New Children’s Book Based on Caitlin Clark’s Life is a Must Read for Kids

Two years ago, Caitlin Clark was a regional superstar, very popular in the Midwest, Iowa in particular. A year ago, Clark's stardom reached the entire United States as it seemed the entire country was watching more women's basketball than men's. This year, Clark brought millions of new eyes to the WNBA, taking her "Caitlin Clark effect" from the NCAA to another league that's been a perennial punchline for decades.

Clark's story is universally inspiring children all across the country, and an author and illustrator took it upon themselves to make her story even more accessible to children. Writer Ally Obermeier and illustrator Makenzie McCarthy have created Just Like Caitlin, a children's picture book that chronicles Clark's life in a cute and colorful way for children.

The picture book was written by Obermeier, who herself was an all-state guard at Ballard High School in Huxley. Just Like Caitlin tells the story of how Clark's skill, accomplishments, and personality brought greater attention to women's basketball. Per Hawk Central, the book also teaches kids how losing is part of the game, and a positive mental attitude and the pursuit of your dreams remains important even in the face of adversity:

Caitlin Clark’s love of the game of basketball is contagious. Her talent, spirit, and confidence brought a new level of national attention to the sport of basketball. As her fame spread, she quickly became a role model for young boys and girls everywhere to dream big and play with passion. But losing is part of basketball, and learning to lose well is an important part of staying positive and not giving up on your dreams. - per Just Like Caitlin's website

Obermeier truly seems more concerned with inspiring the next generation as opposed to making money off of the book. Last month, Obermeier and her parents donated 40,000 copies of Just Like Caitlin to schools all across Iowa. With 40,000 books donated, that's enough for every second grader in the entire Hawkeye state!

The story itself adopts the framework of a gentle grandfather telling his basketball-obsessed granddaughter the story of Caitlin Clark. It's a device very reminiscent of The Princess Bride. But as anyone who has been paying attention to Clark's dominance as an Iowa Hawkeye and continued success as a member of the Indiana Fever, this story is no fairytale.

Learn more about Just Like Caitlin and get your copy on the book's official website. You can also take a look at limited edition Caitlin Clark basketballs, which are available just in time for the holiday season!