Learn More About The Series
The Too-Tall Foyle children’s book series is more than a fun story about a boy learning to play basketball. It’s a deeply personal reflection of Adonal’s own journey—growing up tall, different, and unsure of where he belonged.
Like the character in the books, young Adonal didn’t always feel confident. He struggled to fit in and wondered what his unique traits meant for his future. But with encouragement, practice, and community, he found his game—on and off the court.
Too-Tall Foyle’s stories are inspired by real moments from Adonal’s childhood:
Feeling awkward in a body that stood out from his peers
Struggling to find a passion or a path
Learning that failure is part of growing
Discovering that being different can become your superpower
Authors
Adonal Foyle
Adonal Foyle is more than the author behind the Too-Tall Foyle series—he’s the heart of the story itself. From a small Caribbean island to the NBA, from studying under the glow of a kerosene lamp to mentoring future leaders, Adonal has dedicated his life to helping young people believe in themselves and follow their dreams. A magna cum laude graduate of Colgate University with a B.A. in History, he later earned a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and an MBA from Purdue. Off the court, Adonal has dedicated himself to empowering others through his nonprofits—Democracy Matters and the Kerosene Lamp Foundation—and through his writing, which spans children’s literature, financial and leadership guides, and poetry, all reflecting his commitment to resilience, education, and giving back.
SHIYANA VALENTINE-WILLIAMS
Shiyana Valentine-Williams is the former Executive Director of Adonal Foyle’s Kerosene Lamp Foundation. She is passionate about KLF’s work to empower the next generation and throws her heart and soul into their youth programs. A closet writer since a young age, this is her first literary undertaking. Shiyana received a BA in History and Peace Studies from Colgate University, and an MA in International Development from American University.
TONI PAWLOWSKY
Ever since Toni was a little girl she loved to draw. She never outgrew that, and it became a passion. As a young woman, she began painting in watercolor for the pure joy of it. After receiving an Associate Degree in Commercial Art in Madison, Wisconsin, she ventured out to Colorado where she worked at a newspaper, printing company, and a design firm. Toni returned to Madison and family. My three beautiful sons are always an inspiration to me and I loved having children around me. Their open heartedness, innocence, and quick-to-laugh attitude with an abundance of energy, imagination and life made a wonderful world to live in. Illustrating children’s books has always been a dream of mine. When I paint for children I can visit that world again. See more of Toni’s work
Too-Tall Foyle Finds His Game
Discovering Confidence by Trying Something New
Too-Tall Foyle doesn’t feel like he fits in. He’s taller than the other kids, a little shy, and unsure of what he’s good at—until the day he’s introduced to basketball. With determination, encouragement, and lots of practice, he finds not just a game he loves, but a way to feel proud of who he is.
Inspired by Adonal Foyle’s real-life discovery of basketball on the island of Canouan, this is the heartwarming origin story that starts the series.
Themes:
Self-confidence
Embracing your uniqueness
Trying new things
Growth mindset
Too-Tall Foyle Makes The Team
Learning What It Really Means to Belong
In this spirited sequel, Too-Tall Foyle is ready to take the next step: trying out for his school’s basketball team. But making the team isn’t as easy as he thought. He misses shots, feels discouraged, and starts to wonder if he belongs. With the support of his coach and teammates, Too-Tall learns that being a great player isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, working hard, and believing in yourself.
This story helps young readers understand resilience, sportsmanship, and the power of persistence.
Themes:
Self-confidence
Embracing your uniqueness
Trying new things
Growth mindset
Too-Tall Foyle Learns The Alphabet
An A-to-Z Adventure in Character and Confidence
In this spirited sequel, Too-Tall Foyle is ready to take the next step: trying out for his school’s basketball team. But making the team isn’t as easy as he thought. He misses shots, feels discouraged, and starts to wonder if he belongs. With the support of his coach and teammates, Too-Tall learns that being a great player isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, working hard, and believing in yourself.
This story helps young readers understand resilience, sportsmanship, and the power of persistence.
Themes:
Teamwork
Perseverance
Growth through failure
Friendship and encouragement