Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream (©2000 by Roslyn Jordan, Deloris Jordan, and illustrator Kadir Nelson, published by Simon & Schuster, $16.95). Reading level – ages 5 to 9.

 

Back before he became a legend – perhaps the biggest legend ever – Michael Jordan was just a scrawny little kid trying to play basketball with the bigger, tougher kids in the neighborhood. Tired of being teased, Michael feels the only way to success is to get taller – so his mama suggests he should put salt in his shoes.

“Being taller may help you play a little better,” she says, “but not as much as practice, determination, and giving it your best. Those are the things that make you a real winner.”

How true. Michael Jordan grew to be just 6-foot, 6-inches tall – much shorter than many of the giants that have rumbled up and down the court – but no one has ever been bigger in the sport of basketball.

Deloris Jordan is Michael’s mama and Rosalyn Jordan is his sister, so they have the right perspective to tell the story. And their story – elegantly illustrated by Kadir Nelson – is one of a cozy, loving family.

The book provides young players a real lesson in how hard work and dreams can come together.