"The perfect book to help you inspire your kids and grandkids... while re-inspiring yourself!"  - Rick "Shaq" Goldstein, author of 669 reviews for Amazon "Novosel's autobiographical narrative of self-determination inspires and delights, in large part because it isn't a lofty tale of grandiose achievement but a humble one; he merely wants, and earns, a chance to show what he's got."  -  Publisher's Weekly Based on actual events, FIELDHOUSE is a story of embracing adversity through challenges, teamwork, perseverance, grit, determination, and a positive attitude! Fieldhouse follows Scotty Novosel on his journey to play basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks. What he lacks in size he makes up for in heart, but countless obstacles and a devastating setback push his dream further and further out of reach... With incredible persistence, positive energy, and help from a cast of endearing characters, Scotty discovers just what it takes to transform vision into reality! Find out why parents, teachers, librarians, parents, and grandparents are declaring FIELDHOUSE a "MUST READ! Scott Novosel may not be the best player and may never be a star, but he works ceaselessly year after year to earn a spot on the basketball team that he has idolized since childhood: the Kansas University Jayhawks. Along the way, he battles injuries, others disbelief, and his own doubts and mistakes. Novosel's autobiographical narrative of self-determination inspires and delights, in large part because it isn't a lofty tale of grandiose achievement but a humble one; he merely wants, and earns, a chance to show what he s got. Sharpe's skillful cartooning subtly evokes mood changes and facial expressions, though with little exposition to ground readers, it can be difficult to keep some characters straight. Rendered in a bright palette featuring plenty of KU crimson and blue, the art is consistently attention-grabbing, especially in fast-moving action sequences during basketball games and training sessions. The depiction of Scott himself who looks like a 12-year-old boy throughout, even though he is in his early 20's by story's end is somewhat jarring, but readers nursing their own athletic dreams should find Novosel s hard-won victory more than satisfying. Ages 8 up. --Publisher's Weekly At first glance, Fieldhouse, by Scott Novosel appears to be a basketball story. And it is a story about basketball. After three tryouts as a walk-on player with the Kansas Jayhawks, Novosel finally succeeds in his senior year. He plays fifteen games for Coach Roy Williams and alongside future NBA players. It's also more than a basketball story. It s an underdog story. In the three years prior to Novosel making the team, no walk-on had been selected. His perseverance and dogged pursuit of his dream actually pays off. But even more than a basketball story, and an underdog story, it's really about all the people who helped make Novosel's dream come true. The book is filled with fun and interesting characters, and they are my favorite part of it; cheering Novosel on even when his dream seems crazy and unobtainable. His parents, for example, worry that young Novosel is setting his sights too high, but agree they prefer that to him setting them too low. Fellow players help him train so they can benefit from his positive attitude, Phog Allen's son makes several appearances, and his brothers both do their best to help. Great for all ages, and not just for sports fans. --JoCo Library Fieldhouse is the story of overcoming adversity, making friends, and following your dreams! Scott tells a compelling story of his journey to the floor of the Allen Fieldhouse, and Sam Sharpe puts the story into beautiful comic form. --Radiator Comics "As entertaining as it is inspiring, Fieldhouse is full of positive energy!" --Bill Self, NCAA Champion Head Coach "Scott Novosel brings to life the magic of Allen Fieldhouse and Kansas Basketball. Dreams do come true!" --Danny Manning, NCAA Champion/Legend "Fieldhouse is a magical little story about a young person refusing to give up on his dreams. You never know how things will work out in the end, the important thing is to just keep trying and believing." -- New York Times bestselling author Joe Posnanski Scott Novosel, former basketball player for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, where he earned a master's degree in Sport Psychology, has always had a wholehearted desire to inspire others to bring out the best in themselves. It has been a common theme during his time in Kansas, Japan, and Chicago. From Kansas basketball to rapping in Japanese in Tokyo, to certified personal training in Chicago, and now on his current speaking/book tour, Scott "energizes" others with the motivation and the tools to help them succeed in achieving their ultimate dreams. Sam Sharpe is the co-creator of the Eisner and Ignatz Award nominated comic series Viewotron. His comics have been featured in Best American Comics and The New Yorker online. Sam is a