Basketball Belles: How Stanford, Cal, and One Scrappy Player Put Womens Hoops on the Map

Witness the birth of women’s basketball in this illustrated introduction from renowned nonfiction author Sue Macy.

Raised on a cattle ranch, Agnes Morley was sent to Stanford University to learn to be a lady.

But she soon exchanged her breeches and spurs for bloomers and a basketball-and in April 1896, she made history. In a heart-pounding game against the University of California at Berkeley, Agnes led her team to victory in the first-ever inter-collegiate women’s basketball game, earning national attention and putting women’s basketball on the map.

This fast-paced story of perseverance and success digs deep into the history of one of America’s most popular sports, and how it came to be so big. Realistic illustrations by Matt Collins put readers in the middle of the action, and you’ll want cheer along with the crowd.

With comprehensive backmatter including a timeline, author’s note, select bibliography, and recommended places to visit for more information, Basketball Belles is a perfect introduction to an intriguing moment in sports and women’s history.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Booklist Top 10 Sports Books for Youth
Booklist Editors’ Choice, Books for Youth, Nonfiction, Middler Readers
NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, History/Life & Culture in the Americas