All across the world, when kids crumple up a piece of paper and launch it into a garbage bin, they yell “Kobe!”
Or maybe even “Curry!”
No matter who they’re obsessed with, readers will have the chance to learn about the stories behind Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry and eight other basketball icons in Chris Navalta’s upcoming book: “Basketball Stars: Stories and Skills from the NBA’s and WNBA’s Best Players.”
The children’s book, which is geared toward ages 8-12, is set to release digitally on July 8 and hit the shelves on July 22. The eight other basketball icons are legends LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Lisa Leslie; superstars Caitlin Clark, A’Ja Wilson and Giannis Antetokounmpo; and role players Muggsy Bogues and Jeremy Lin.
“You could be a superstar player or you could be the 12th man,” Navalta said. “There’s always a story on how they got to the NBA (or WNBA), and I can almost guarantee that it wasn’t an easy one.”
Navalta is a 1995 Hogan High School graduate and worked as a correspondent for the Vallejo Times-Herald from 1995-2000. He then worked in public relations for the Sacramento Kings before working with NBA players like Adonal Foyle, Aaron Gordon and Bogues.
Navalta said his love for basketball is why he decided to write a children’s book about the sport.
“Maybe they’ll find out who Muggsy Bogues is for the first time,” Navalta said, with a laugh. “But yeah, hopefully it helps enlighten them and helps them take an interest in playing basketball.”
Chris Navalta, left, poses for a photo with Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II. Payton II was instrumental in helping Navalta get started with his upcoming children’s book: “Basketball Stars: Stories and Skills from the NBA’s and WNBA’s Best Players.” (Photo courtesy of Chris Navalta)
Lin or Bogues’ resume might not compare with the likes of Jordan or James, but Navalta said it’s important to showcase the adversity that players of all caliber faced. Lin constantly overcame stereotypes, while Bogues carved out a 14-year NBA career while standing at 5-foot-3.
“Every story has a different path, and I think it’s important to highlight those, whether you are a G.O.A.T or you are a role player,” Navalta said. “If all you’re trying to do is make it to the league, then it’s important to know all these different types of stories to have a better appreciation of where they came from.”
While all 10 stories are impactful, one that particularly stood out to Navalta was James’.
James was raised by a single mother in Akron, Ohio and didn’t have a stable home. Despite moving frequently during his childhood, he stuck to athletics and is now regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
“If you’re struggling on the streets, you don’t have a place to eat and you don’t have a home-cooked meal every night, you could have easily done something different with your life, but LeBron didn’t do that,” Navalta said.
“I feel like he doesn’t talk about it that much,” Navalta continued. “And I think more of that needs to be shared with kids because I think those are things that a lot of them can relate to.”
In addition to the stars’ inspiring stories, readers will learn about each player’s signature skills with step-by-step illustrations on how to replicate them. Among the skills are Clark’s step-back jump shot and Jordan’s fadeaway.
Navalta will be donating 100 copies of the book to the Gary Payton II foundation, which provides resources to children with dyslexia. Payton II opened up to Navalta about his story of growing up with dyslexia for the book’s first writing test.
“I felt like it was just like a really great way to pay it forward,” Navalta said. “It was a great partnership and I’m humbled by his friendship. I was especially grateful that Penguin (Random House) saw that writing test and said ‘yes, that’s exactly what we’re looking for. Now let’s think about 10 other athletes to write about.’”
The Bay Area Native said he’s excited to see his first book hit the shelves.
“It still feels surreal to me,” Navalta said. “It fulfilled a lifelong dream for me to be a published author.”