Bobby Kaplan, Athletic Director at the Torah Academy of Bergen County just published his second book, “Hoopsters Episode 1: Don’t Be a Bully.” This second book is the first in a series of planned “Hoopsters” books to help kids deal with contemporary situations. “Hoopsters” utilizes cartoon-like characters within a sports venue to convey its message. The central theme is to promote sound values for children while providing helpful coping skills when dealing with life’s everyday challenges and conflicts. The vivid, adorable, animated Hoops and his friends communicate to the reader in simple easy-to-read, script-like text. “Don’t Be a Bully” informs, defines and offers solutions to a most serious problem facing today’s society, and especially our youth. The backdrop is sports but the issue is universal. This book targets children ages six through 11 and is unique in that it communicates with children through an animated and interactive sports mode.

“Don’t Be a Bully” is up for three national childrens’ book awards. In addition, The Moriah School and Yeshivat Noam have incorporated the book into their anti-bullying curriculum.

Coach K’s first book, “B-ball Basics for Kids” has won two publishers’ awards and is climbing the rankings on Amazon’s book list for teenage readers. The book is a step-by-step handbook featuring “Hoops,” the playful, basketball-loving friend who shows kids of all ages important skills and the right way to play the game

Bobby Kaplan has been coaching elementary, middle and high school students for over 40 years. His teams have played and won numerous championships preceding Knicks games at Madison Square Garden and before Nets games at the Izod Center. He has also owned and directed The IBA Camp, a basketball summer camp in Israel and New York State.