Who Is LeBron James?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Crystal Hubbard, Who HQ, Stephen Marchesi (Illustrator)

How did a young boy from Ohio go on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time? Read about the incredible life and career of LeBron James in this addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series.

Today, LeBron James is an international superstar who has won four NBA Championships, earned two Olympic gold medals, written books, and starred in blockbuster movies. He has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and has gained fans across the country as he led each of those three teams to victory. Many basketball lovers consider LeBron James to be one of the greatest players of all time. But how did LeBron come to be "King James?" Find out all about LeBron's childhood, how he started playing basketball at the age of nine, and went on to rule the court in this new book for young readers!

Look for more Who HQ
Who Is Michael Jordan?
Who Was Kobe Bryant?
Who Is Shaquille O'Neal?
What Are the Summer Olympics?

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Sports, Childrens, Basketball, Chapter Books, History

112 pages, Hardcover

Published February 7, 2023

Reviews

[Neil Nimmala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Is LeBron James? is not just a book. It is scripture. The pages, though thin and matte, might as well be gold-leafed and preserved in a museum. Each illustration? A Renaissance masterpiece. Each sentence? A verse delivered from the heavens, channeled through the divine vessel known as Crystal Hubbard.

From the very first page, I felt myself ascending. The book dares to tell the tale of a mere mortal born in Akron — who, through sheer will, gravity-defying hops, and a jump shot smoother than butter on a hot skillet — became a king. No, the King.

I wept when I saw young LeBron face adversity. I gasped when he picked up his first basketball. I clutched the book to my chest and whispered, “Witness.” This wasn’t just a story — it was a transformation. I came in a reader. I left a disciple.

If you haven’t read this book, you haven’t lived. I now measure time in B.L. and A.L. (Before LeBron, After LeBron). Five stars isn’t enough. I give it all 23.

Lebronnn Lebronnn Lebronn James

[David Arce-Makdessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring.

[Joseph Cureton · Rating 3 out of 5]

LeBronnnnn is the best!

[Nathan]

i remember in second grade my classmate found this book and laughed at the cover nonstop and the librarian stood up and shot him

[ELIAS PONCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give the novel Who is LeBron James? by Crystal Hubbard five stars. I agree with the author’s opinion about the subject theme of perseverance and the power of determination. To begin, during Lebron's early childhood LeBron and Gloria James from Akron, Ohio showed how even without a father for Lebron his mother was determined to be the best mother that she possibly could. I agree that the theme was perseverance and the power of determination because of how much Gloria showed she cared for her soon to be star of a son. “At sixteen years old, Gloria was a very young mother. She was determined to be a good mother. LeBron’s father was not a part of his life.” (Hubbard 04) I like how this exemplified how Lebron's mom was so determined to be a fit mother for Lebron. Furthermore, In New York City’s Madison Square Garden during the 2003 NBA Draft Young Lebron was getting recognized for his great power of determination which made him the Dynamic Character hence he changed. “When LeBron arrived at New York City’s Madison Square Garden for the 2003 NBA Draft on June 26, he was a multimillionaire before even setting foot on an NBA court. In high school Lebon had been called King James because of his skills and talent; now he was living up to the name by being as wealthy as a king.” (Hubbard 47) I was inspired how LeBron was already so successful at such a young age. In addition, Lebron James used to be a student with poor attendance and ended up opening a school on the campus of the University of Akron on July 30, 2018. The author narrates “one of the most important things LeBron has ever created is the I Promise School.” (Hubbard 95) This quote is ironic because compared to what the author described earlier in the story “ all the moving meant LeBron missed a lot of school between eighty and a hundred days in his fourth-grade year.” (Hubbard 08) Finally, I agree with the foreshadowing the author expresses before LeBron returned to Cleveland. He shows the foreshadowing “Without two of their most talented players, LeBron and the Cavs lost to Steph Curry and the mighty Golden State Warriors. This was the beginning of a great rivalry between LeBron and Steph.” (Hubbard 77) I enjoyed reading this book because it made me realize and reflect that not everyone in the world has it easy, especially professional athletes. Most of them have come from a place of poverty and real struggle in order to get to the success they have now. It brings me back to the theme and how with the power of determination, your dreams can come true.
Five challenging words were:
Suppression Pg. 37
Lineups Pg. 54
Pistons Pg. 53
Cavaliers Pg. 49
Stellar Pg. 33

[EJ Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't space jam or breathe!

