Dragon Hoops

Gene Luen Yang’s nonfiction graphic novel follows his growing interest in the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons’ 2015 basketball season. Yang begins as a high school teacher who considers himself a lifelong sports-averse nerd, but the team’s story draws him in. He speaks with the coach and becomes an increasingly devoted follower as the season unfolds. The book also turns to the lives of Coach Lou Richie, Richie’s mentor Mike Phelps, and key varsity players. Combining memoir, team history, and a sports narrative, it is illustrated by Yang and Lark Pien.