Basketball Belles: How Stanford, Cal, and One Scrappy Player Elevated Women's Hoops

Experience the emergence of women's basketball through the captivating storytelling of acclaimed nonfiction writer Sue Macy. Agnes Morley, raised on a cattle ranch, was initially sent to Stanford University with the intention of refining her ladylike demeanor. However, she swiftly traded in her breeches and spurs for bloomers and a basketball, ultimately etching her name in history during an exhilarating match against the University of California at Berkeley in April 1896.

Leading her team to victory in the inaugural inter-collegiate women's basketball game, Agnes garnered national recognition and played a pivotal role in establishing women's basketball as a prominent sport. Delve into the riveting tale of perseverance and triumph as you explore the origins of one of America's most beloved sports and discover how it evolved into the phenomenon it is today.

Illustrated with striking realism by Matt Collins, readers are transported right into the heart of the game, where they can practically hear the roar of the crowd. Basketball Belles is not just a story, but an immersive experience. Featuring a wealth of supplemental materials such as a timeline, author's note, select bibliography, and recommended resources for further exploration, this book serves as an ideal introduction to a compelling chapter in the realms of both sports and women's history.

Recognized as a Junior Library Guild Selection, a Top 10 Sports Book for Youth by Booklist, and an Editor's Choice for Nonfiction for Middler Readers, Basketball Belles is a must-read. Additionally, it has been designated as one of the NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People in the category of History/Life & Culture in the Americas. Dive into this captivating narrative and witness the groundbreaking moment when women stepped onto the basketball court and changed the game forever.

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