New York Knicks captain Amar'e Stoudemire has inked a deal with Scholastic to improve the reading skills of middle grade students.

The Hip-Hop label boss/six-time NBA All-Star will publish a new children's series title "STAT: Standing Tall and Talented," which will be based on the life of Stoudemire and the obstacles he has had to overcome in his life.

"I am excited to create my book series with Scholastic," Amar'e Stoudemire told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "They are the best in the business so I trust them with my stories. I decided to write for children because although I am an avid reader now, I wish I had read more as a child. I hope that together with Scholastic, we can creatively inspire a new generation to read."

The first book in the "STAT" series is titled "STAT #1: Home Court."

The book centers around an 11-year-old Stoudemire, who play sports with his friends and helps out with his dad's landscaping company.

But when he encounters a group of older boys bullying his friends on the basketball court, he must use his athletic ability and intellect to reach a resolution.

"Amar'e Stoudemire is a NBA megastar and a New York hero. He is passionate about reading and education and we are proud to partner with him to publish a new chapter book series that will inspire more kids to embrace reading through Amar'e's story," said Debra Dorfman, Vice President Publisher for Paperbacks, Non-fiction and Licensing, from Scholastic.

"STAT #1: Home Court" is due in stores in August of 2012.

The next two books in the series will be released in October of 2012 and January of 2013.

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