Derek Jeter: A Baseball Star Who Cares

Gr 3–5—Each of these biographies describes the early years of the athlete and their eventual breakthroughs. The general intent of the series is to highlight the men's charitable contributions; all four started their own foundations. The books are nicely balanced with cogent texts and a plethora of action-packed, full-color photographs. Messi is a must-have, as there is very little available for children on the world's most-popular soccer player. The book on Howard is well done, but he's wearing the jersey of a team for which he no longer plays (the Los Angeles Lakers). The text fails to mention that he now plays for the Houston Rockets. Each biography devotes a good deal of space to the athletes' younger years, which will appeal to children. The titles conclude with career statistics, a glossary, a bibliography with both print and electronic sources, and a mailing address for those who want to write to their favorite player. In a world in which sports stars are not always good role models, these books show that some of them are making a difference outside the sports arena.—Keith Klang, Port Washington Public Library, NY