Jackson loves basketball. He can turn almost anything into a hoop. But when tall arms crowd his view, will he find a way to show up big?
A visit to Ohio brings Jackson to Ed Davis Community Center to practice with his cousin Shaylah—better known as Shaymoney. He’s the only boy and the shortest player. His first plan? Do everything faster. It doesn’t quite work.
Grandpa Saleem offers encouragement, and Shaymoney helps him spot the open spaces. As Jackson learns to pause, look, and pass, he discovers the joy of helping someone else score.
Inspired by the author’s son, this picture book celebrates a child with ADHD as a whole person: energetic, creative, sometimes frustrated, and determined to keep playing. At its heart are family, confidence, and learning to win together.
Explore four illustrated pages from the book. Select a page to see the artwork and words at full size.
View Page 1 full size ↗“I wish I was a little bit taller...” Jackson said.
In class pictures, he stood in the front. In the lunch line, he peeked around shoulders. Sometimes people asked,
“Are you sure you’re old enough?”
Jackson was sure.
His pants were the ones having doubts.
View Page 5 full size ↗His older brother, JD, loved gymnastics.
JD practiced handstands. Jackson practiced jump shots.
“Can you dunk upside down?” Jackson asked.
“Can you do homework upside down?” JD asked.
Jackson thought about it.
“Would I get extra points?”
View Page 14 full size ↗“You keep running where everybody is,” Shaymoney said.
“Try finding where everybody isn’t.”
Jackson studied the court.
There were spaces between the players. Little lanes. Open corners.
His brain began racing and building a plan.
This was even better than turning a cereal box into a hoop.
View Page 17 full size ↗She caught it.
She shot.
SWISH!
Jackson threw both arms up.
“I helped her make that basket!”
“Yep,” Shaymoney said. “That’s an assist.”
Jackson liked assists.
They felt like giving somebody a present that made the net dance.
Jackson brings imagination, energy, and a basketball wherever he goes. Grandpa Saleem helps him see possibilities when he doubts himself. Shaymoney brings a sharp jump shot, honest advice, and the kind of teamwork that makes room for everyone.
Share the story at home, in a classroom, or with a young basketball team. Start a conversation: When have you felt overlooked? What helps you slow down and notice a teammate? How does helping someone else succeed feel?
Read King of the Court by Jelp Shinholster IV as a Kindle eBook. Visit Amazon for the digital edition’s current price and purchase details.
Physical book release: November 22, 2026. The print edition purchase link will be added here on release day.
For signed-copy inquiries, group orders, or a possible author reading, email jelp828@gmail.com with your quantity and organization. Availability and arrangements are confirmed directly.