Chris Paul Stands Tall for Kids

As a kid, New Orleans Hornets' star Chris Paul seemed more suited to be a horse jockey than a basketball player, but the 4-foot-1 baller tried out for the team anyway. Both in grade school and in high school, Paul had to put up with lots of short jokes, but looks who's laughing now. The 2008 MVP runner-up is now arguably the best point guard in the league.

Paul has now immortalized his feelings and story in a new autobiographical children's book titled "Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream." The book openly talks about all his fears and apprehension in trying to pursue the sport he loved and how he turned those emotions into a driving force that made him one of the greats. As it's about his life, the book features several characters taken from his family, all of whom have been brilliantly illustrated by artist Frank Morrison.

One such character is his grandfather, Papa Chilly, to whom the book is dedicated. Many years ago, Paul discovered that a teen gang had beaten his grandfather to death outside his home the night before a big high school game. Paul asked if he should still play, and his aunt told him to go score a point for each year in Papa Chilly's 61-year life. Even though his coach wanted him to sit out, Paul started the game and racked up all 61 points before walking to the bench and collapsing. The future star won one for gramps.

The star debuted the book recently at his fourth annual Chris Paul charity weekend in his hometown of Winston-Salem. In addition to hosting a book reading at the local Boys and Girls Club, the star put together a bowling tournament, a dinner honoring his late college coach, a basketball game with Special Olympians, food distribution to local residents in need and other activities that raised money for local charities. Hornets coach Byron Scott and teammate Morris Peterson joined him for the event and helped put together Hero Boxes for the troops fighting overseas.

Paul worked hard to get where he's at, but he's also happy to give back to the community that ultimately supported him. Click here to get a copy of his book.

Image by Ballblogger courtesy of Flickr.