Gr. 4-7. This entry in the Lerner Sports Biography series offers a very readable, attractive introduction to the young NBA sensation. Simple writing, compelling biographical details, and plenty of quotes from family and team members combine with exciting courtside anecdotes and good-quality photos, most in color. The book follows Bryant through the 1999-2000 season, so it will already seem dated to children looking for up-to-the-minute information. Even so, it offers a fine background history on a rising star with legions of young fans. Sports terms, highlighted in the text, are defined in an appended glossary, and source notes and fan-club information are appended. -Gillian Engberg Copyright 2001 Booklist Reviews