Illustrated book cover featuring a basketball player in a yellow Lakers jersey holding a basketball, with a basketball hoop in the background. The title reads "Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World" and "LeBron James." Authors are Andrew Maraniss and illustrator Deandra Hodge.

Beyond the Game

Beyond the Game is a new nonfiction chapter book series about athletes who have stepped up beyond sports to make a difference in the world, from acclaimed author, Andrew Maraniss and illustrator DeAndra Hodge.

This series shares the stories of atheletes like LeBron James, Maya Moore, Pat Tillman, and Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone.

Author - Andrew Maraniss

Cover Design - Anabeth Bostrup

“This series’ dual purpose offers a refreshing shift of emphasis from the usual sports biographies.”

— Carolyn Phelan

“Striking black--and-white illustrations add depth, bringing key moments in [Whetstone’s] story to life.”

— School Library Journal

Illustrated book cover featuring basketball player LeBron James in a yellow Lakers jersey holding a basketball, with the title 'Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World' written by Andrew Maraniss and illustrated by Deandra Hodge.
Illustrated book cover titled 'Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World' featuring basketball player Maya Moore in a Lynx jersey holding a basketball. Author: Andrew Maraniss. Illustrator: Deandra Hodge.
Illustrated book cover titled "Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World" featuring football player Pat Tillman in a red jersey with number 40 holding a football. Written by Andrew Maraniss and illustrated by DeAndra Hodge.
Illustrated book cover titled "Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World" featuring Jordan Marie Whetstone with face paint and traditional patterned attire, wearing a bib number 12218. By Andrew Maraniss, illustrated by DeAndra Hodge.
Illustration of LeBron James wearing a "Heat" jersey performs a slam dunk while two other players observe in a basketball game.
Illustration of a Maya Moore player jumping to shoot, wearing a jersey with number 23, on a shaded background. The ball is in motion towards the hoop.
Illustration showing three scenes: two football players reaching for a ball, a person writing at a desk with a lamp, and two people laughing with backpacks.
Illustration of a young Jordan running on a track while spectators cheer. Her mother holds a sign reading "Go Jordan!" with hearts.
Maya and Jonathan playing checkers at a table, smiling at each other
Illustration of LeBron in a "I CAN'T BREATHE" shirt near a voting line, with a "Vote Here" sign in the background.
Illustration of a military training scene with Pat offering a hand to another on the ground, two more soldiers standing in the background.
Illustration of Jordan running with a determined expression, featuring close-ups and other runners in the background, set in a natural outdoor environment.