Slam Kicks: Basketball Sneakers that Changed the Game edited by Ben Osborne

With a simple, yet inviting cover and colorful photographs of sneakers and the basketball stars who wore them on every page, this new acquisition has quickly become one of the most popular books in the Bronx Hope library. In addition to the attention-grabbing pictures is a collection of articles ranging from sneaker collecting to the history of the Nike Air Jordan I. The articles may not be the initial draw for students, but because they’re written in an accessible style similar to what might be found in a magazine, students are likely to pick up some interesting facts about the basketball sneaker business just through browsing. Highly recommended for basketball and/or sneaker enthusiasts and reluctant readers of all ages. --Anja Kennedy

Osborne, Ben, ed.  Slam Kicks: Basketball Sneakers that Changed the Game.  New York: Universe-Rizzoli, 2013.  Print.

Guest Blog Post: Where'd You Get Those by Bobbito Garcia

Where’d You Get Those? is Bobbito Garcia’s sociological thesis on sneakers. Part history, part fashion, this oversized volume details New York City sneaker culture from 1960-1987. The 264-page magazine style book is organized chronologically by era. Each section is rich with lively anecdotes, photographs (mostly taken by Mr. Garcia) and vintage advertisements of the times. Mr. Garcia’s writing is an exemplar of voice, cultural capital, and the many journalistic functions of literacy. His book can be used as supplemental text in English, Literacy, Creative writing, Gym and Art classes. Where’d You Get Those? also makes a great addition to a classroom library during independent reading time. --L.A. Gabay