What is Dennis Rodman's best book to start with?

You should start with Bad as I Wanna Be (1996), which is his most famous and culturally significant memoir, capturing his peak years with the Chicago Bulls.

Did Dennis Rodman write a children's book?

Yes, he wrote a rhyming children's picture book titled Dennis the Wild Bull , which was illustrated by Dan Monroe and published in 2013.

Who helped Dennis Rodman write his books?

All of Rodman's memoirs were written with co-authors, including sports journalists and biographers such as Pat Rich , Tim Keown , Michael Silver , and Jack Isenhour .

Why do some sources list 'Dennis the Wild Bull' as published in 2021?

The book was originally released in 2013. The 2021 date in some catalogs refers to a digital or print reissue, not a new book.

Can Dennis Rodman's books be read out of order?

Yes, each memoir functions as a standalone look at a specific era of his life. However, reading them in publication order shows his complete journey from childhood to NBA stardom and retirement.

Dennis Rodman Books in Order

How to Start Reading Dennis Rodman's Books

If you want to dive into the wild, unfiltered, and deeply human story of Dennis "The Worm" Rodman, the best starting point is undoubtedly his breakout 1996 memoir, Bad as I Wanna Be. Written during the height of his Chicago Bulls fame with co-author Tim Keown, this book is a cultural touchstone that perfectly captures the rebellious, neon-haired persona that redefined sports marketing and athlete self-expression in the 1990s. It is raw, fast-paced, and serves as the perfect entry point into his mindset.

For readers who want a complete, chronological understanding of his life from the very beginning, starting with his lesser-known 1994 autobiography, Rebound: The Dennis Rodman Story, is the alternative path. This book focuses on his childhood struggles, his late growth spurt, and his formative years in Oklahoma. However, if you are looking for the classic, unapologetic Rodman style, go with Bad as I Wanna Be first, then circle back to Rebound for the prequel context, and continue forward through his later memoirs.

Dennis Rodman Books in Publication Order

While Dennis Rodman's bibliographies are sometimes disorganized due to various reprints, his core writing career is divided into his adult non-fiction memoirs and a singular children's picture book. Here is the chronological publication sequence of his works:

The Memoirs and Autobiography

Rebound: The Dennis Rodman Story (1994) – Co-authored with Pat Rich and Alan Steinberg. This book focuses heavily on his early life, his struggles with poverty in Trenton, and his life-changing relationship with the Rich family in Oklahoma.
Bad as I Wanna Be (1996) – Co-authored with Tim Keown. The mega-bestseller that details his rise to NBA superstardom, his time with the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, and his thoughts on fame, race, and the league.
Walk on the Wild Side (1997) – Co-authored with Michael Silver. A follow-up that leans heavily into his eccentric lifestyle, pop culture status, and personal philosophy on individuality.
I Should Be Dead by Now (2005) – Co-authored with Jack Isenhour. A retrospective look at his life post-NBA, detailing his struggles with addiction, near-death experiences, and his survival instincts.

Children's Books

Dennis the Wild Bull (2013) – Co-authored with Dustin Warburton and illustrated by Dan Monroe. A children's book written in rhyme that uses a misunderstood bull to teach kids about acceptance and self-esteem. Note that some online databases list a publication date of 2021, which refers to a later reprint or digital edition.

Chronological Reading Order vs. Publication Order

Because Dennis Rodman's books are autobiographical, they naturally form a chronological sequence of his life. Reading them in order of the events they cover allows you to witness his evolution from a shy, insecure kid to a global pop-culture icon, and finally to a soberer veteran looking back on his wild youth.

Rebound: The Dennis Rodman Story (Covers his youth, Oklahoma years, and early NBA days up to approximately 1994)
Bad as I Wanna Be (Covers his rise, the "Bad Boys" era with Detroit, his transition to the Spurs, and the beginning of his legendary run with the Chicago Bulls up to 1996)
Walk on the Wild Side (Covers his late 90s peak, WCW wrestling appearances, and his philosophy on fame and identity)
I Should Be Dead by Now (Covers his post-basketball career, his personal battles, and his reflection on surviving his own wildest eras)

Deep Dive: The Books Explained

Rebound: The Dennis Rodman Story (1994)

Unlike his later books, which are famous for their sensationalist style and bold typography, Rebound is a relatively traditional and intimate sports biography. It details his upbringing in Trenton, New Jersey, his experiences with homelessness, and his sudden growth spurt that took him from a 5-foot-6 high schooler to a 6-foot-7 collegiate player. The emotional core of the book is his bond with the Rich family, who took him in and supported his basketball dreams at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. It is a vital read for anyone wanting to understand the quiet, vulnerable youth behind the public persona.

Bad as I Wanna Be (1996)

This is the book that shocked the sports world. Featuring unique formatting with changing font weights and sizes to emphasize his speech patterns, Bad as I Wanna Be spent 20 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. In it, Rodman holds nothing back. He discusses his suicide attempt in a Detroit parking lot, his high-profile relationship with Madonna, his criticisms of NBA commissioner David Stern, and his refusal to conform to the league's clean-cut image. It is the definitive text of his career.

Walk on the Wild Side (1997)

Capitalizing on the massive success of his previous book, Walk on the Wild Side is a lighter, more episodic look at Rodman's lifestyle. He talks about his cross-dressing, his entry into professional wrestling alongside Hulk Hogan in WCW, and his views on sexuality, race, and pop culture. While it has less biographical weight than Bad as I Wanna Be, it remains a fascinating time capsule of late-90s celebrity culture.

I Should Be Dead by Now (2005)

Published years after his retirement from the NBA, this memoir is a darker, more introspective work. Rodman discusses the reality of life after the cheering stops, his battles with alcohol dependency, and his brushes with death. Co-written with Jack Isenhour, it provides a sobering counterweight to the celebratory excess of his 90s memoirs and highlights his resilience and survival against the odds.

Dennis the Wild Bull (2013)

This picture book marks Rodman's unexpected transition into children's literature. The protagonist, Dennis, is a bull who looks different from the others—complete with a nose ring and colorful hair—and is captured and forced into a rodeo. Through the story, Dennis shows the other bulls that he is friendly and that differences should be celebrated. It serves as a gentle, rhyming metaphor for Rodman's own life and his desire to teach children that it is okay to stand out.

What to Know Before You Start

When picking up a Dennis Rodman book, it is important to understand the role of his co-authors. Rodman worked closely with experienced sports journalists and writers to shape his raw thoughts into cohesive narratives. Tim Keown, Michael Silver, and Jack Isenhour deserve significant credit for capturing Rodman's distinct, conversational voice on the page. Expect a reading experience that feels like Rodman is talking directly to you, complete with colloquial language, unfiltered thoughts, and emotional honesty. Standalone readers can easily enjoy any of these memoirs, but reading them in sequence offers a surprisingly cohesive look at one of modern sports' most complex figures.