Aim High, Little Giant, Aim High! is a story about Taína, a nine-year-old Afro Boricua basketball novice growing up in Brooklyn during a pandemic who learns valuable life lessons from family, friends, and the community, both on and off the court. The narrative seamlessly weaves social-emotional learning with math, arts, social justice, identity, culture, and sports education, all in a fun (and at times goofy) manner!
Written by Bobbito García
Illustrated by Estafanía Rivera Cortés
- 58 large full color printed pages (8.5" x 11")
- Hardcover w/matte finish
- Age range: 7+ and beyond
- A helpful tool for social-emotional learning as well as math, social justice, identity, culture, and sports education
- An unprecedented presentation of NYC basketball created for children of any background to enjoy…word is bond!
About the Author:
Bobbito García is an NYC native who has put an indelible footprint on multiple urban movements. The critically acclaimed author of Where’d You Get Those? NYC’s Sneaker Culture: 1960-1987 (Testify Books) is also a world-renowned DJ who co-hosts “Stretch and Bobbito Radio” on Apple Music Hits. As an award-winning filmmaker, García has directed Doin’ It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC (PBS), Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives (SHOWTIME), and NY Times “Critics’ Pick” Rock Rubber 45s.
About the Illustrator:
Estefanía Rivera Cortés is an artist based in San Juan, Puerto Rico who self-expresses through performance art, visual narration, painting, and printmaking, with a compassion for social causes. Cortés’ empathetic illustrative works have been featured in the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico, the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Education Center, and the Puerto Rico Review Magazine.
What people are saying about Aim High, Little Giant, Aim High!
“Aim High! honors the history of social justice and includes illustrations that capture the beauty of Afro-Latin history, while creating a visually appealing and accessible narrative for kids and families from all walks of life.”
—Marley Dias, founder of #1000blackgirlbooks and author of Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!
“The images leap, and the story teaches us how to nurture and respect the best parts of our inner child. What a beautiful and necessary tribute to this generation of mighty little leaders rising up in today’s ever-changing times.”
—aja monet, poet and author of my mother was a freedom fighter
“Bobbito García’s street-smart text and Estafanía Rivera Cortés’ starburst illustrations make for a buoyant, fun, and thoroughly modern experience. Call ‘I got next’ on AIM HIGH!”
—Alexander Wolff, author of Big Game, Small World: A Basketball Adventure
"A totally original, lush, vivid and vibrant educational kaleidoscope where through a basketball lens we find community and the loving embrace of lifelong personal growth. This is what 21st Century learning looks like. Required reading for young minds of any age."
—David Hollander, author of How Basketball Can Save the World
“A brilliant, beautiful and spiritual basketball revelation disguised as a children’s book.”
—Scoop Jackson, author of The Game Is Not A Game
“A unique reframing of basketball delivered through New York City’s diversity, geometry and spirituality.”
—Max Resetar, editor of SLAM MAGAZINE
“Bobbito’s debut children’s book has inimitable style. Unmatched curation. And a boundless, irrepressible joy. Bravo.”
—Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, screenwriter
“Props to Bobbito for writing a children's book that promotes the love of the game, family, and the cultural richness of NYC.”
—Shaka King, director/co-writer of Judas and the Black Messiah
“With real world content and stunning illustrations, each page is an exercise in trust and a gift to young readers' minds, hearts, and senses.”
—Nikolai Pizarro, author of Ring The Alarm: A Zero to Five Parenting Guide for Low Income Black and Brown Caregivers
“Yet another achievement for the brilliant Bobbito Garcia who inspires the youth to championship heights! There is a giant in all of us.”
—Dan Klores, director of Basketball: A Love Story
“The engaging storytelling reads like a party spun by Bobbito with rhythm, flavors, and cultural pride!”
—Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, author of La Borinqueña graphic novel series
“Garcia’s personality and passion for basketball shine through, as does his thoughtful approach to raising children. Another slam dunk by this gifted storyteller.”
—Sillai Abrams, author of Black Lotus: A Women’s Search for Racial Identity
