Mo'ne Davis did what most people thought couldn't be done. She dominated like no girl had done before, showing that girls could beat boys at their own Little League baseball game. At 13 years old, during a spectacular month in August 2014, Mo'ne became the most famous baseball player in the nation. She threw fastballs to rival the form of major league pitchers. She showed maturity and poise beyond her years. And perhaps the most amazing thing is, baseball is probably not her best sport. You might someday see her playing professional basketball. When it comes to Mo'ne Davis, all things are possible.
He was a man who fought like no other inside the ring, yet outside the ring he fought for peace. "The Louisville Lip" went on to become a three-time champion, beating some of boxing's greatest fighters, including Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He stunned the world when he beat Sonny Liston for the title. He stunned the world even more when he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He was stripped of his title and banned from boxing for refusing to join the military because of his religious beliefs, then returned to become one of the most famous athletes in history. Not even Parkinson's disease could stop him. A fighter, poet, civil rights leader, humanitarian, and more, Ali remains, in his own words, the king of the world.
Why do people climb Mount Everest? It is one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. Mountain climber George Mallory once said, "Because it's there." People climb Mount Everest for different reasons. Many of them want the thrill of standing on top of the world. Some want the fame it may bring them. For others, it is the final obstacle in a sort of competition. More than a few don't know why, they just know they want to reach the summit - even if it means putting their lives at risk. This is the story of these climbers and the mountain that beckons them.
Just 150 years ago, many people refused to believe that snow could be found near the equator in Africa. Today, the white peak of Kilimanjaro is recognizable to people around the world. Its three volcanic peaks tower above the surrounding grasslands, forming the largest mountain in Africa. Each year, more than 35,000 people challenge themselves to climb Kilimanjaro. They hope to stand on the glacier-capped summit, far above the clouds, and know they have persevered. In these pages, explore the natural and human history of this great mountain, and discover what it takes to reach the top.
Mount Fuji is the centerpiece of Japan's topography and its highest peak. It rises up out of the earth like an upside-down ice cream cone with its point sticking high up into the sky. For centuries, the sheer size of Mount Fuji has encouraged adventure seekers to scale its peaks. Today, thousands make the trek to the mountain's summit each year during the summer season. Mount Fuji isn't a peaceful giant, though. It is an active volcano and could erupt at any time. Scientists keep an eye on the seismic (earthquake) activity around Mount Fuji to make sure the people who live and visit there are kept safe.
Welcome to K2, the Savage Mountain-one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. For more than a century, climbers have trekked thousands of miles just to climb to the top of K2. Some have brought extra oxygen, while others have sent hundreds of porters ahead of them to put out lead ropes. Some have reached the top and survived; others have given their lives in the attempt. In this book, you will meet these climbers, including the mother who made it all the way to the peak, but not the trip down, and the man whose strength and sheer determination saved his team from certain death. Find out about what it is like to climb K2 and the people who cannot wait to reach "The Top of the World."
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, also known as "RG3," is not Superman, although he sometimes wears Superman socks. He has become one of the nation's most popular athletes. He set Texas state track records in high school when he wasn't dominating in football. Griffin won the Heisman Trophy while at Baylor University. He became the NFL's no. 2 overall draft pick by Washington, then won NFL offensive rookie of the year honors. In his spare time, Griffin does things for those less fortunate. He is a superstar in every sense of the word.
Fifteen-year-old Zack finds a homemade CD with the word Famous written on it. Lonely and bored while suspended from school, he puts the CD on and loses himself in the music. Zack has sound-color synesthesia. He sees colors when he hears music, and the music on the Famous CD causes incredible patterns of color for him. Zach becomes obsessed with the girl on the CD and tries to find her. He tracks down the singer, Jolene, in a café where she works while she dreams of the big time. He convinces her to let him help her achieve her dreams, but soon discovers that in her quest for fame, Jolene has done a lot of damage. Stuff We All Get is a gentle critique of celebrity culture in North America.
American champion downhill skier Lindsey Vonn has won four World Cup titles as well as gold and silver in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. This intriguing book follows Lindsey's life and career from the very beginning through a variety of sports-related injuries and ultimately to the fulfillment of her dream. After her Olympic win, Lindsey became a fan favorite, appearing on talk shows and signing a number of product endorsement contracts. All eyes are on Lindsey now as she trains for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Sidney Crosby skated into the limelight from the very start of his hockey career. In only his second season playing in the NHL, Sid the Kid became the youngest player ever to get over 100 points in a season. This book follows his amazing life story, from boyhood games on the ponds of Nova Scotia to captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Stanley Cup in 2008. Crosby remained a league leader until the 2010-2011 season when he suffered a concussiona head injury that still has consequences for him today.
One of the greatest point guards in the game of basketball, Steve Nash beat the odds at six feet, three inches to excel in a sport dominated by six-foot, seven-inch players. Born in South Africa, Steve grew up in Canada and was drafted to play in the NBA in the United States. This interesting biography follows his career from the Phoenix Suns to the Dallas Mavericks, then back to Phoenix. Fans will also get a glimpse into Steve's years growing up and his selfless attitude both on and off the court, including his generous work with charities around the globe.
