Dragon Hoops

Dragon Hoops is a nonfiction graphic novel that follows author Gene Luen Yang's journey from a sports-averse comic book creator to someone immersed in the world of high school basketball. The story centers on the Bishop O'Dowd Dragons basketball team in Oakland, where Yang worked as a teacher, and their quest for the California State Championship. Yang interweaves multiple narratives spanning decades, including the history of basketball, profiles of players and coaches, and his own personal transformation. The book traces the Dragons' season while exploring the stories of Coach Lou Ritchie, individual team members, and the school's basketball legacy. Through a combination of illustrations and text, Dragon Hoops examines themes of perseverance, personal growth, and the ways sports can bridge cultural divides and build community. The graphic novel format allows Yang to explore both the physical dynamics of basketball and the emotional journeys of his subjects.

Readers connect with the authentic portrayal of both basketball culture and the personal journey of a self-described "comics guy" learning to appreciate sports. The parallel storytelling between the Bishop O'Dowd team's season and Yang's own creative development resonates with non-sports fans. Readers liked: - Clear explanations of basketball strategy for newcomers - Integration of historical basketball moments - Art style that captures game action and emotional moments - Representation of diverse characters and their backgrounds Common criticisms: - Some found the historical asides interrupt the main narrative flow - Middle section pacing feels uneven - A few readers wanted more depth on certain player backstories Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (7,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (280+ ratings) School Library Journal: Starred Review "Perfect for readers who never thought they'd pick up a sports book" appears frequently in user reviews. Multiple teachers report strong student engagement with reluctant readers.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang A graphic novel that weaves together Chinese mythology with a contemporary student's struggle to find identity in school and sports.

New Kid by Jerry Craft A graphic novel follows a student athlete at a private school who navigates cultural differences while pursuing his passion for art and sports.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander This novel in verse chronicles a season in the life of twin basketball players dealing with family, competition, and personal growth.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds The first book in the Track series follows a young runner who joins an elite track team while confronting his past and finding his place in the world.

Game Changer by Tommy Greenwald A documentary-style narrative pieces together the story of a football player's injury and recovery through multiple perspectives in his school community.

★ Gene Luen Yang was the third person to hold the position of National Ambassador for Young People's Literature (2016-2017), making him the first graphic novelist to receive this honor. ★ Bishop O'Dowd High School, where the story takes place, has a rich basketball legacy with over 16 state championship appearances and multiple NBA/WNBA players among its alumni. ★ While creating Dragon Hoops, Yang faced a personal dilemma as the book's completion coincided with an opportunity to write for Superman comics at DC - a lifelong dream that would require leaving his teaching career. ★ The book took Yang six years to complete, during which he attended hundreds of basketball practices and games despite having no previous interest in sports. ★ Dragon Hoops won the 2021 Harvey Award for Book of the Year and the 2021 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens, adding to Yang's impressive collection of comics industry accolades.