Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the WNBA and basketball icon, has recently shared her inspiration behind her first children’s book, titled *EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach Big Dreams*. The book, released on 3 November, draws from a cherished item in Clark’s childhood bedroom that has remained unchanged since her early years.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/caitlin-clark-book-103026-e7b8cc33051240749cffc4701fd42c42.jpg)
The mirror from her bedroom in West Des Moines, Iowa, serves as both a personal and emblematic symbol of Clark’s upbringing. “It’s a super personal thing for me,” she stated in an interview. The mirror, adorned with the hand-painted phrase at the top—“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little EXTRA”—was created for her parents before she was born. This emphasises the values that Clark embodies, reflecting the teachings she received from her family.
Surrounding the mirror are decorative designs, each carrying a motivational message accompanied by vibrant illustrations. Phrases like “Celebrate,” “Know Love,” and “Show Courage” are reminders of the qualities that Clark considers essential to a fulfilling life. Describing her sentiments, Clark mentioned, “It was a mirror I looked in every single day, and it’s just always been a great reminder.” The mirror not only resonates with her early experiences but continues to inspire her, especially during challenging moments.
Clark, who has garnered fame for her basketball talent, aims for her book to instil a sense of belief in readers—encouraging them to embrace their potential. Reflecting on the content of her memoir, she remarked, “A lot of it speaks to my story and the way I was raised, and just my journey through life, but also my basketball career as well.” The bridge between her life experiences and her sport is a significant theme threaded throughout her writing.
In addition to her love for basketball, Clark credits her parents, Brent and Anne, with fostering her passion for reading, which eventually inspired her to pen a book of her own. “My mum was an English major in college, and she’s a huge book person, so I always grew up getting books as gifts,” she revealed. This influence has shaped her literary pursuits and the narrative style found within *EXTRAordinary*.
Another cherished tradition in the Clark household revolves around books during the festive season. Every Christmas Eve, Caitlin and her siblings receive a book selected by their parents, complete with a heartfelt note from their mother. “There was always a note in there that my mum wrote to us every single year,” she explained. These notes have become a source of nostalgia for her, prompting reflections on her growth through both basketball and life’s challenges.
Looking ahead, Clark is enthusiastic about continuing this family tradition. With plans to gift copies of her book this Christmas, she might introduce a personal touch reminiscent of her mother’s notes. “I think I’ll probably take after my mum’s tradition a little bit too and just write a note to everybody,” she said. This idea highlights her commitment not only to share her message but also to create lasting connections through her words.
As she reflects on her extraordinary journey, Clark acknowledges the influence of her support network. She expressed gratitude for being surrounded by encouraging figures who continuously motivated her to strive for excellence. “I was always surrounded by really great people that always believed in me and pushed me to do really just the little extra things,” she commented, reiterating the essence of her book.
In a world where ambitions can feel out of reach, Clark’s *EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach Big Dreams* aims to serve as a beacon of inspiration for young readers, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams. As she looks back at her career and the lessons learned, she remains committed to passing on the wisdom instilled in her by her family, hoping to inspire the next generation in the same way that she was nurtured.
About the Author
