Yavneh Academy of Paramus invited coach Bobby Kaplan, author of the children’s book “Hoopsters: Don’t Be a Bully” to address 90 fifth-grade students. Yavneh, like other elementary schools in the Bergen County area, has integrated Kaplan’s second book into its anti-bullying curriculum.

Kaplan took the students on a journey of how a book is developed and published. He also reviewed important bullying issues and possible solutions. “Hoopsters: Don’t Be a Bully” is up for two national children’s book awards and is the first in a planned series of books to help kids deal with contemporary situations. Kaplan is also the author of the award-winning publication, “BBall Basics for Kids.”

The book is a step-by step handbook featuring Hoops, a playful, basketball-loving cartoon friend, who shows kids of all ages important skills and the right way to play the game.

Prior to ending the sessions at Yavneh, Coach K entertained questions from the students. He also asked the group for their suggestions for topics for his next book. Teamwork and fitness/nutrition were the main themes suggested.

Coach Kaplan is the athletic director for The Torah Academy of Bergen County (TABC), and has been coaching elementary, middle and high school students for more than 40 years. His teams have played and won numerous championships before New York Knicks games at Madison Square Garden and, previously, before New Jersey Nets games at the Izod Center. He has also owned and directed The Israel Basketball Academy (IBA) summer camp in New York State and Israel.