Baseball fans around the world know "Big Papi." David Ortiz is one of the greatest baseball players in the world. He's broken records and won awards, and his face is seen in magazines and on television. At the same time, he's built both a family and a charitable foundation. David is living out the dreams he had when he was growing up in the Dominican Republic. Read David's story--and find out how he traveled from the Dominican Republic all the way to the Big Leagues. Discover how he came to be the Big Papi that fans adore!
Venus and Serena Williams grew up in Compton, California where they sometimes heard gunfire as they learned how to play tennis at a local playground. As teenagers, they grew into athletic women whose powerful serves often overwhelmed their opponents. In time, each sister would climb to the top rankings of international women's tennis. They have also maintained interests off the court; Venus has become a successful interior designer, while Serena has taken several acting roles and also designs women's fashions. But there have been dark days for the two sisters as well. Both have had to deal with racism, and to endure nagging injuries that have sidelined them for months. They also experienced the tragedy of a sister murdered on the streets of Compton. Venus and Serena have stayed competitive, however, and each is committed to remaining among the best players on the women's tennis tour for many more years.
In his 20 years as a NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon has established himself as one of the greatest drivers in the sports history. Jeff has won four championships and more than $100 million in his career. He ranks among the top drivers on the all-time wins list with more than 80 victories. This book details Jeffs many successes, both on and off the racetrack. It discusses how he rose to NASCAR fame, from his first BMX bike to his famous number 24 car. Along with his championship titles, Jeff has won the Daytona 500 three times and many other famed races. Off the track Jeff is involved with several charitable organizations. His achievements have amazed NASCAR fans, and he's not yet ready to slow down.
Sheryl Swoopes established herself as one of the best basketball players in the world while she was still in college at Texas Tech. In 1997 she was the first player signed to a new all-women's professional basketball league, the WNBA. During her career in the WNBA, Sheryl led her team to four championships, was voted Most Valuable Player three times, and was a perennial player in the annual All-Star game. She also earned three Olympic gold medals while playing for the U.S. national team. Sheryl is one of the most decorated basketball players in history, but she is also a role model for young people everywhere. This book details Sheryl's many successes, both on and off the court, and discusses how she became one of the best and most influential basketball players.
Soccer is probably the world's most popular spectator sport. Yet Major League Soccer, a professional league in the United States, has never received much attention even though millions of youngsters enjoy the game on playgrounds and in organized leagues. Hoping to change that situation, in 2007 the Los Angeles Galaxy signed superstar David Beckham to a five-year, $250 million contract. The league hoped that his celebrity status will help make soccer more appealing in the United States. Beckham's arrival did boost the profile of soccer, and he helped the Galaxy win several league championships. But David Beckham is more than just a superb soccer player. He contributes time and money to charity to try to save lives in the poorest parts of the world. And he encourages youngsters to enjoy soccer as much as he does through academies he has opened across the globe.
Many basketball experts consider Michael Jordan the greatest player in the history of the game. During his 15 seasons in the NBA, Michael was voted the league's Most Valuable Player six times. He was the league's leading scorer for a record 10 times. And, most important, he led his team, the Chicago Bulls, to six NBA championship titles. But Michael Jordan is much more than a basketball legend. Through his winning personality, his sense of style, and his many product endorsements - along with his on-court heroics - Michael became one of the most recognized personalities in the entire world. He helped define what it meant to be cool for a generation of kids. Today Michael remains involved in the NBA as owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. By supporting a variety of charities, he continues to be a role model as well.
Using the graphics, students can activate prior knowledge--bridge what they already know with what they have yet to learn. Graphically illustrated biographies also teach inference skills, character development, dialogue, transitions, and drawing conclusions. Graphic biographies in the classroom provide an intervention with proven success for the struggling reader.
Warm illustrations convey the deep bond between an old man and his six cats while teaching the reader about the cycle of life.
When a young boy leaves his muffin beside a sleeping homeless man, a cycle of goodwill begins. Without a single written word, this book effectively teaches about helping, sharing, and caring.
