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Hoops #1
Elle of the Ball
Elle Deluca is a seventh grader who is tall—not just sort of tall. She’s six feet tall. And for a twelve-year-old girl, this means that her basketball team has high hopes for her changing positions and becoming their starting center. But a new position is not the only footwork she has to learn. Her class’s dance unit in gym is coming up, and that means she has to learn ballroom dance steps with a boy much shorter than her—and perform publically for a grade.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published March 13, 2018
9 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Elena Delle Donne
8 books15 followersAn American professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA. Lead them to their first WNBA Championship in franchise history in 2019.
2015 & 2019 WNBA MVP and 2016 Olympic gold medalist.
2015 & 2019 WNBA MVP and 2016 Olympic gold medalist.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 11, 2020
Somewhat unimportant to this book & series I note: in a short period of time my city had three pro level sports teams in three different sports (MLB, NHL, WNBA) win championships. The author of this book was quite instrumental in helping the Mystics, the WNBA team, win. So I picked up their autobiography as it interested me. At the same time, I also picked up this book here which is the first book in middle grade fictional series.
Elle is 12 & super tall. Both for her age and just in general. Most adult women are not her height. None of her classmates are. And most of them, the classmates, are about a foot shorter than her height of 6 feet.
She gained this height over the summer, so she has gone from being supremely gifted in coordination, especially on the basketball court, to someone who can and does trip over her own feet.
This book follows Elle as she attempts to navigate the world of 7th grade, and the world of playing a new position (center). A position her new coach point blank tells her she got completely due to her height and not due to any basketball skill she might posses (over the course of the series I grow to quite dislike this coach, and a lot more so than because of her treatment of Elle).
In addition to everything else, Elle is being forced to wear a dress and dance before the entire kindergarten to 12th grade private school students & parents. Which is why she is wearing a dress on the cover.
Quite good book. I'm not sure if I'm reading between the lines, but there appear to be some vague (or less than vague) signs of possible LGBT nature of the character. I might be seeing things (like her vague rolling of eyes when some of her friends begin drooling over boys; and her own desire to hang around with, and dance with another of her female friends) based on real life things.
Rating: 4
August 11 2020
Elle is 12 & super tall. Both for her age and just in general. Most adult women are not her height. None of her classmates are. And most of them, the classmates, are about a foot shorter than her height of 6 feet.
She gained this height over the summer, so she has gone from being supremely gifted in coordination, especially on the basketball court, to someone who can and does trip over her own feet.
This book follows Elle as she attempts to navigate the world of 7th grade, and the world of playing a new position (center). A position her new coach point blank tells her she got completely due to her height and not due to any basketball skill she might posses (over the course of the series I grow to quite dislike this coach, and a lot more so than because of her treatment of Elle).
In addition to everything else, Elle is being forced to wear a dress and dance before the entire kindergarten to 12th grade private school students & parents. Which is why she is wearing a dress on the cover.
Quite good book. I'm not sure if I'm reading between the lines, but there appear to be some vague (or less than vague) signs of possible LGBT nature of the character. I might be seeing things (like her vague rolling of eyes when some of her friends begin drooling over boys; and her own desire to hang around with, and dance with another of her female friends) based on real life things.
Rating: 4
August 11 2020
May 26, 2018
Written by the best WNBA player out there! Love me some Elena.
November 8, 2017
A girl's basketball series grabbed my attention right away as there are many budding female athletes on my two campuses and they are not well-represented in the literary world. This series opener rings with authenticity as author/pro bball player Elena Donne weaves practice drills and game play in and out of a plot that many girls in upper elementary/middle school will connect with. Elle has always loved playing basketball and has always been good at it, but with a particularly big growth spurt wreaking havoc with her usually high level of coordination and stellar shooting skills, she is struggling to hold her place as the top player on the team. And then there is the whole dance/cotillion thing--what does a nearly 6 foot tall girl do when no dress is designed with her in mind and she towers over every boy even close to her age? I love how this "basketball" book also teaches valuable life lessons while it creates strong characters that will continue in future installments. I will have this one on my Spring book order and think that my 4th-5th grade girls will keep it checked out.
April 8, 2018
This isn't only a book about a girl who plays basketball, but it dives into problems many sixth through ninth graders face.
Elle has a problem after summer break. She's tall. Super tall, and while her basketball team sees this as a chance for a great season, she's trying to figure out how to handle her changing body. Not only does she seem to have troubles handling her long legs and big feet, but a new challenge comes at her when she's faced with ballroom dancing.