[Zach Bos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is Lebron James? Boy oh boy where do I even begin.
Lebron... The way you drive into the paint and strike fear into your enemies eyes. Your silky smooth touch around the rim, and that gorgeous jumpshot. I would do anything for you. I wish it were possible to freeze time so l would never have to watch you retire.
You had a rough childhood, but you never gave up hope. You are even amazing off the court, you're a great husband and father, sometimes I even call you dad. I forever dread and weep, thinking of the day you will one day retire. I would sacrifice my own life it were the only thing that could put a smile on your beautiful face. You have given me so much joy, and heartbreak over the years. I remember when you first left Cleveland and its like my heart got broken into a million pieces.
But a tear still fell from my right eye when I watched you win your first ring in Miami, because deep down, my glorious king deserved it. I just wanted you to return home. Then allas, you did, my sweet baby boy came home and I rejoiced. 2015 was a hard year for us, but in 2016 you made history happen.

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is it too much to ask that the WHO HQ books keep intrinsic bias out of their children’s books? I would like to say no, it’s not, but they add it anyway time and time again. There’s also at least one obvious opinion statement in this book. LeBron James’ career should have been the main focus of this book, as it is so impressive and inspiring. However, not much inspiration to work hard at athleticism and like goals can be drawn from the narrative told within its pages. I also find it disturbing that one of the only mentions of Kobe was in the timeline at the end- stating his date and cause of death. He definitely deserves better. :/

[Nylah Jean-Baptiste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually liked this book. I'm not a big fan of Lebron James at all. But it was really good. I never knew what he went through as a child. Moving so much and moving in with people he barely knows. As said in the book he was Judged all the time especially when he left Cleveland to go play for Miami. My favorite part is when they talked about Steph curry and Lebron James. There is one fact that wasn't in the book. Steph Curry and Lebron James were born at the same hospital. I think you should read this book to gain more knowledge about King James👑


Thanks for reading hope you enjoy-Nylah

[Kevin King · Rating 4 out of 5]

LeBron James went from his tough childhood in Akron, Ohio, to becoming one of the greatest basketball players in the world. It explains how he worked hard to overcome challenges, built confidence through basketball, and became a leader on and off the court. The book highlights his talent, determination, and the impact he has made in sports and in his community.

[Amanda Gilles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading this series for its quick, engaging, but rather informative infographic way of sharing information about both nonfiction and fictional topics for young readers and even adults. I am also Cleveland born and bred so I enjoy a read about the Cavs and LeBron is rather iconic, even if he is a bit dramatic at times.

For young sports fans and readers, it is worth the read.

[Christina Causey · Rating 3 out of 5]

About what you expect from a biography written for kids, though I prefer a little more objectivity in biographies. 7-year old review: “It was kind of boring. I thought it’d have more about basketball.” 3 ⭐️

[Dan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not care for this book as I am not a basketball fan. It was interesting enough but did not keep my attention.

[Klay Seehase]

Biography about Lebron James and his career, I would use this for kids that like sports gives them something to read and understand different words

[Shelby]

I really like the narrator on the audiobook of this

[Ruben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molt senzill, apte per a fer-lo llegir a alumnes amb poc nivell i poques ganes, a veure si amb l'atractiu de les estrelles esportives s'animen una mica.

[Findlay Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is such a good book because it taught me so much about my glorious king

[William]

i love lebron he is one of my idols

[Silas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a good book. I thought it was interesting reading about how LeBron James became one of the best NBA players of all time. It was pretty cool how he accomplished it.

[Majestic Lil Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The single greatest piece of literature of all time. Argue with a ball.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonnie enjoyed it 😇

[Marissa D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

[Anna Cavallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love basketball. I like playing basketball. I love this story about LeBron James's life and basketball too.

[Miguel Piza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, oh boy where do I begin. I never knew much about the childhood of my glorious king LeBron. I am therefore very grateful for Crystal Hubbard for enlightening me on my king’s tumultuous journey. She covered his life in a good amount of detail for what is presumably a book aimed at children. I genuinely learned new things about my glorious king like all the charity work he does. There were points in the book where I got chills from some of the things LeBron has accomplished. I did not know him and Savannah were high school sweethearts which actually struck an emotional cord. I wont give any more spoilers here as you must read this for yourself. I can truly say that this work of art has only further improved my perception of my glorious king. In all reality him just being a kid from Akron is truly inspiring and should go to show that self belief will get you a long way. Truly the chosen one.