In medieval times, knights could dominate any battlefield. Armed with swords, shields, spears, and lances, they rode their horses into battle and struck fear into their enemies. Readers will discover the tactics, weapons, and tools of knight warfare and why knights remain some of historys greatest warriors.
Wealthy ancient Romans got their kicks at the arena, where convicted criminals, slaves, and prisoners of war were pitted against each other in physical combat. The contenders were called gladiators, and they fought until they found relief in victory, mercy, or death. Readers will be fascinated by the gladiators life in training and battle.
Avast, me hearty, or yell be walkin the plank! or so wed like to think. Pirates had a host of punishments for their unlucky captives, but walking the plank is likely just a myth. Learn what high-sea hijinks brought pirates a deadly reputation unless ye be too lily livered!
Maori warriors would unnerve the enemy with their dances called haka. The peruperu was a war haka performed before battle. In it, the warriors would wave their weapons and contort their faces to summon the god of war and warn the opposition of their fate. Find out how successful they were in this thrilling title of bravery, weapons, and war.
Mongol warriors were expert archers. They used this skill in battle, where opponents met a slew of arrows born of Mongol cunning and craft. Howling arrows whistled as they descended into enemy lines, sending assailants into a panic. In this book, kids will learn more about Mongol weapons, gear, and training.
The samurai were the warrior class of feudal Japan for hundreds of years. They led other soldiers to war on the battlefield, and their weapons and armor made them formidable opponents. Readers will learn the history of the samurai, their weapons and fighting styles, and what ultimately led to their decline.
Venezuela is a land of striking beauty. Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, plunges more than 3,000 feet in the Guiana Highlands. Lake Maracaibo, the largest lake in South America, sits in northwestern Venezuela. Eager readers will get their feet wet in this title that explores Venezuela's landscape, people, and heritage.
Famous for bagpipes and kilts, the Scottish are rooted in tradition. They are also a hardy people. They thrive in a part of the United Kingdom where the weather reaches extremes. This title introduces young readers to Scotland, a country with highlands, lowlands, and a rich heritage.
Poland, the largest country in central Europe, has a tumultuous past. Its people have faced times of war in between periods of great cultural growth. Today, the Polish are known to enjoy classical music and hearty meals. Learn about the daily life, culture, and landscape of Poland, the heart of Europe.
Being the westernmost country in Europe, Portugal was among the first countries to navigate unexplored seas and discover new lands. It was a Portuguese explorer named Bartolomeu Dias who became the first European to round Africa's Cape of Good Hope. Young readers will explore Portugal's past and present as well as its culture and landscape.
The Dominican Republic was the first place Christopher Columbus landed when he sailed to the Americas from Europe in 1492. Today, the people of this Caribbean nation are known for their love of music, dance, and baseball. In this title, readers will learn about the geography and culture of the Dominican Republic.
El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated Central American country. Because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it must endure volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Hurricanes also sweep in from the Caribbean. However, El Salvadorians don’t let these events quiet their vibrant culture. This book introduces El Salvador’s landscape, cuisine, wildlife, heritage, and much more!
A crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Morocco is a country of great diversity. Throughout its history, people have migrated to the country from every direction. They've brought a variety of beliefs and ways of life. In this book, young readers will discover that Morocco is a land of blended backgrounds.
In Belgium, you will find the world's diamond capital, world-famous chocolates and waffles, and countless castles. You will also notice a global presence, as the headquarters for several international organizations are in the capital city of Brussels. Get a taste of Belgium in this title for young readers.
Every male in the Aztec civilization received military training. The most feared fighters on the battlefields were eagle warriors and jaguar warriors. This title explores the history of these fierce warriors, the tools and tactics they used in battle, and what ultimately led to their downfall.
For over 200 years, the British redcoats were the most feared infantry on Earth. The discipline with which they fought was enough to defeat almost any foe. Readers will learn about the history, training, and weapons that made them such effective soldiers.
