Meticulously researched, Francine Poppo Rich crafts the important details of Larry Bird's early life into a powerful, true story of one boy's determination to play the best game of basketball he could play. From the age of 13, Larry Bird possessed a single-minded approach to his game: practice the basics. Rich weaves the words of Larry Bird's childhood experiences in such a way that even the youngest basketball player will be inspired to play with a passion. Award-winning illustrator, Robert Casilla, has painted the characters of Larry Bird's world with stunning accuracy. Casilla's portrayal of French Lick, Indiana and the people who influenced Bird in the 1970s provide an unforgettable portrait of a boy growing up in a place that he will always call home.