There aren't many books out there, which center around middle grade girls and basketball. So this one is a treat in that sense alone. But this one goes a step further than that. Elle is a pretty average girl, except for the fact that she's a giant when compared to other girls her age. Her uncertainty and self-criticism is something very common for the age group, as kids try to figure out what to do with their developing bodies and where it puts them. But it's so much more than that. Even seemingly ridiculous things like ballroom dancing for a class pose problems as she has to find a dress and deal with dancing with someone much shorter than her. It's these types of 'little' problems kids will connect to and understand Elle's difficulties and uncertainties.
Elle isn't alone in this but has friends and understanding parents at her side. It's a wonderful balance between figuring things out for herself, while having the extra support when needed. The friendships are inspiring. . .not always perfect. . .but as they should be.
The author brings across a realistic, middle grade world. The concerns, actions, reactions and hopes fit the age group well. Some of the dialogue is a little unnatural at times, but not enough to bother the flow of the story. There's always something going on, and it's easy to empathize with Elle as she figures things out. The basketball scenes and how the age group views the sport are spot on, which will please basketball fans.
Girls who like basketball and tales of the troubles of growing up during middle grade are sure to enjoy this tale.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to leave my honest thoughts.
Elle has a problem after summer break. She's tall. Super tall, and while her basketball team sees this as a chance for a great season, she's trying to figure out how to handle her changing body. Not only does she seem to have troubles handling her long legs and big feet, but a new challenge comes at her when she's faced with ballroom dancing.
There aren't many books out there, which center around middle grade girls and basketball. So this one is a treat in that sense alone. But this one goes a step further than that. Elle is a pretty average girl, except for the fact that she's a giant when compared to other girls her age. Her uncertainty and self-criticism is something very common for the age group, as kids try to figure out what to do with their developing bodies and where it puts them. But it's so much more than that. Even seemingly ridiculous things like ballroom dancing for a class pose problems as she has to find a dress and deal with dancing with someone much shorter than her. It's these types of 'little' problems kids will connect to and understand Elle's difficulties and uncertainties.
Elle isn't alone in this but has friends and understanding parents at her side. It's a wonderful balance between figuring things out for herself, while having the extra support when needed. The friendships are inspiring. . .not always perfect. . .but as they should be.
The author brings across a realistic, middle grade world. The concerns, actions, reactions and hopes fit the age group well. Some of the dialogue is a little unnatural at times, but not enough to bother the flow of the story. There's always something going on, and it's easy to empathize with Elle as she figures things out. The basketball scenes and how the age group views the sport are spot on, which will please basketball fans.
Girls who like basketball and tales of the troubles of growing up during middle grade are sure to enjoy this tale.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to leave my honest thoughts.
July 10, 2019
Elle is tall for a 7th grader. She enjoys basketball and being on the team for her school, but when she's the new center, she's not sure about the new challenges it involves. Also the cotillion is coming up and she doesn't want to shop for dresses much less dance with someone shorter than her. Quick enjoyable read about the awkwardness that comes with middle school and our changing bodies. #ourbodiesourselves
November 24, 2022
I am so glad this series exists, and I look forward to sharing it. At a little less than 150 pages, it's a perfect length for a lot of younger middle grade readers.
August 13, 2018
Elle of the Ball by Elena Delle Donne, 148 pages. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. 2018. $14.
Content: G.
EL – OPTIONAL
Elle is your average seventh-grader, except for one thing—she is six feet tall! She grew so much over the summer that her new coach makes her the starting center of their basketball team. But Elle, like every seventh-grader, is struggling to feel comfortable in her own body. Her new height has her tripping over her feet and feeling unusually clumsy on the court. What’s worse, the all-school cotillion is coming up, and formal dancing is required. That means wearing a dress and itchy tights, performing in front of the whole school, and dancing with a boy who was bound to be shorter than her—all things that give her nightmares.
This book has an engaging, conversational voice that makes it easy to read. Elle’s middle school struggles are fairly universal and easy to relate to, even if you aren’t overly tall. However, the book lags a bit with the detailed play-by-play action in the basketball practices and games. There is also a strong pro-feminist mindset throughout the book, which isn’t a bad thing, but it didn’t integrate well into the book overall. It felt too obvious and moralistic. This book seems to be directed at a niche audience—girls who love sports—and probably wouldn’t have a broad appeal.
Chris, K-8 Librarian
Content: G.
EL – OPTIONAL
Elle is your average seventh-grader, except for one thing—she is six feet tall! She grew so much over the summer that her new coach makes her the starting center of their basketball team. But Elle, like every seventh-grader, is struggling to feel comfortable in her own body. Her new height has her tripping over her feet and feeling unusually clumsy on the court. What’s worse, the all-school cotillion is coming up, and formal dancing is required. That means wearing a dress and itchy tights, performing in front of the whole school, and dancing with a boy who was bound to be shorter than her—all things that give her nightmares.
