School Library Journal

Each chapter of this NCAA basketball overview explores a different facet of the competition, such as the history of interscholastic college basketball from the first match-up in 1895 (Minnesota’s School of Agriculture defeated Hamline University nine to three) to the current 68-team March Madness spectacle. Another chapter is devoted to the greatest games, such as University of North Carolina’s triple overtime victory over Kansas and the great Wilt Chamberlain in 1957. A chapter on “Memorable Moments” highlights the first team to start five black players, the Texas Western (now UTEP) Miners, who defeated Kentucky for the championship in the face of brutal racial hostility both during and after their appearance. Sidebars outline related subjects such as the history of winning teams cutting down the nets or the significance of tournament brackets. Ample photographs span both the contemporary (the 2015 semi-final between Kentucky and Wisconsin) and the archival (a 1968 rebound by UCLA’s Lew Alcindor, who would soon be known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). Though brief mention is made of the women’s tournament, the focus is strictly the men’s game. VERDICT Though the book’s appeal will be limited to serious basketball fans, the historical perspective and engaging presentation make it a solid choice.—Bob Hassett, Luther Jackson Middle School, Falls Church, VA