Is Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player to step onto the court? Or can King James ascend to the NBA throne? Which was more valuable to the team, Shaqs power or Tim Duncans finesse? Who has the sweeter three-point stroke, Ray Allen or Stephen Curry? See how the players match up in this side-by-side look at basketballs stars.  Produced in partnership with Sports Illustrated KIDS. Gr 5-8-These appealing, well-crafted books compare great players, usually superstars of the past, with current athletes. Each figure is described through a key game or statistic, along with high points of his overall career; lifetime stats and a color photo are also provided. Basketball's match-ups include two notable rivalries: 1980s superstars Larry Bird vs. Earvin "Magic" Johnson and current rivals Kevin Durant vs. Carmelo Anthony. Baseball compares the best batters, fielders, and pitchers, along with home-run champs Babe Ruth vs. Hank Aaron. Each book concludes with "Coach's/Manager's Call," where the author weighs in with his opinion in each match-up. For instance, in comparing Ruth and Aaron, the author opts for Aaron. Each book finishes with three "Critical Thinking Using the Common Core" questions, which encourage readers to draw their own conclusions and support them with evidence from the text. Strong, attractive selections.α(c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. ...a great book to learn the strengths and weaknesses of each of these great players.-- "San Francisco Book Review" These appealing, well-crafted books compare great players, usually superstars of the past, with current athletes. . . .Each book finishes with three "Critical Thinking Using the Common Core" questions, which encourage readers to draw their own conclusions and support them with evidence from the text. Strong, attractive selections.-- "School Library Journal" Chris Forest has been an author for nearly 20 years. He has written numerous newspaper articles, educational workbooks, and nonfiction books for audiences of all ages.