Deloris Jordan is Michael Jordan's mother and the coauthor of Salt in His Shoes, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, which Booklist called "inspirational;" Did I Tell You I Love You Today? , illustrated by Shane W. Evans, which was called "a tender read-aloud" by Kirkus Reviews ; and Dream Big . She is also the author of Family First: Winning the Parenting Game , a book highlighting the seven principles of parenting. Through her work with the James Jordan Foundation in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the Jordan Institute for Families at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mrs. Jordan is widely regarded as an advocate for children and families. The mother of five children and the grandmother of eleven, Mrs. Jordan lives in Chicago. Barry Root is the illustrator of many books for children, including Gumbrella, which he also wrote; Dream Big ; By My Brother's Side ; and Game Day , which received a Christopher Award in the category of books for young people.

He lives with his family in Quarryville, Pennsylvania.