LeBron James is releasing a children’s book called “I Promise,” named after the school that he opened in Akron, Ohio, in 2018. The book will be released on Aug. 11 of this year.
He also has a novel for middle-grade students that will be out in the summer of 2021.
The pages are illustrated by the New York Times bestselling artist Nina Mata, and the words are supposed to provide children with inspiration to reach their ultimate potential by acting or speaking up when necessary.
The books are also inspired by the principles the I Promise School is based on.
“I promise to use my voice and stand up for what’s right and when things get tough to keep up the fight,” reads one of the pages.
In a press statement, James said it was important for the children who read the books to see themselves reflected in the pages. He also explained why releasing the books are so important to him.
“Books have the ability to teach, inspire and bring people together,” said James. “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,” he added. “‘I PROMISE’ is powerful in that way, and I can’t wait for people to read it.”
It was also announced that James’ Lebron James Foundation signed a two-book deal with the publishers HarperCollins, which adds to his already lengthy portfolio.
Since the I Promise school has been opened, James has done plenty for the students, as well as their families.
In November it was announced the Los Angeles Lakers star partnered with Graduate Hotels’ CEO Ben Weprin and bought a historic building in Akron to provide children and their parents with temporary housing.
The building, which has 20 renovated units, is called I Promise Village, and it’s within walking distance of the school.
Plus, earlier this month, it was revealed that I Promise’s inaugural class will get full scholarships to Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
