Author | Producer
Amar Shah
Emmy-Winning Sports Author for Middle Grade Readers
Hi! I’m Amar, a Scholastic 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!
Play the Game: The Hoop Con
Out Now
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.
"Lovers of basketball, especially fellow athletes, will devour this novel." ― School Library Journal
Play the Game: The Hoop Con
Audiobook Out Now
Selected by Audible as an editor’s most anticipated new release of Fall 2024 in both the US and Canada.
Play the Game: Take the Shot
Out Now
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?
“Nothing but net." - 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.
My middle-grade contemporary basketball trilogy THE HOOP CON (Play the Game #1) (Scholastic Press) is out March 5, 2024. And my graphic novel memoir WISH I WAS A BALLER (Scholastic/Graphix) debuts in 2025.
I'm repped by
Jas Perry at Looking Glass Literary & Media
Olivia Fanaro for Film/TV at UTA
NEW BOOK DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT
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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.
ESPN.COM - MY ADDICTION TO THE "MONSTER"
In an essay ESPN.com’s Page 2, I provide a chuckle or two as I weigh the magnetic appeal of the century-old set vs. the reality of financial limits and a skeptical wife.
ESPN.COM - KEEPERS OF THE HIVE
Indian kids dominate the National Spelling Bee. I find out why they are the New England Patriots of the competition.
ESPN.COM - WICKET WEDDING
An award-winning ESPN.com cover story I wrote about my journey to India for my wedding, where I fall in love - with a new sport, cricket.
NFL.COM - ORAL HISTORY OF VARSITY BLUES
Wrote and produced "Varsity Blues Oral History," a long-form feature where I interviewed the film's cast, crew, and creators about how it all happened.
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."
PRESS/MEDIA
WISH I WAS A BALLER ANNOUNCEMENT
Coverage from Bleedingcool.com regarding my new graphic novel memoir for Scholastic/Graphix I'm writing with Rashad Doucet illustrating.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENT
DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD - HARVARDWOOD UNVEILS 2021 WRITERS COMPETITION
Harvardwood today announced the winners of its Writers Competition winners and Most Staffable TV List, including my pilot “GAS N’ SHOP” written with Rupak Ginn.
FITZ TALES: BERNICE BOBS HER HAIR
I appeared as a contributor on the Fitz Tales podcast to discuss F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" and my film "Sati Shaves Her Head."
PLAY THE GAME FEATURED IN PW
I was interviewed by Publishers Weekly about the impact of author Tanuja Desai Hidier and her classic YA novel "Born Confused" and talked about my own upcoming Scholastic trilogy.
