Jump!: From the Life of Michael Jordan

What was Michael Jordan like as a boy? You might be surprised that the greatest professional basketball player ever wasn't even the best player in his own family

Michael Jordan was once just an ordinary little boy growing up in a North Carolina suburb, trying to keep up with his older brother Larry. Michael was always good at sports, but it seemed like Larry was always going to be bigger, quicker, and luckier. But Michael never gave up, and his practicing began to pay off. Then one summer day during a backyard game of one-on-one, Larry Jordan's little brother took him--and the whole family--by surprise

Based on actual events, this story of a friendly sibling rivalry is enhanced by Floyd Cooper's stunning two-tone art. Jump even features a gate-fold depicting Michael Jordan's trademark leap that will send young readers soaring.

Author: Floyd Cooper
Publisher: Philomel Books
Published: 10/01/2004
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 11.40h x 7.20w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780399242304
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 83384 / Jump! from the Life of Michael Jordan


Award: Georgia Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Black Issues Book Review 07/01/2005 pg. 65
Booklist 09/01/2004 pg. 114
Kirkus Review - Children 10/15/2004 pg. 1003
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2004 pg. 725
Publishers Weekly 11/29/2004 pg. 40
School Library Journal 12/01/2004 pg. 127
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2005 pg. 205
Black Issues Book Review 01/01/2005 pg. 71
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2005 pg. 147 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
When Floyd Cooper discovered children's book illustrating, he found a way to complement his career in advertising. An apprentice of Mark English, Mr. Cooper began his freelance career while still a student at the University of Oklahoma. After graduating, he made his way to Missouri, where he secured a position at a greeting card company.

Although Mr. Cooper was established in his position there, he felt somewhat stifled. He lacked the freedom and opportunity for spontaneity that he longed for as an artist and the joy that could be found in doing something that he loved.

Determined to break out of the mundane cycle he found himself in, Mr. Cooper relocated to the East Coast in 1984 to pursue his career further. It was there that he discovered the world of children's book illustrating and was amazed by the opportunities for creativity it afforded. Mr. Cooper was energized. The first book he illustrated, Grandpa's Face, captivated reviewers. Publishers Weekly said of newcomer Floyd Cooper's work, Cooper, in his first picture book, creates family scenes of extraordinary illumination. He reinforces in the pictures the feelings of warmth and affection that exist between generations.

Illustrating children's books is very important to Mr. Cooper. He says, I feel children are at the frontline in improving society. This might sound a little heavy, but it's true. I feel children's picture books play a role in counteracting all the violence and other negative images conveyed in the media.

Floyd Cooper resides in New Jersey with his wife, Velma, and their two sons.

copyright (c) 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.
When Floyd Cooper discovered children's book illustrating, he found a way to complement his career in advertising. An apprentice of Mark English, Mr. Cooper began his freelance career while still a student at the University of Oklahoma. After graduating, he made his way to Missouri, where he secured a position at a greeting card company.

Although Mr. Cooper was established in his position there, he felt somewhat stifled. He lacked the freedom and opportunity for spontaneity that he longed for as an artist and the joy that could be found in doing something that he loved.

Determined to break out of the mundane cycle he found himself in, Mr. Cooper relocated to the East Coast in 1984 to pursue his career further. It was there that he discovered the world of children's book illustrating and was amazed by the opportunities for creativity it afforded. Mr. Cooper was energized. The first book he illustrated, Grandpa's Face, captivated reviewers. Publishers Weekly said of newcomer Floyd Cooper's work, Cooper, in his first picture book, creates family scenes of extraordinary illumination. He reinforces in the pictures the feelings of warmth and affection that exist between generations.

Illustrating children's books is very important to Mr. Cooper. He says, I feel children are at the frontline in improving society. This might sound a little heavy, but it's true. I feel children's picture books play a role in counteracting all the violence and other negative images conveyed in the media.

Floyd Cooper resides in New Jersey with his wife, Velma, and their two sons.

copyright (c) 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.