John Franco Hardcover - 1996

From the publisher

Perseverance, courage, and the personal will to succeed are the qualities that bind the athletes profiled in this new series of authorized sports biographies for children. Each athlete, through life experience on and off the field, has a unique lesson in determination and character that will inspire young readers in their own lives -- from major league pitcher Jim Abbott, conquering a birth defect that left him with just one hand to the extraordinary cross-culture leap of Dikembe Mutombo, who came to the United States from Zaire with the dream of playing professional basketball. All of the athletes -- ranging from auto racer Lyn St. James to San Francisco 49ers Steve Young -- come to life in a plentiful assortment of action, portrait, and full-color photos that follow them from childhood to the playing fields and arenas of their greatest accomplishments.
-- High interest subjects encourage independent reading and promote growth in literacy skills.-- Chronological format makes it easy for young readers to grasp the sequence of information.
-- Table of Contents and Index organize information for quick retrieval.-- Illustrated timeline reinforces valuable lessons and information.
-- Glossary clarifies key vocabulary.

This culturally diverse series of biographies will be sought out by even the most reluctant reader because athletic heroes have a unique level of acceptance among youngsters. Each of the athletes portrayed in the series has over-come personal obstacles to provide a rich, character-building lesson in persistence, perseverance, spirit, and courage that youngsters can apply to their own lives. These books repeatedly reinforce such qualities as self-esteem,moral courage, and strength of mind through the athletes' personal struggles and challenges.