The life and the legend of the Black Mamba, told in an abundantly illustrated book for young readers. For his entire career, Kobe Bryant had an unquenchable drive not just to be great, but to be the very best-to rival Michael Jordan as the number one shooting guard of all time. This fast-paced book traces his entire journey: from his childhood in Italy to his dazzling high school career in Lower Merion, PA, to the ups and downs (and five NBA championships) of his twenty seasons with the Lakers, to his retirement (announced in his famous poem Dear Basketball ) and his tragic death at the age of forty-one. Full of action-packed color photos, this latest installment in the best-selling Abbeville Sports series will inspire young basketball fans with their own dreams of glory. AGES: 7 plus AUTHOR: N. A. Smith is a sportswriter and lifelong Lakers fan. SELLING POINTS: . Fun yet substantive nonfiction for ages 7 and up . Traces the life, career, and legend of Kobe Bryant in a way that will grip young reader . Written in a fan's voice-great for reluctant readers . The latest title in the Abbeville Sports series, and the perfect companion to the best-selling Legends of the NBA . Illustrated with abundant color photos . More than 300,000 Abbeville Sports books in print!