Teammates: Karl Malone and John Stockton

Gr. 5^-7. Despite the Utah Jazz's recent defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bulls, the team is a powerful presence in the NBA, mostly due to the combination of Karl Malone and John Stockton. Although Schnakenberg covers the childhood and professional careers of both players, the hook lies in the relationship that the two share. As the author puts it, "John is white, a Catholic from Washington State, best known for a technical playing style. Karl is an African American Baptist from northern Louisiana, best known for his physical style of play. How could two players as different as these possibly have the strong connection they do, both on and off the court?" Using vivid descriptions of games as well as anecdotes about the two's personal relationship, Schnakenberg gives readers insight into the duo's special bond. An attractive layout and black-and-white illustrations add to the book's usefulness; however, a list of the players' stats might have been interesting. Ilene Cooper

Grade 5-8AA timely book written in a lively style with plenty of game action, black-and-white photos, and statistics. The teammate theme is developed through an examination of the character, background, and playing styles of the two leading lights of the Utah Jazz. Stockton grew up in a white and middle-class Irish-American family in Spokane. Many thought he was not big enough, strong enough, or talented enough to succeed in the NBA. Malone, who is black, is physically much more impressive but had to overcome a childhood of extreme poverty in rural Louisiana. Much of the book deals with the manner in which these individuals have worked to develop and blend their talents in order to succeed. In the process, they have become close personal friends despite their very different backgrounds. This title should have no trouble finding an eager audience among basketball fans.ARichard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School,
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