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This book tells about the life of basketball great Wilt Chamberlain, who was the first real sports superstar. Wilt Chamberlain was such an extraordinary player that he brought many new fans to basketball, and he demanded a salary to match his talent. In this way, Wilt Chamberlain set the precedent that would allow later heroes like Michael Jordan to become rich and famous.
This book follows Wilt Chamberlain as he grows from an awkwardly tall boy into the greatest basketball player the world had known. At over 7'1" tall, Wilt was nicknamed "Dipper," "Wilt the Stilt," and "Goliath." Wilt's height made his school life harder — he felt like he didn't fit in. It also made playing basketball harder in some ways! Coaches often had their players gang up on him and foul him to keep him from scoring. But Wilt was really a gentle giant. In all his years in the NBA, Wilt Chamberlain never fouled out of a game.
Students don't need to know a lot about basketball to appreciate this book. The story of this fascinating man who changed the NBA should be interesting to all students.
Guided Reading Level: L
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