Dragon Hoops cover
Award Winner

Dragon Hoops

Reading List Popular Reading Award Winners

Overview & Summary

In this graphic novel, cartoonist Gene Luen Yang -- then a computer science teacher at a California high school -- chronicles a season with his school's boys' varsity basketball team as they chase a state championship, interweaving the team's story with the history of basketball itself and Yang's own reflections on risk, ambition, and finding the courage to leave a safe career for uncertain creative work. It won the Eisner Award and blends sports journalism with memoir.

Available Formats

  • 📖Hardcover
  • 📱Kindle
  • 📖Paperback

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Who This Book Is For

Recommended for High school students (Grades 9–12) working on Arts and English Literature. Fits students building reading confidence, vocabulary, and strong comprehension.

Grade LevelUpper (9-12)
Lexile ComplexityHigh School & Up (1100L+)

Why CE Recommends This Book

An award-winning book chosen for its strong writing and engaging themes. Helps young readers develop critical thinking, expand their worldview, and express clear opinions.

Academic & Admissions Takeaways
Grade & Readiness: Aligned for Upper (9-12).
Lexile Complexity: Targeted for High School & Up (1100L+).
Subject Alignment: Builds vocabulary, reading stamina, and analytical skills for Arts, English Literature.
Reading Goal: Lexile growth, classroom discussion readiness & essay depth.