Caitlin Clark's childhood bedroom secret inspires new book EXTRAordinary as WNBA star reveals emotional family connection
Caitlin Clark has revealed the special childhood item that inspired her first children’s book, EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach BIG Dreams . The Indiana Fever star told PEOPLE that a mirror in her childhood bedroom in West Des Moines, Iowa, played a big part in shaping the book. Clark says the mirror still holds a special place in her life, and she hopes to pass it down to one of her children someday.
Caitlin Clark’s childhood bedroom mirror inspired her new book EXTRAordinary!Clark’s parents, Brent and Anne, had the mirror made for her before she was born, and it has remained in the same bedroom ever since. Even after she moved away to attend the University of Iowa, her parents kept it in their home. Whenever Clark visits them, she still spends time in her old room and looks at the mirror that has been part of her life since childhood.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Clark explained why the item means so much to her and how it became the inspiration for her debut children’s book, released on November 3.
“It’s a super personal thing for me. My parents still have it up there. They still live in the same house, so a lot of it speaks to my story and the way I was raised.”
The mirror has a hand-painted message at the top that reads, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little EXTRA.” Its sides are decorated with several short messages, including “Know Love,” “Celebrate,” “Cherish Family,” “Eat Chocolate,” “Believe and Pray,” “Smile,” “Learn Lots,” “Watch Sunsets,” “Set Goals,” “Spa Day” and “Show Courage.”
These words were more than just decorations for Clark. They were daily reminders of the things she should value while growing up. She also has a funny connection to one particular message, as her parents seemed to know about her love for sweets long before it became clear.
“It was a mirror I looked in every single day, and it’s just always been a great reminder,” Clark said.
Talking about the message encouraging her to eat chocolate, she added that her parents’ prediction about her sweet tooth had turned out to be true.
“I have the biggest sweet tooth in the world, so maybe the mirror played into that a little bit.”
For Clark, the mirror reflects the lessons her parents wanted her to carry through life. She also hopes to keep it in the family for years to come.
Caitlin Clark shares family traditions behind EXTRAordinary! and her love for readingThe basketball star told PEOPLE that she wants to hold on to the mirror for the rest of her life and possibly give it to her children when they are older.
“Maybe pass along to one of my kids one day,” Clark said.
Her new book also shares parts of her journey in basketball and the values she learned at home. Clark believes that small efforts and the support of loved ones can make a big difference when someone is working toward a dream.
Her interest in books also started at home. Clark’s mother, Anne, studied English in college and always encouraged her children to read. The family even had a Christmas Eve tradition in which Clark and her brothers received a book chosen by their parents.
Each book came with a personal note written by their mother. Clark still goes back to read those messages, especially when she wants to look back at her childhood and the people who helped her through difficult times.
She now hopes to carry that tradition forward when gifting her own book to friends this Christmas. Clark told PEOPLE that she may write a personal note inside each copy, just as her mother did for her and her brothers.
Caitlin Clark’s childhood bedroom mirror inspired her new book EXTRAordinary!Clark’s parents, Brent and Anne, had the mirror made for her before she was born, and it has remained in the same bedroom ever since. Even after she moved away to attend the University of Iowa, her parents kept it in their home. Whenever Clark visits them, she still spends time in her old room and looks at the mirror that has been part of her life since childhood.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Clark explained why the item means so much to her and how it became the inspiration for her debut children’s book, released on November 3.
“It’s a super personal thing for me. My parents still have it up there. They still live in the same house, so a lot of it speaks to my story and the way I was raised.”
The mirror has a hand-painted message at the top that reads, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little EXTRA.” Its sides are decorated with several short messages, including “Know Love,” “Celebrate,” “Cherish Family,” “Eat Chocolate,” “Believe and Pray,” “Smile,” “Learn Lots,” “Watch Sunsets,” “Set Goals,” “Spa Day” and “Show Courage.”
These words were more than just decorations for Clark. They were daily reminders of the things she should value while growing up. She also has a funny connection to one particular message, as her parents seemed to know about her love for sweets long before it became clear.
“It was a mirror I looked in every single day, and it’s just always been a great reminder,” Clark said.
Talking about the message encouraging her to eat chocolate, she added that her parents’ prediction about her sweet tooth had turned out to be true.
“I have the biggest sweet tooth in the world, so maybe the mirror played into that a little bit.”
For Clark, the mirror reflects the lessons her parents wanted her to carry through life. She also hopes to keep it in the family for years to come.
Caitlin Clark shares family traditions behind EXTRAordinary! and her love for readingThe basketball star told PEOPLE that she wants to hold on to the mirror for the rest of her life and possibly give it to her children when they are older.
“Maybe pass along to one of my kids one day,” Clark said.
Her new book also shares parts of her journey in basketball and the values she learned at home. Clark believes that small efforts and the support of loved ones can make a big difference when someone is working toward a dream.
Her interest in books also started at home. Clark’s mother, Anne, studied English in college and always encouraged her children to read. The family even had a Christmas Eve tradition in which Clark and her brothers received a book chosen by their parents.
Each book came with a personal note written by their mother. Clark still goes back to read those messages, especially when she wants to look back at her childhood and the people who helped her through difficult times.
She now hopes to carry that tradition forward when gifting her own book to friends this Christmas. Clark told PEOPLE that she may write a personal note inside each copy, just as her mother did for her and her brothers.
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