A man and boy in library with books

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Visits St. Aloysius

November 25, 2013


A bald man with white teeth and black jacket.

St. Aloysius students and teachers were excited to welcome basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who visited this November for a special literacy celebration.

A bald man with white teeth and black jacket.Mr. Abdul-Jabbar spoke with students in fourth through sixth grades and read excerpts from his new children’ s book Sasquatch in the Paint, a story about a tall young man who struggles to make the most of his interest in both basketball and academics, while also solving the mystery of a theft.

Mr. Abdul-Jabbar explored with the students themes from the book, which include courage, friendship and teamwork. As a culmination of the celebration, students received a signed copy of the book and had an opportunity to choose two additional free books to keep for their own libraries at home.

The celebration had special significance for Mr. Abdul-Jabbar, who grew up in Harlem. The event was facilitated by Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest children’s literacy organization, and made possible by the generous support of Macy’s.

A bald man with white teeth and black jacket.

A bald man with white teeth and black jacket.