This book has an engaging, conversational voice that makes it easy to read. Elle’s middle school struggles are fairly universal and easy to relate to, even if you aren’t overly tall. However, the book lags a bit with the detailed play-by-play action in the basketball practices and games. There is also a strong pro-feminist mindset throughout the book, which isn’t a bad thing, but it didn’t integrate well into the book overall. It felt too obvious and moralistic. This book seems to be directed at a niche audience—girls who love sports—and probably wouldn’t have a broad appeal.
Chris, K-8 Librarian
March 30, 2021
(I'm providing the same review for all four of these books that I've read)
Straightforward and sincere middle-grade girls' sports-and-middle-school books, each with a central plot engine about getting to know what you actually want and going after it. A big cast of characters and relationships, all nicely drawn. A nice through-line about feeling the pressure of people's expectations when you feel they aren't based on reality, as Elle, the central character, is so tall that everyone assumes she'll play basketball without paying attention to whether or not she's good and she has to manage how she reacts to people being right but for the wrong reason. Bonus points for some gentle same-sex attraction -- I lol'ed in the fourth book at the deadpan "Then everyone started talking about cute boys at the school, and I tuned out." As so often in these books, the wants and needs aren't subtle or hard to work out -- people tell rather than show, or at its best they tell *and* show -- and everything is typically resolved by speaking up and being honest. The one shortcoming is that as far as I remember, the teams that Elle is on win every game they play, which is always a bit of a distraction for me when I notice it in sports books. Let your characters lose sometimes!
Straightforward and sincere middle-grade girls' sports-and-middle-school books, each with a central plot engine about getting to know what you actually want and going after it. A big cast of characters and relationships, all nicely drawn. A nice through-line about feeling the pressure of people's expectations when you feel they aren't based on reality, as Elle, the central character, is so tall that everyone assumes she'll play basketball without paying attention to whether or not she's good and she has to manage how she reacts to people being right but for the wrong reason. Bonus points for some gentle same-sex attraction -- I lol'ed in the fourth book at the deadpan "Then everyone started talking about cute boys at the school, and I tuned out." As so often in these books, the wants and needs aren't subtle or hard to work out -- people tell rather than show, or at its best they tell *and* show -- and everything is typically resolved by speaking up and being honest. The one shortcoming is that as far as I remember, the teams that Elle is on win every game they play, which is always a bit of a distraction for me when I notice it in sports books. Let your characters lose sometimes!
March 28, 2018
Elena Delle Donne's life inspires this first book in the Hoops series about Elle Deluca. If you have a reader who loves sports and is struggling to find her place in the world this book is a must-read. My son loved sports and had the opposite problem of Elle, he was small for the sport that he wanted to play, however, it didn't stop him from playing and doing well. I truly believe that what a parent teaches their child about attitude helps them to learn to deal with their struggles with a more healthy approach. In this book, Elle's parents and friends try to help her with her outlook as she struggles to adjust to her fast-growing height.
I do appreciate the lessons that are taught in this book. I appreciate the fact that a middle-grade reader has fears, and hopes of what they should expect while going to 7th, 8th and 9th grade. This book helps readers to see that everyone is going through the same struggles, just not always talking about them or reacting to them where someone else can see the struggles.
This book reminds me of Matt Christopher's sports series that came out starting in the 50's and decades into the 2000's when my son read some of his posthumous released books.
Ms. Donne's writing is youthful, easy to read and great from your daughter or son. I think that this is a worthy book purchase.
I give this book 4 stars for middle-graders and younger who like sports.
I'd like to thank Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this book via Edelweiss+ in lieu of my honest opinion.
I do appreciate the lessons that are taught in this book. I appreciate the fact that a middle-grade reader has fears, and hopes of what they should expect while going to 7th, 8th and 9th grade. This book helps readers to see that everyone is going through the same struggles, just not always talking about them or reacting to them where someone else can see the struggles.
This book reminds me of Matt Christopher's sports series that came out starting in the 50's and decades into the 2000's when my son read some of his posthumous released books.
Ms. Donne's writing is youthful, easy to read and great from your daughter or son. I think that this is a worthy book purchase.
I give this book 4 stars for middle-graders and younger who like sports.
I'd like to thank Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this book via Edelweiss+ in lieu of my honest opinion.
May 28, 2019
Stories of girl athletes are still sorely lacking in children's literature so ELLE OF THE BALL is a welcome addition to the middle grade literary canon.
