LeBron James has written a children’s book inspired by his highly acclaimed I Promise school in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, and the Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s literary debut is set for release on Aug. 11.
Appropriately titled, “I PROMISE,” the book was authored by James and illustrated by New York Times-bestselling artist Nina Mata.
A news release issued Tuesday by HarperCollins indicates the upcoming picture book is part of a two-book deal the publisher has with James.
“Books have the ability to teach, inspire and bring people together,” James said in a statement, via Cleveland.com. “That’s why these books, and the opportunity to get children and parents reading together, mean so much to me. Most importantly, we wanted to make sure these stories are ones that every single kid can see themselves in. ‘I PROMISE’ is powerful in that way and I can’t wait for people to read it.”
The book is based on the values of the LeBron James Family Foundation’s I Promise program, which center on the idea that “tomorrow’s success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today,” the publisher said.
James’ I Promise School has been an incredible success and earned widespread accolades. James’ contributions to the school elicited praise from Barack and Michelle Obama for his dedication to the education initiatives championed by the school. When James opened the school in 2018, he hailed it as “one of the greatest moments of my life.”
News last week about how the inaugural class of students who attended I Promise School were benefactors of a wonderful surprise is only the most recent evidence of the school’s ongoing and resounding success story.
Now with James’ foray into the children’s literature world, the ideals promoted by I Promise school and integral to its mission can benefit youngsters who do not attend the academic institution.
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