Shephen Farrelly is better known to fans of the WWE as Sheamus, a Celtic warrior who became the first Irish WWE champion. Born and raised in Ireland, Stephen grew up playing a lot of sports. His father was an amateur bodybuilder and he followed in his path. His career in professional wrestling, however, almost had an early finish when a neck injury sidelined him for two years. But he came roaring back and the rest is history. This interesting biography follows his career in the WWE, as well as his several acting roles. Fans will also get a glimpse into Stephen's years growing up, his rise to fame, and his plans for the future.
Since entering the world of professional basketball as first pick in the 2003 NBA draft, LeBron James has become one of the most acclaimed players in NBA history. His many titles include eight-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA most valuable player, and Olympic gold medalist. In 2012, James led the Miami Heat to the NBA title, and was voted Finals MVP. This high-energy title provides a close-up look at LeBron King James' life on, and off, the court.
Not only is John Cena a world championship-winning superstar of the WWE, he is also an actor who has starred in a number of movies and a rapper who has realeased his own album. A gifted athlete, John trained hard to play football throughout his college years. After that, his athletic fitness led him to bodybuilding and, ultimately, to professional wrestling. This interesting biography follows his career in the WWE and his move into acting. Fans will also get a glimpse into John's years growing up, his rise to fame, and his plans for the future.
Being born in the football-crazy state of Texas, Drew Brees couldn't help but become a football star. This superstar quarterback for the New Orleans Saints has legions of fans, not only because of his athletic career, but because he has star quality. In a gesture of support, he signed with the Saints after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. He has helped the city rebuild and quietly undertakes a lot of charity work. This inspiring biography describes Drew's early years, his rise in football, and how he overcame a potentially career-ending shoulder injury through hard work, a positive attitude, and relying on his Christian faith.
Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. Early in his life, his skills developed from those he needed to stand up to a playground bully into the championship form that earned him a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. As a professional fighter, Ali became known not just for the speed and agility with which he won three world heavyweight championships, but also for his charm, wit, and showmanship. Outside the ring, the courage of his stand against the military draft made him both a revered cultural hero and a lightning rod for the issues that divided Americans during the Vietnam War. In the decades following his boxing career, Ali has become regarded as one of the most recognized people on the planet. He has lent his name, influence, and generosity to a host of humanitarian causes. Today, having earned the affection of billions of people worldwide, the peoples champ is, as ever, The Greatest.
At a time when much of the United States was still racially segregated, Jackie Robinson smashed the color barrier to become the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. Born in 1919 to a family of sharecroppers, Robinson excelled in sports throughout his school years. After serving briefly in the army during WWII, he briefly played ball in the Negro Leagues. At about the same time, a handful of all-white Major League teams paid lip service to trying out black players. But it was when Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 that he became a part of what would be called "The Noble Experiment." Outspoken in the past when it came to racial injustice, Robinson endured racist jeers from fans and players, and even death threats, with dignity and composure. His historic feat of crossing baseball's "color line" became a symbol in the American civil rights movement in the decades that followed.
Snowboard is one of the youngest sports in the Olympics, and it was once viewed as the sport of bad boys and rebels. It might have lost some of that rowdy image, but it still has its pop pizzazz. Snowboarders do stunts with names like 540, double grab, caballerial, and burger flip. This book will explain what these tricks are and how they're done. It'll tell you where snowboarding came from and where its going. And you'll meet some of the most colorful characters you'll find in any sport.
This sport is called speed skating for a reason - blink and you'll miss all the action! Speed skaters can go as fast as a car. Although becoming a speed skater requires hard training, most of all it requires nerve. This amazing book will explain how the combination of danger and velocity makes speed skating one of the most exciting winter sports. You'll find out how it got started, you'll learn about the different competitions and races, and you'll meet some of the champions who live for speed.
The Paralympics are a series of sporting events for elite athletes with different physical abilities. This book examines the five Paralympic winter sports - alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice sledge hockey, and wheelchair curling - and the athletes who compete in them. Prepare to be inspired by their courage, skill, and dedication to their sport.
Do you have a need for speed? If you do, you'll want to read all about these Winter Olympic sliding sports. In this book, you'll learn how bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton competitors speed down steep, twisting tracks on aerodynamic sleds. You'll learn about the racers, their equipment, and the records they hold. You'll also discover that in these fast-paced sports, every second - and hundredth of a second - counts.
Alpine skiing has been an exciting Olympic sport since 1924. Racing down snow-covered slopes at breathtaking speed requires outstanding athletic skill. Freestyle skiing combines speed, agility, and precision. This introductory guide gives an overview of all the Olympic events in both sports, along with fun facts, amazing stats, and a look at some of the most outstanding competitors.
Ideal for soccer fans, this engaging book profiles the greatest soccer teams and players from around the world. From David Beckham to the U.S. women's national team, readers will love learning about their favorite teams and players. Extra features include player statistics, records, and fun facts.
This book looks at the history of soccer championships including the World and Euro Cups, and the Olympics. It also provides highlights of the players and teams to watch for at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Whether you like speeding down snowy slopes or doing jumps and other tricks, snowboarding may be the sport for you. Look inside to find out more about this fast-growing sport and how it can help you stay healthy for life.