Author Elena Donne is a professional WNBA player, and who better than to write on the ups and downs of life as a female athlete. The story is a mix of practice drills and game play and a plot that many girls who participate in competitive sports will connect with.
The charming main character Elle has loved basketball her entire life. However, a particularly big growth spurt wreaks havoc with her usually high level of coordination and stellar shooting skills. Elle struggles to keep her #1 spot on the team. Meanwhile, she is navigating having to buy a cotillion dress. This is a problem since she can't find a dressmaker who designed anything remotely fashionable for girl who is 6-feet-tall. Furthermore, the boys in her class whom she towers over aren't lining up to escort her either.
*ELLE OF THE BALL is the first book in the Hoops series.
Author Elena Donne is a professional WNBA player, and who better than to write on the ups and downs of life as a female athlete. The story is a mix of practice drills and game play and a plot that many girls who participate in competitive sports will connect with.
The charming main character Elle has loved basketball her entire life. However, a particularly big growth spurt wreaks havoc with her usually high level of coordination and stellar shooting skills. Elle struggles to keep her #1 spot on the team. Meanwhile, she is navigating having to buy a cotillion dress. This is a problem since she can't find a dressmaker who designed anything remotely fashionable for girl who is 6-feet-tall. Furthermore, the boys in her class whom she towers over aren't lining up to escort her either.
*ELLE OF THE BALL is the first book in the Hoops series.
June 14, 2018
Elle Of the Ball is a true story based on a professional WNBA basketball player named Elena Delle Donne. This book tells readers her life story of her playing basketball. But it also contrasts how being a tall person can affect many things you can do in your childhood age.
It proves how being tall is difficult but, also how it can help you in many amazing ways. Elena writes in her book about the ups and downs of being tall. The great thing about the Elle of the Ball is Elena transforms those ups and downs and turns it into a true story of her middle school years, which is phenomenal in many ways.
This book is a great read for people who think they are different from everyone else. This is a good read because there are so many people who feel that way. This book proves to many readers that they are not alone and no one is alone. That is why the book is a great read for young kids and even teens. It really inspires people to always try your best and never give up! (Isabelle Z)
It proves how being tall is difficult but, also how it can help you in many amazing ways. Elena writes in her book about the ups and downs of being tall. The great thing about the Elle of the Ball is Elena transforms those ups and downs and turns it into a true story of her middle school years, which is phenomenal in many ways.
This book is a great read for people who think they are different from everyone else. This is a good read because there are so many people who feel that way. This book proves to many readers that they are not alone and no one is alone. That is why the book is a great read for young kids and even teens. It really inspires people to always try your best and never give up! (Isabelle Z)
October 5, 2020
This books was really cute and tackled so many different issues that young teens go through. Gender stereotypes and expectations, difficulties with fitting in, learning how to feel comfortable in your own skin. I will say that I am no much of a sports fan, but this book isn't just for sports lovers. And honestly, it was awesome this book took place in my home state of Delaware. I am always excited when that happens! Overall this was a nice book and I highly recommend it.
April 28, 2018
I really loved the story but the character on the cover is not Elle. She is 6' tall which means she looks like a grown up. The cover girl looks about 8 years old. I think this would prevent some kids from reading it.
August 4, 2018
The writing could be better. Nonetheless, this story of a girl who loves basketball and is dealing with being taller than every one else at school will be relatable to pretty much any kid going through the awkwardness of middle school.
July 4, 2018
Cute sports book!
September 13, 2018
3.5, but I rounded up to a 4 because this is a much needed book about a middle school aged girl athlete!
March 16, 2021
I think this is a great book for people who like basketball(or any sports, for that matter)
October 3, 2021
So fun! I loved it
August 29, 2022
This book is so good! It has lots of twists and turns.I would like to have this in my class. I would recommend this to anyone.
November 17, 2023
For kids basically
Read
June 4, 2024Delaware.
October 16, 2018
Title: Elle of the Ball
Author: Elena Delle Donne
Target: Grades 3-6
Series: Yes
What this book is about:
Elle is in seventh grade and she isn’t just a little tall, she is at least 6 inches taller than the next tallest kid in the class. Of course, this means she plays basketball. Fortunately, she has a love for the game, but she also knows that people expect more from her simply because of her height. In addition to practice, she also has to learn ballroom dance for a cotillion that is coming up. When it comes to dancing she has two left feet and she just doesn’t feel comfortable in the frilly dresses they are expected to wear. How can Elle get over all the expectations placed on her to be her best self?
