Fall 2025

Lusia Harris

Basketball Star

From the Series Difference Makers

  • Interest Level: Grade 4 - Grade 6
  • Reading Level: Grade 5

In 1977, Lusia Harris made history as the first and only woman ever drafted by an NBA team, the New Orleans Jazz.

Though she chose not to play for the NBA, her incredible accomplishments on the basketball court cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history.

Lusia’s journey to greatness began in high school and continued at Delta State University, where she led her team to multiple national championships. She also represented the USA in the 1976 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal, and later returned to her high school as a basketball coach, inspiring the next generation of athletes. A 2022 Academy Award-winning documentary about her life highlights Lusia’s groundbreaking achievements and her lasting influence on the sport. Her story demonstrates that with talent, hard work, and determination, women can break barriers and reach new heights in any field. “Lusia Harris: The Queen of Basketball” is a celebration of her trailblazing career and a powerful reminder to dream big, work hard, and create lasting impact.

Format Your Price Add
979-8-89605-001-8
On pre-order until 08/01/2025
$22.99
978-1-959223-65-8
On pre-order until 08/01/2025
$10.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 4 - Grade 6
Reading Level Grade 5
Genre Social Studies
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Biography, Diverse Books: Feminism, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity, SEL: B Self-Management, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2025
Publisher Planting People Growing Justice Press
Imprint Planting People Growing Justice Press
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-08-01
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF007120, JNF007100, JNF054020
Dimensions 6 x 9
Guided Reading Level R
ATOS Reading Level 4.9
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Author/Illustrator biography and Original artwork

Note: Accelerated Reader® values are estimates.

Author: Nancy Loewen

Nancy Loewen is an award-winning author who has written more than 130 titles for children. She holds an MFA in creative writing and lives in the Twin Cities.

Illustrator: Chasity Hampton

Chasity Hampton has been a professional illustrator for a decade. Starting Whimsical Designs by CJ, LLC, she aspired to craft art that reconnects people with their inner child. Hampton endeavors to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia through her art.