1. “Hoops” by Walter Dean Myers – This gripping novel follows the journey of 17-year-old basketball prodigy Lonnie Jackson as he navigates the challenges of the court and life.

2. “Swish!” by Stuart J. Murphy – A fun picture book that introduces young readers to basic math concepts through a basketball game.

3. “Slam Dunk!” by Sharon Robinson – This biography of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tells the inspiring story of his rise to basketball stardom and his advocacy for social justice.

4. “Salt in His Shoes” by Deloris Jordan – Written by Michael Jordan’s mother, this book encourages young readers to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

5. “Basketball Belles” by Sue Macy – A true story about the All-American Red Heads, a women’s basketball team that defied gender stereotypes in the 1930s.

6. “The Basketball Mystery” by Gertrude Chandler Warner – In this exciting children’s mystery book, the Boxcar Children investigate mysterious events happening at a basketball camp.

7. “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander – This award-winning novel-in-verse follows twin brothers Josh and Jordan as they navigate basketball, family, and growing up.

8. “Hot Hand” by Mike Lupica – The story of Billy Raynor, a talented but hot-headed basketball player, who learns valuable life lessons through the sport.

9. “Miracle on 49th Street” by Mike Lupica – A heartwarming story of a young girl who discovers that her father might be a famous basketball player and sets out on a mission to find him.

10. “Out of Bounds” by Fred Bowen – A collection of short stories that teach important lessons about sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance through basketball.

11. “The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth” by Jean L. S. Patrick – Set in the 1920s, this historical fiction book tells the story of a young girl’s love for baseball and her determination to prove herself on the basketball court.

12. “Dream Big: Michael Jordan and the Pursuit of Excellence” by Deloris Jordan – Delve into Michael Jordan’s life and discover the mindset and hard work that made him one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

13. “Great Basketball Drills: A Baffled Parent’s Guide” by Jim Garland – A helpful guide for parents and coaches, this book provides a variety of drills and exercises to improve basketball skills.

14. “Between the Lines” by Ivan Sanchez-Kuhn – A thought-provoking novel that explores the challenges and pressures faced by young athletes, including basketball players.

15. “Girl Got Game” by Shizuru Seino – A manga series about Kyo Aizawa, a girl who disguises herself as a boy to join the basketball team at Seisyu High School.

16. “Secret Life of a Teenage Siren” by Wendy Toliver – This book follows the story of 17-year-old high school basketball star Jenna as she juggles sports, friendship, and her own magical secret.

17. “The Boy Who Saved Baseball” by John H. Ritter – In a small town threatened by the destruction of their baseball field, a young boy named Tom Gallagher must find a way to save the game he loves.

18. “Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big” by Chris Paul and Tonya Bolden – NBA star Chris Paul shares his inspiring story of overcoming challenges and achieving success, reminding young readers to believe in themselves.

19. “Ball Don’t Lie” by Matt de la Peña – A powerful coming-of-age story about a foster kid named Sticky who finds solace and hope through basketball.

20. “Fast Break” by Mike Lupica – A story about a boy named Jay who discovers his passion for basketball and the importance of teamwork and friendship.

This list of slam-dunk basketball books for kids will entertain and inspire young readers, fostering a love for both reading and basketball. So lace up your sneakers, grab these books, and dribble your way into the exciting world of basketball!