Review: Live Your Dream

Live Your Dream: The Story of a Jewish Basketball All-Star

by Tamir Goodman, illustrated by Jim Madsen

PJ Publishing, 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Suzanne Grossman

Buy at Amazon.com

Written by Tamir Goodman himself, this is the story of a real Jewish basketball hero. Tamir struggled to read all the way through high school until he was finally diagnosed with dyslexia. Despite this, he was able to master basketball, understanding what was happening on the court instantly and developing expert skills. As he had more success in the game, his father constantly reminded him to stay humble. Endless practice, teamwork, and always being respectful of the referee increased his outstanding performance. He became famous worldwide, but passed up many opportunities by always putting Shabbat observance first. Choosing Team Maccabee Tel Aviv’s offer of a spot, he could live fully as a Jew and a professional basketball player. 

Tamir suffered many injuries while playing and was disappointed to leave the game. Remembering how he always found a way to succeed in school in spite of his learning issues he switched track, and now coaches young Israelis in the game. Tamir inspires Jewish youngsters to never give up, to find their own way and choose the life they live. Digital art enhances the story as we watch Tamir change from a young boy to an adult. Backmatter, a glossary, and information on some of his inventions for basketball add to the book.

On every page we can see how Tamir’s Jewish observance is his priority. We see him praying with tefillin. He wears a kippah all the time, even to sleep! His family celebrates Shabbat every Friday night and he attended Jewish day schools until his last year of high school. Interestingly, he switched to a Seventh Day Adventist school, which also observes the Sabbath from Friday night through Saturday, to accommodate the huge number of fans who came to watch him play. And he passed up opportunities to attend universities where he wouldn’t have been able to observe Shabbat while being on the basketball team, choosing to attend a college where he wouldn’t have to play on Shabbat. We have here a book to open up discussion about the power of standing up for our choices and right to live an observant Jewish life publicly, a powerful message in this dangerous time for Jews around the world.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN REVIEWING BOOKS FOR THE SYDNEY TAYLOR SHMOOZE? CLICK HERE

 

Reviewer Suzanne Grossman is happily retired after 30 years as a children’s library media specialist. She had the opportunity to share books, tell stories, and encourage the joy of reading with thousands of children. The moment when a child enters a story, experiences life as a character does and walks through the setting the author has created is magical. She is honored to have the opportunity to be part of the Sydney Taylor Shmooze, working to bring the best of the newest Jewish children’s literature into the lives of young readers. Having the gift of time, she now enjoys writing picture books and sharing them with children. Happy reading everyone!