College of Negroes) played an all white basketball team (Duke University Medical School) in a game that had to be kept secret for the safety of all involved.

It was also a clash of styles: three-man weave and set shots vs pressure defense and fast-break offense. Present vs future.

What a great book!

[Bridget Neace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book tells the story of the first basketball game played between players of different races. Five white players from the Duke University Medical School played against five black players from the North Carolina College of Negroes. The year was 1944 and the game took place in secret, since at the time "race mixing" was a serious crime in segregated North Carolina.

I'm not a sports fan (unless we're talking mushing and the Iditarod ;) ), but it was interesting to learn something new about sports segregation that was pre-Jackie Robinson. This book actually earns more of a 3 1/2 star rating from me.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great event to learn from history-- students from a white and black college came together to secretly play a game of basketball. "We sure had fun and I especially had a good time, for most of the fellows playing with me were Southerners.... And when the evening was over, most of them had changed their views quite a lot," wrote Jack Burgess. And this is why students need this book. They need to see that sometimes it just takes getting to know people to change their opinions. Sometimes people just lack exposure to people different from themselves and meeting people, going out into the world, even reading about other cultures will help them see the humanity of people.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basketball game between an all-black North Carolina College of Negroes team was played against an all-white Duke University Medical School team in 1944. It was the impetus for people of all colors and races to play with and against one against one another, not based on race but ability. John McLendon, coach of the North Carolina College team was well disciplined and well trained. They triumphed. But, more importantly, both teams were respectful of each other.

Times were changing. And, today, basketball is played using players based on skill and ability, not race. An inspirational story of progress and change.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book far more than I expected too since I don't enjoy basketball. The illustrations are gorgeous and are done in a way that makes them look more like photographs than anything else. I think this helps emphasize that the story it's telling happened not all that long ago. I also just enjoyed the story of two sports teams putting aside any prejudice they might have in order to play basketball. John Coy does a good job showing the precautions that had to be taken in order to avoid trouble for this game.

I received a copy of this book for award consideration.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a GREAT story and Coy and Illustrator Randy DuBurke do an outstanding job of telling it, providing enough history for kids to really grasp the time, while never getting in the way of the story. The illustrations have a terrific old-photograph feel to them that fits perfectly and I loved the dynamic page design.

It probably helps to be a basketball fan but there is so much more here than just the sports story although that was fascinating to me. I am really embarrassed to say that I had never heard of this event and didn't know that much about the remarkable John McLendon.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent look at a piece of history I wasn't aware of - even in basketball loving North Carolina. John McLendon was a basketball coach, who in 1944 set up a top secret game between the best players - one team from a white school and his own team from the North Carolina College of Negroes. Had the existence of the game gotten out it may have ended in death, and certainly would have ended with legal consequences as it was illegal. The illustrations and writing get this story down perfectly in my opinion, and the book includes a timeline, author's note, and bibliography.

[Chad VanDosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. I'm a sucker for true stories, and this is one I had never heard before. Playing against the opposite race in a sports game was unheard of, especially since it was 19 years before MLK Jr. made his famous speech at the DC National Mall. It would take incredible bravery and courage for these players to do what they did. I'm glad I chose this book. It deals with diversity which would be fantastic to read students so you can teach them about how whites and blacks used to always be separated, and how much times have changed.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know Coach McClendon before reading this book, nor did I know about this event. I began reading and thought this would be another example of success when races shared an experience and built for the future. I was so pleasantly surprised to see this book is really about basketball and the growth of the game. That growth was made better when black and white played together, which wasn't allowed in 1944, but really it was made better because of coaching techniques taught by Coach McClendon. This book is on our state reading list for 2018, and I can't wait to share with readers!!

[Jenn Hopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the incredible true story of a secret and highly illegal basketball game between a black and white college teams in North Carolina in 1944, Game Changer is a powerful, thought-provoking read. Coy adeptly creates an engaging, quickly-paced, tense story of courage and overcoming adversity. I highly recommend this book for home libraries and classroom collections. In fact, I'll be using it as a read aloud in my middle school classroom.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1944, a McLendon, who learned the basketball from Naismith, arranged for Duke players to secretly come play his team at North Carolina College of Negroes. Many of the players had never been that close to someone of another color. They eventually relaxed and had a great time.
Surprisingly, it wasn't until 1966 that two college teams played a tournament beginning the end of segregated teams.
Bluestem 2019 Nominee

[Heather Shembarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick read was packed full of information. I never knew about this secret basketball game of 1944. I am still surprised that the inter racial game was played knowing the risk involved due to segregation laws. I really did not know much about Coach John McLendon so it was fun to learn about this Hall of Famer. Any fan of basketball or even just someone exploring the topic of civil rights would find this book of high interest.

[Kelley Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story I didn't know. Apparently, Duke has a loooong history of championship teams. And before de-segregation, they played a secret game against a Negro College team just to see who was really best. the coach for the Negro league taught a more aggressive form of basketball, and they won well. The teams then made friends. It was a good story, well written, and would be a great alternative to the more well-known stories to read during black history month.

[Timothy Farring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book would be a great read durring black history month. It deals with the laws of segregation in sports and two teams that were brave enough to break those barriers. I will for sure find a spot on my shelves for this book in my classroom. I thought the art was very nice, and I liked the transition from color to black and white and back, I thought that added to the themes of this book.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cool story, and one that reveals another aspect of the desegregation of American sports. Nothing is more revealing than the fact that the game and the resulting evening of camaraderie were both concealed from public knowledge for the sake of those involved. It's really an interesting story and it's very well presented. Well worth the time it takes to read. Well done.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important everybody book about the first basketball game played between African Americans and whites. This nonfiction text would be a good fit as part of a unit of study on U.S. History, civil rights, and informative writing.

[Lynne H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Coach John McLendon who set up a secret basketball game in 1944 between a white team and a Negro team during the time of segregation. After that night basketball was never the same, and friendships were made between men who never would have known each other.