The Children’s Book Review | March 31, 2020
The Wizenard Series: Season One
Created by Kobe Bryant
Written by Wesley King
Age Range: 8+
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Granity Studios; New edition (March 31, 2020)
ISBN-13: 978-1949520149
What to Expect: Basketball, Mystery, Magic, and Life Lessons
Season One is the latest action-packed book in the New York Times bestselling Wizenard series created by the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant and written by award-winning author Wesley King. A young basketball player must learn to channel his emotions productively, so they don’t break him.
Reggie’s parents died in a car crash six years ago, leaving him and his sister Patricia (also known as P) in the care of their grandmother—residing in an impoverished neighborhood. Reggie lives and dreams of basketball; only the sport does not seem to love him back. He plays for the West Bottom Badgers, the worst team in the league, and is benched more often than not. They have lost eight games in a row, including matches from the previous season, and it is highly unlikely they will make the Nationals. It will take some serious self-reflection and teamwork if the West Bottom Badgers are to turn things around. The death of Reggie’s parents weighs on him, as does the mystery of a box they left him—empty except for a curious note. Will he find answers to any of his questions ?
The well-written game of basketball is the life and foundation of this story. However, it is the added element of magical realism that creates the heartbeat by bringing a transcendent depth to Reggie’s character, allowing the reader to discover the importance of self-reflection, personal growth, commitment, and a positive mindset. Coach Rolabi Wizenard knows it is a hard road from the bottom. Still, his carefully inserted wisdom and guidance challenges each of the team members to dig deep within themselves, and the result is a set of solid characters with gumption. Heightening the impact of the life lessons placed within the pages are thoughtful and well-chosen Wizenard proverbs placed at the beginning of each chapter, which allows for additional pondering for deep-thinkers: “The deeper the hole, the longer the climb, and the stronger you arrive.” Bryant and King executed a perfect pick and pop—great teamwork—with an impactful ending that feels more like the beginning of something even more exciting.
The Wizenard Series: Season One is an inspiring, encouraging, and must-read novel for any baller or sports enthusiast!
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About the Authors
Kobe Bryant was an Academy Award winner, a New York Times best-selling author, and the CEO of Granity Studios, a multimedia content creation company. He was also a five-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, NBA MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. In everything he built, Kobe was driven to teach the next generation how to reach their full potential. He believed in the beauty of the process, in the strength that comes from inner magic, and in achieving the impossible. His legacy continues today.
Wesley King is the bestselling author of eleven novels. His works include OCDaniel, The Vindico Series, and A World Below. His books have been optioned for film and television and translated for release worldwide. Besides writing, he is working on a circumnavigation via a 1967 sailboat. You can follow him on Instagram at @wesleykingauthor or on Twitter at @WesleyTKing.
Read our exclusive interview: Author Wesley King Discusses the Wizenard Series Created With Kobe Bryant
The Wizenard Series: Season One, created by Kobe Bryant and written by Wesley King, was reviewed by Bianca Schulze. Discover more books like The Wizenard Series: Season One by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Basketball Books, Books with Life Lessons, Magic-Realism, Middle Grade Books, Mystery, and Team Sport Books.
