Author | Producer
Amar Shah
Emmy-Winning Sports Author for Middle Grade Readers
Hi! I’m Amar, a best-selling author who writes sports stories for middle grade readers, inspiring kids to channel their Mamba mentality. My books bring the thrill of the game to life, with big dreams, life lessons and a lot of heart. Whether you're an athlete or just love a great story, there’s something here for you. Thanks for stopping by. Keep pushing yourself and always play with passion!
Wish I Was a Baller
Wish I Was a Baller is part New Kid, part The Tryout, and part Dragon Hoops! Amar Shah has some story to tell! In 1995, he was a fourteen-year-old aspiring sports journalist (and basketball superfan) angling to get a press pass into an Orlando Magic game. He did, and it took him on the ride of his life! Wish I Was a Baller is a graphic memoir chronicling Amar's real-life experiences as a fourteen-year-old sports journalist covering the golden era of the NBA, when he befriended Shaq and hung out with Michael Jordan and the Bulls—all while surviving the high school, dealing with crushes, and friendships being tainted by jealousy.
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Awards & Recognition
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Amazon Best Seller and No. 1 New Release
School Library Journal starred review
ALA’s Best Graphic Novels for Children
NCTE’s Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts Award
Amazon Editor’s Pick
Colby Sharp’s Favorite New Books
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​State Lists
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Michigan
Great Lakes Great Books Award, 2026–2027, Grades 6–8
Missouri
Denny O’Neil Graphic Novel List, 2026–2027, Grades 3–5
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Texas
Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List, 2026, Grades K–5
Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List, 2026
Virginia
VA Reads, 2026–2027, Middle School
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​​Critical Praise
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“A perfect example of trying, failing, and rising again … Doucet’s illustrations capture the 1990s baller and hip-hop culture while keeping the story accessible to younger readers.”
— School Library Journal, Starred Review​
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“Amar Shah and Rashad Doucet capture the exhilaration of professional basketball in the 1990s in this energetic, approachable graphic memoir.”
— Shelf Awareness
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“Shah’s graphic memoir captures ambition, jealousy, and perseverance, paired with Doucet’s lively art and nostalgic ’90s details. An inspirational pick for fans of Gene Luen Yang’s Dragon Hoops.”
— Booklist
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"An inspiring story of friendship, family, and the swishes and misses of being a kid. Baller soars and scores!" — Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Award-winning New Kid
Wish I Was A Baller is funny, relatable, and authentic. A wonderful reminder about what can happen when you pursue your dream with dedication and passion. A must-read!" — Christina Diaz Gonzalez, USA Today bestselling author of Invisible and Concealed
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"Fun and full of action, this incredible true story proves that sometimes you have to take a big leap to go for your dreams!" – Christina Soontornvat, New York Times bestselling author of The Tryout
"Amar gives a wonderfully delightful recounting of an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience with one of the most iconic sports figures in the world." – Dan Santat, National Book Award winner of A First Time for Everything
Interviewing Michael Jordan in 1996.
Interviewing Kobe Bryany in high school.
On the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids in 1996 with Shaquille O'Neal.
Interviewing Michael Jordan in 1996.
Play the Game: The Hoop Con
Sunshine State Young Readers Award, 2025-2026, Middle School, Grades 6-8.
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YOU CAN’T WIN IF YOU DON’T PLAY
Raam Patel is eager to prove himself ever since he didn’t make the middle school’s basketball team. So, when Hoop Con comes to town he is determined to be there and take his shot. His big moment proves to be unforgettable... but not in the way he’d hoped. Raam gets schooled by the camp’s golden boy right in front of his NBA idol. To make matters even worse, this fail goes viral.
Raam is used to being the underdog, but becoming the newest meme might be something even he can’t overcome alone. He skips town in an effort to lay low and take a break from basketball. However, he’s met with new courts, fresh kicks, and tough new competition, changing his whole outlook on the game. Raam has the skills, but now it’s time to unlock the mental game.
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Audiobook available
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"Lovers of basketball, especially fellow athletes, will devour this novel." ― School Library Journal
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Awards:
The Children's Book Council:
Middle-Grade Favorites Award, 2025
Librarian Favorites Award
Teacher Favorites Award, 2025
Play the Game: Take the Shot
The second book in the new basketball series about regaining one's confidence on and off the court.
Raam is out for redemption. He's been training and rebranding, and he's ready for a new school year and team tryouts. But his time on the basketball court is limited. His best friend and practice partner, Cake is busy working on his social media content, and Raam himself is torn in about a hundred different directions.
His game has improved by miles, but this time, he'll need to rid himself of old and new distractions ... and rivals. Can Raam stay focused?
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Audiobook available
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“Nothing but net." - Kirkus Reviews
Play the Game: Time to Win
The third book in the new basketball series about regaining one's confidence on and off the court.
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Raam may have made the school team, but that doesn't guarantee him minutes on the court or respect from his fellow teammates. As a new rookie, he will have to fight to get recognition from the coach and find his place on the team.
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“A soaring drive to the finish." - Kirkus Reviews
Book Launch
ABOUT ME
I’m a multiple Emmy-winning writer and producer who has written for ESPN.com, NFL.com, The Wall Street Journal, The Orlando Sentinel, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Slam Magazine, and The Washington Post, including my viral essay on growing up as the son of the real Apu.
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My middle-grade contemporary basketball trilogy THE HOOP CON (Play the Game #1) (Scholastic Press) debuted in 2024. And my graphic novel memoir WISH I WAS A BALLER (Scholastic/Graphix) came out on August 5, 2025.
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I live in Orlando with my family and I teach at the University of Florida. I'm also the director of the documentary "The Patel Motel Story" which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival.
I'm repped by
Jas Perry at Looking Glass Literary & Media
Olivia Fanaro for Film/TV at UTA
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WRITING
WASHINGTON POST
To many Indian Americans, Apu is offensive. To me, he’s my dad. This essay is based on my viral Twitter thread.
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SATI SHAVES HER HEAD
Wrote and produced "Sati Shaves Her Head" a film starring Hannah Simone (New Girl) and Sonal Shah (Scrubs). Indieflix said it's "funny, raunchy, and delivers satisfying payback."​
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PRESS/MEDIA
ORANGE OBSERVER: Winter Garden author pens second novel in series
Stoneybrook West resident Amar Shah released recently the second book in his “Play the Game” series: “Take the Shot.”
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PBS INTERVIEW: Amar Shah: Riches in the Niches
Knight Talks: Learn about Amar Shah, who worked with ESPN and the NFL, and he’s now publishing with Scholastic.
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FLAGLER LIVE: Read Across Flagler Lights Up Central Park With Books
The first-ever Read Across Flagler Literacy Celebration brought the community together at Central Park, with media specialists leading a lively evening of book giveaways, student activities, and a keynote by author Amar Shah, who spoke about writing, cultural pride, and his new Play the Game series. The event celebrated the passion for reading across generations"
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