Books in Basketball Heroes Making a Difference series

Success in the NBA came early for Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose. His outstanding passing and scoring earned him the 2008-2009 Rookie of the Year Award. Then just a year later, at age 22, he was named the 2010-2011 Most Valuable Player, making him the youngest NBA player ever to receive this honor. Though Derrick is proud of his accomplishments, he knows that he couldn't have reached his goals without the support of his family. It's the reason he works hard to make a difference in other people's lives. From providing backpacks to needy schoolchildren to pledging money to help victims of natural disasters--such as the people affected by the 2011 earthquake in Japan--Derrick Rose is a true basketball hero! In Derrick Rose, readers will follow this point guard's amazing basketball career and discover how he has made a difference in people's lives both on and off the court. Large, full-color action photos and engaging text will keep readers turning the pages for more.

Kevin Durant is one of the NBA's brightest young stars. In 2010, when he was just 21 years old, he became the youngest player ever to win the NBA scoring title, and in 2011 he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Western Conference finals. Even though Kevin has experienced incredible success at a very young age, he has never lost sight of the importance of giving back to his community and helping others. That's why he spends his time making a difference in people's lives whenever he can. In Kevin Durant, readers will follow this NBA superstar's amazing basketball career and discover how he has made a difference in people's lives both on and off the court. Large, full-color action photos and engaging text will keep readers turning the pages for more.

Amar'e Stoudemire knows how to make an impact on the court. A six-time NBA All-Star and winner of the Rookie of the Year Award, Amar'e joined the New York Knicks in 2010 and immediately helped lead the team to their first playoff appearance in seven years. He knows how to make an impact off the court, too. Stoudemire created the Amar'e Stoudemire Foundation to inspire and help at-risk youth, and in 2008 he was given the NBA's Community Assist Award for his work providing safe drinking water in Sierra Leone. In Amar'e Stoudemire, readers will follow this NBA superstar's basketball career and discover how he has made a difference in people's lives both on and off the court. Large, full-color action photos and engaging text will keep readers turning the pages for more.

Dwyane Wade is a hero both on and off the basketball court. As a high-scoring superstar for the Miami Heat, Dwyane has led his team to an NBA championship and is one of the most popular players in the league. His talents and achievements aren't limited to basketball, however. Dwyane also puts his skills to use with the Wade's World Foundation, an organization he founded in 2003. The foundation's mission is to make a difference in the lives of countless children in underserved communities. In Dwyane Wade, readers will follow this NBA superstar's amazing basketball career and discover how he has made a difference in people's lives both on and off the court. Large, full-color action photos and engaging text will keep readers turning the pages for more.

From an early age, Kevin Love showed a lot of promise on the court. In college, he led the UCLA Bruins in rebounds and guided his team to the Final Four. Kevin then joined the Minnesota Timberwolves and became a superstar player. His accurate jump shots and passing skills dazzled fans, and he proved to be one of the best three?point shooters in the NBA. Kevin?s talents and achievements aren?t limited to basketball, however. He also helps organize an annual coat drive to provide warm jackets to people in need. Other causes he has worked for include raising money for breast cancer awareness and the Special Olympics. In Kevin Love, readers will follow this NBA superstar?s basketball career and discover how he has made a difference in people?s lives both on and off the court. Large, full-color action photos and engaging text will keep readers turning the pages for more.

Point Guard Chris Paul knows how to make a big impact on the court, despite the fact that he?s only six feet tall. During his first year playing professional basketball for the New Orleans Hornets, Chris Paul was named NBA Rookie of the Year and led the league in steals. In 2011, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers?and went on to lead the team to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons! Chris doesn?t just work hard on the court, though. He has worked just as hard making a difference in people?s lives, especially those affected by Hurricane Katrina. After the storm, he gave his time and money to help rebuild houses throughout New Orleans. Chris also started the CP3 Foundation, which provides food, shelter, and other services to people around the country who need help. In Chris Paul, readers will follow this NBA superstar?s basketball career and discover how he has made a difference in people?s lives both on and off the court. Large, full-color action photos and engaging text will keep readers turning the pages for more.

The San Diego Chargers know they can depend on quarterback Philip Rivers when the going gets tough. This hard-throwing quarterback has led his team to dozens of incredible comeback victories. He is also known for shattering many of the team's passing records. Philip shines on the field as an amazing athlete, but he's also a leader in his community. Dedicated to helping children in need, he started the Rivers of Hope Foundation to benefit foster children. Another cause close to Philip's heart is helping sick children. In Philip Rivers, readers will follow this NFL superstar's football career and discover how he has made a difference in people's lives both on and off the field. Large, full-color action photos and engaging text will keep readers turning the pages for more.

As a rookie for the Denver Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony helped lead his team to the playoffs with his outstanding scoring skills. After he was traded to the New York Knicks, he continued to shine on the court, impressing fans with an amazing 26 points per game during his first season. That?s not the only reason Carmelo Anthony is a superstar, however. When he?s not sinking shots, Carmelo is helping those in need through the Carmelo Anthony Foundation. The foundation has set up after-school programs for kids in Carmelo?s hometown of Baltimore and provided food for the hungry, in addition to building a million-dollar youth center. In Carmelo Anthony, readers will follow this NBA superstar?s basketball career and discover how he has made a difference in people?s lives both on and off the court. Large, full-color action photos and engaging text will keep readers turning the pages for more.