A man of many talents, LeBron James is adding author to his stacked resume. According to Entertainment Weekly, the three-time NBA champion joined literary forces with HarperCollins Publishers to create a children’s book titled I PROMISE. The book will be released in August.
“Books have the ability to teach, inspire, and bring people together. That’s why these books, and the opportunity to get children and parents reading together, mean so much to me,” he said. “Most importantly, we wanted to make sure these stories are ones that every single kid can see themselves in. I PROMISE is powerful in that way and I can’t wait for people to read it.” On Instagram, James expounded upon his statement, hoping that the text will inspire its young readers and encourage the next game-changer.
“Man, the beauty of this is the process in how we got here,” he wrote. “Never settling no matter the opportunities or chapters we add to this journey and now we get to share our promise and our story with kids and families everywhere. I can’t wait for everyone to read this, share this, feel empowered, and strive for greatness the same way my kids from Akron do every day.” The book is illustrated by Nina Mata and will focus on giving back to communities and a reminder to always bet on yourself.
EW also notes the book will be followed by “a middle-grade novel” in 2021. The news follows another feat for the pro-athlete off the hardwood. After opening a public elementary school in his home state of Ohio in 2018, James’ self-titled foundation partnered with Kent State University to offer free tuition for four years to the school’s first graduating class.