Why I love this book:
I love that this story is written by Elan Donne, the 2015WMBA MVP, and 2016 USA’s women’s basketball team gold medalist. We see plenty of kid stories written by current and past NBA players so it is nice to see the women represented!
There is some detailed basketball action and I can safely say that I didn’t understand most of it. This, of course, means that it will probably resonate with actual ballplayers, but I cannot vouch for any of the accuracies. However, I trust the source, so let’s just say basketball players will be pleased.
Besides being about basketball, this story addresses the real concerns of kids in middle school. Feeling comfortable with you growing limbs, fitting into stereotypes of what kids should and shouldn’t be like at this age, and being at ease with yourself are issues all kids are facing.
Who this book is for:
Great for kids who enjoy basketball or sports in general.
Final thoughts:
A nice new series for girls who like basketball. Fills a niche just as The Kicks by Alex Morgan did for female soccer players.
Author: Elena Delle Donne
Target: Grades 3-6
Series: Yes
What this book is about:
Elle is in seventh grade and she isn’t just a little tall, she is at least 6 inches taller than the next tallest kid in the class. Of course, this means she plays basketball. Fortunately, she has a love for the game, but she also knows that people expect more from her simply because of her height. In addition to practice, she also has to learn ballroom dance for a cotillion that is coming up. When it comes to dancing she has two left feet and she just doesn’t feel comfortable in the frilly dresses they are expected to wear. How can Elle get over all the expectations placed on her to be her best self?
Why I love this book:
I love that this story is written by Elan Donne, the 2015WMBA MVP, and 2016 USA’s women’s basketball team gold medalist. We see plenty of kid stories written by current and past NBA players so it is nice to see the women represented!
There is some detailed basketball action and I can safely say that I didn’t understand most of it. This, of course, means that it will probably resonate with actual ballplayers, but I cannot vouch for any of the accuracies. However, I trust the source, so let’s just say basketball players will be pleased.
Besides being about basketball, this story addresses the real concerns of kids in middle school. Feeling comfortable with you growing limbs, fitting into stereotypes of what kids should and shouldn’t be like at this age, and being at ease with yourself are issues all kids are facing.
Who this book is for:
Great for kids who enjoy basketball or sports in general.
Final thoughts:
A nice new series for girls who like basketball. Fills a niche just as The Kicks by Alex Morgan did for female soccer players.
April 5, 2020
We enjoyed reading about the main character’s struggles to assist to a cotillion.
(This was my daughter’s review of the book).
It was great to read a local author. And even though I know nothing about any sport, her voice seems fresh to me. She delivers many messages in her story.
(This was my daughter’s review of the book).
It was great to read a local author. And even though I know nothing about any sport, her voice seems fresh to me. She delivers many messages in her story.
June 16, 2019
Elle Deluca is 12-year-old and in seventh grade - and she's six feet tall! As you can imagine, pretty much everyone she meets asks her if she plays basketball. Luckily, Elle does. But believe it or not, being tall doesn't automatically make her the best player on the court. Her height does make some things easier, but Elle has grown so much and so fast that she feels awkward in her body and spends as much time tripping over her own feet or accidentally fouling someone than she does making 3 pointers. And while Elle feels in her element on the basketball court, she's not nearly so comfortable on the dance floor. Unfortunately for her, the seventh graders all have to attend - and perform - at the school cotillion. Which means they have to learn how to dance first. Elle is way taller than all the boys in her grade, so if having to learn how to dance isn't torture enough, she has to attempt it while towering over her partner, even though he's the one who's supposed to lead. This first book in the Elle series is written by a real life basketball star and Olympic gold medalist. Kids who like sports stories or who are just struggling to make their own way in life will appreciate Elle's dilemma. Recommended for grades 4-7.
October 1, 2018
This book lets us see into the mind of a 6-foot tall 7th grade girl’s thoughts, challenges, and dreams as she maneuvers her first year of junior high school as a member of a girls’ school basketball team--all combining to cause Elle a high degree of anxiety.
June 3, 2025
There aren't many books out there, which center around middle grade girls and basketball. So this one is a treat in that sense alone. But this one goes a step further than that. Elle is a pretty average girl, except for the fact that she's quite a bit taller than the other girls her age. Her uncertainty and self-criticism is something very common for the age group.
The author builds a realistic, middle grade world. Girls who like basketball and tales of the troubles of growing up during middle grade are sure to enjoy this tale.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to leave my honest thoughts.
The author builds a realistic, middle grade world. Girls who like basketball and tales of the troubles of growing up during middle grade are sure to enjoy this tale.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to leave my honest thoughts.
December 10, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews