What This Book Is About
Jessica is a basketball all-star. She can dribble, pass, and shoot with the best of them. There's just one problem—she's convinced she can only play well when she's wearing her lucky shoes. Without them, she's sure she'll miss every shot. So when game day arrives and her lucky shoes go missing, Jessica faces her biggest challenge yet: can she find the courage to play without them?
This is a story about discovering that the real magic was inside you all along. Felice Arena, one of Australia's most beloved children's authors (and creator of the bestselling Specky Magee series), writes with the energy and pace that sports-loving kids crave. Tom Jellett's playful black-and-white illustrations appear on nearly every page, making this an irresistible pick for readers who would rather be on the court than in a chair. Short chapters, big font, and a plot that moves as fast as a fast break—perfect for kids who think they don't like reading.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
UWC recognizes that the best way to build lifelong readers is to meet children where their passions are. For many Grade 2 students—especially those who are more active than bookish—sports are the gateway. Sporty Kids: Basketball hooks these readers with a world they already love, then delivers genuine reading practice wrapped in a story they can't put down.
The book also reinforces important UWC values. Jessica's journey teaches self-belief and resilience: the understanding that confidence comes from practice and effort, not from lucky charms. Her teammates support her through doubt, modeling the kind of teamwork and empathy that UWC cultivates in every classroom. For a school community where students come from diverse backgrounds and sports are a universal language, this book is a natural fit.
Reading Level Guide
Building reading foundations? Start with picture books and simple labeled stories.
Perfect difficulty. Engaging stories with simple vocabulary for early readers.
An easy, quick read at A2. Great for building reading speed and confidence.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.