Amar’e Stoudemire talks about perseverance and tough choices in his new Scholastic book series ‘STAT.’ The professional basketball player reveals the difficulties that he encountered as a tall youth who loved to play basketball in Lake Wales, Florida and addresses his current goal of being the best that he can be on the court . Amar’e explores the triumphs and failures that accompanied him as he went from playing the game informally to becoming an NBA player.

Stoudemire loves the art of reading, and instills it in his kids. Every night the athlete reads to his 4, 6, and 7-year-old before bedtime, hoping that they will develop the love for reading that he has. “Kids need to enjoy reading and not see it as a chore,” says Amar’e. “[My book series] gives a lot of messages about the responsibility of working and doing homework and learning to be leaders with my friends and be a positive influence.”

Stoudemire’s first of three books will be called ‘Home Court,’ and will talk about his life as a middle school student. The b-ball player’s second book will be called ‘Double Team,’ and will address his quest to select the right team during the recruiting process.

Amar’e has three children with fiancee Alexis Welch. The couple plans to wed next year.

Buy: STAT: Standing Tall and Talented #1: Home Court

Photos:@Amareisreal