From an Idea to Nike Book review

Book Review
From an Idea to Nike: How Marketing Made Nike a Global Success
Written by Lowey Bundy Sichol
Illustrated by C. S. Jennings
Published February 12, 2019

Why I chose this book:
I find that middle-grade non-fiction is quite enlightening. You get enough information to understand a topic, and you get it quickly. When a review copy was offered in exchange for an honest review, I was quick to accept.

Review

As the title indicates, From an Idea to Nike lays out how the Nike company developed. Non-spoiler alert: It's named after the Greek goddess of victory.

Short chapters, appealing graphics, and fun fact inserts combine to make an appealing read for middle graders, while vocabulary definitions in the margins aid quick comprehension. Readers are introduced to Phil Knight, the entrepreneur who is responsible for the creation of Nike. He was a young athlete who conceived of a new running shoe as part of a business class. This biography/business history follows Knight as he travels to Japan, becomes a seller of Tiger shoes, breaks with Tiger, and forms Nike in partnership with his former track coach. In addition to the history, the basics of marketing are outlined, from the difference between sales and profit to the advantages and disadvantages of endorsement deals. Nike fans will likely also enjoy learning the history behind the Air Jordans and the Just do it! campaign. A timeline of Nike and its top endorsement deals are included in the back matter.

A fast and informative read, From an Idea to Nike would be a great fit for middle-graders who are interested in Nike, biographies, business, and pop culture. Even kids marginally interested in any of these topics will likely find the book to be accessible and engaging.