Wish I Was a Baller
*Wish I Was a Baller* by Amar Shah is a graphic memoir published by Scholastic, Incorporated on August 5, 2025. This edition spans 304 pages and is presented in English. The book recounts Shah’s experiences as a fourteen-year-old aspiring sports journalist during the vibrant era of the NBA, capturing his journey to gain access to an Orlando Magic team practice and the adventures that followed.
Readers will find a blend of personal anecdotes and sports journalism as Shah navigates the challenges of adolescence while interacting with basketball legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan. The narrative explores themes of friendship, family, and the complexities of youth, all set against the backdrop of sports and recreation. This engaging memoir offers insight into the life of a young sports enthusiast, making it a notable addition to the genres of comics and graphic novels, as well as children’s literature.
Official synopsis Publisher
Wish I Was a Baller is part New Kid, part The Tryout, and part Dragon Hoops!
Amar Shah has some story to tell! In 1995, he was a fourteen-year-old aspiring sports journalist (and basketball superfan) angling to get into an Orlando Magic team practice. He did, and it took him on the ride of his life!
Wish I Was a Baller is a graphic memoir chronicling Amar’s real-life experiences as a fourteen-year-old sports journalist covering the golden era of the NBA, when he befriended Shaq and hung out with Michael Jordan and the Bulls–all while surviving the high school, dealing with crushes, and friendships being tainted by jealousy.
“An inspiring story of friendship, family, and the swishes and misses of being a kid. Baller soars and scores!” — Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Award-winning New Kid
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