In Brief: August 23

NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire launched his new children’s book series in (and above) New York City this week, with appearances on Good Morning America, BET’s 106 & Park, and interviews at the top of the Empire State Building, where Stoudemire is seen here. Home Court (Scholastic), the first book in the STAT: Standing Tall and Talented series, went on sale August 1. The book, which is based on Stoudemire’s childhood, follows 11-year-old Amar’e’s attempt to regain control of a local basketball court. PW’s review said the book “is as much about friendship and family as on-court action.” Photo: Empire State Building.

Writer Kristen-Paige Madonia visited Brooklyn to celebrate the release of her first book, Fingerprints of You (S&S), at an event at Leatherneck Tattoos on Sunday, August 19. Tattoos play a significant role in Fingerprints of You, in which 17-year-old Lemon, who is constantly on the move with her mother, gets pregnant after a fling with a tattoo artist. “Lemon’s memories of her peripatetic upbringing are skillfully woven throughout this thoughtful story about finding an identity and a home,” said PW’s review.

On Tuesday night, Book Revue in Huntington, N.Y., hosted a launch party for local author Patty Blount. The writer’s debut novel, Send (Sourcebooks Fire), is the story of 18-year-old Dan’s struggle to reclaim his life five years after being sent to juvenile detention for his role in the suicide of a friend. Attendees received green rubber wristbands printed with the line “It Only Takes One Click. SEND by Patty Blount,” as a reminder of how cyberbullying can start. Here, Blount (seated) is seen with a group of young fans and her editor, Aubrey Poole, at the event.