Wish I Was a Baller
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Graphic novel · Ages 8–12 · 2025 · Est. 2.5 hour read

Wish I Was a Baller

By Amar Shah, Rashad Doucet (Illustrator)

A teen sports journalist navigates NBA fame and high school drama.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 284 ratings
304 pages· 13,736 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
$24.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1995, fourteen-year-old Amar Shah dreams of sports journalism glory. Gaining access to an Orlando Magic practice, he finds himself mingling with NBA legends like Shaq and Michael Jordan. But as he navigates the thrilling world of basketball, Amar must also tackle high school challenges, from crushes to jealous friendships. Can he balance his passion for sports with the complexities of teenage life? Discover the highs and lows of a young journalist's journey in this captivating graphic memoir.

From the publisher

Wish I Was a Baller is part New Kid, part The Tryout, and part Dragon Hoops!Amar Shah has some story to tell! In 1995, he was a fourteen-year-old aspiring sports journalist (and basketball superfan) angling to get into an Orlando Magic team practice. He did, and it took him on the ride of his life!Wish I Was a Baller is a graphic memoir chronicling Amar’s real-life experiences as a fourteen-year-old sports journalist covering the golden era of the NBA, when he befriended Shaq and hung out with Michael Jordan and the Bulls–all while surviving the high school, dealing with crushes, and friendships being tainted by jealousy.”An inspiring story of friendship, family, and the swishes and misses of being a kid. Baller soars and scores!” – Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Award-winning New Kid

At a glance
Format
Pages
304
Words
13,736
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
~459L
Themes & topics
Books about basketballBooks about sportsBooks about first loveBooks about fameBooks about growing up
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
3.1
F&P level
~M
AR points
2
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
555861
Publication
Published
August 5, 2025
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book · Graphic novel
Identifiers
ISBN
9781546110514

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