I Got Next

A young basketball player practices on the playground, preparing for an upcoming pickup game while his shadow urges him to play hard and leave his heart on the court. As the boy dribbles and weaves, shoots and scores, his shadow gives him the encouragement he needs to overcome pregame jitters and join the competition.



In the companion to her debut picture book This is It, author-illustrator Daria Peoples-Riley praises hard work, dedication, and the love of the game. With vibrant artwork and a lively, rhythmic text, I Got Next is an exceptional read-aloud. The perfect choice for fans of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes; Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall; and Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña.



Full-color illustrations painted with black sumi ink, gouache, and watercolor, then digitally composited in Photoshop.



Full-color illustrations painted with black sumi ink, gouache, and watercolor, then digitally composited in Photoshop.