James Harden vs. Kobe Bryant: Who Would Win? (All-Star Smackdown (Lerner ™ Sports))
All-Star Smackdown Series
What’s inside...
Part of Lerner’s All-Star Smackdown series, this non-fiction title invites young basketball fans to compare two modern legends—James Harden and the late Kobe Bryant. Through career timelines, statistics, signature moves, and head-to-head hypothetical match-ups, the book gives readers the tools to decide which superstar would prevail in an imaginary showdown. Photo-rich pages, charts, and sidebars explain NBA terminology, placing both athletes’ achievements in historical context while highlighting values such as perseverance, sportsmanship, and respect.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
James Harden
Kobe Bryant
Discussion points
Which stat do you think is most important in basketball success?
How did each player respond to setbacks, and what can we learn?
If Kobe and Harden were teammates, how might they complement each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Watch a highlight clip together, then reread the related section.
Create a family poll and graph everyone’s winner.
Encourage kids to compare their own practice habits to the players'.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Hard work beats excuses
Explanation: Both stars spent hours perfecting their craft, regardless of criticism.
Real-World Application: Set personal practice goals—music, sports, or academics—and stick to them.
Example Lesson: Respect your competition
Explanation: The book shows players praising each other’s skills despite rivalry.
Real-World Application: Compliment classmates after a game or debate, even if you disagree.
Example Lesson: Use evidence to support opinions
Explanation: Readers must analyze stats, not just favoritism, to choose a winner.
Real-World Application: Back up school project claims with facts and sources.
Example Lesson: Learn from setbacks
Explanation: Injuries and playoff losses became fuel for improvement.
Real-World Application: Turn poor test results into study plans rather than discouragement.