Athlete Biography

The 2018 Winter Olympics will be the stage for many compelling stories. Athletes like Ashley Wagner and Sven Kramer are windows into hidden social phenomena, from figure skating's eating disorders to the Dutch obsession with speed skating. Controversies like the Russian doping scandal, the NHL player ban, and the question of whether North Korea will compete or disrupt are creating human drama that affects thousands of athletes.

“...to be revisited again and again…” –The New York Times “...diverse collection of iconic figures…beautifully crafted volume…” –Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review “…exuberant…a launching point for more discoveries.” –School Library Journal, Starred Review “A luminous...

Iron Man Cal Ripken Jr.the 19-time All-Star, World-Series winning legend, American League MVP, and record holder who played 2,632 consecutive gamesoutlines eight rules for the game of baseball and life, draws from the lessons he has learned on and off the field. Cal Ripken Jr. is a baseball...

Simone Biles was raised by a single mother with addiction issues, forcing her grandparents to intervene. But Simone soon discovered balance beams and gymnastics mats, setting her on a path toward Olympic greatness. Carli Lloyd, meanwhile, believed her youth soccer career was really starting to take off, only to be cut from her team. Instead of quitting the sport she loved, Carli rebuilt her confidence, ultimately becoming one of the leaders on the World Cup Champion US Women's Soccer team. The athletes featured in this book met earth-shaking challenges head on, and went on to conquer the sports world.

Get to know Drew Brees, the record-breaking, beloved quarterback, in this gripping new sports biography from Matt Christopher Drew Brees grew up in a family of athletes, and overcame injuries and setbacks to become one of today's best quarterbacks. This comprehensive biography - complete with...

How Hollywood cashed in on the latest tech boom-and changed the face of Silicon Valley. When Ashton Kutcher first heard about 50 Cent's nine-figure Vitaminwater windfall in 2007, the actor realized he'd been missing out. He soon followed the rapper's formula-seeking equity instead of cash for...

Athletes and the sports they play are popular across generations. Black athletes throughout time have become legends in their sports. They help shape the game, create change, and continue to break barriers in sports where they've been historically underrepresented. Their talent and passion inspire present and future players. Find out more about athletes such as Simone Manuel, Satchel Paige, and Maya Moore and celebrate their achievements in sports.

Discover the amazing achievements of sports legend Serena Williams--on and off the tennis court--in this exciting new biography. Serena Williams has been ranked number one in the world for tennis singles, won twenty-two Grand Slam singles titles, and won four Olympic gold medals. She is a...

Megan Rapinoe has been the face of women's soccer since she first stepped onto the international pitch. In addition to winning an Olympic gold medal, two World Cups, and the FIFA player of the year award, she has become a superstar off the field for her advocacy work. For being an outspoken advocate for equal pay for women and LGBTQIA+ rights, Rapinoe earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. This graphic biography shows readers the moments that have defined her life as a soccer player and an activist.

Simone Biles has been the face of women's gymnastics since she first entered the international stage. In addition to winning a record seven Olympic medals, 30 World Championship medals, and 19 world titles, she has become a superstar outside the gym for her public bravery. For being an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and fair treatment for athletes, Biles earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Muhammad Ali has been called the Greatest of All Time since he put on his first pair of boxing gloves. He won the world heavyweight title in a major upset, held the title of undisputed heavyweight champion for four years, and earned an Olympic Gold Medal. A superstar in and out of the boxing ring, he made a name for himself with his fighting skills and his political activism.

Legacy of the Mat is a collection of stories from the Athletic and Coaching careers of twin brothers Jim and Dave Hazewinkel, two-time Olympic wrestlers. For years they have shared these stories with family and friends, and now they share them with you. Listen to the inspiring stories of these athletes as they smuggle Bibles across the Iron Curtain, coach the West Point Cadets, and witness the 1972 Munich Massacre.

From the tennis court to the boxing ring, the athletics track to the football pitch, the visibility of women in sport has been gathering pace. Women's competitions are increasingly popular. In Roar Sam takes a deep dive into the experiences of some of sport's most high-profile female athletes—some have overcome heartbreaking adversity to reach the top of their game; others have succeeded in the face of prejudice. Featuring a series of candid interviews from some of sport's most successful women, Sam lifts the lid on what it takes to reach those heights

Different sports. Different backgrounds. Different barriers to break. One thing in common: they got there first … fearlessly. Hear about more than 50 athletes who took risks, overcame the odds, and changed the rules. From historical figures to modern trailblazers, these athletes never gave up, wouldn’t take no for an answer, and transformed the world of sports forever.

This program offers an immersive audio experience, fully sound designed to enhance your enjoyment. Listen out for the sounds of the court and the shouts from the crowd as you sit back and enjoy the incredible audiobook experience that is Basketball Dreams. From NBA All-Star Chris Paul comes an...

Women in Sports highlights the achievements and stories of 50 notable women athletes from the 1800s to today, including trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breakers in more than 40 sports. The athletes featured include well-known figures like tennis player Billie Jean King and gymnast Simone Biles, as well as lesser-known champions like Toni Stone, the first woman to play baseball in a professional men's league, and skateboarding pioneer Patti McGee.

The Tyler Campbell story is the journey of a man who is in constant search of finding the best version of himself. At an early age, Tyler discovers that his path in life will be a constant emotional roller coaster, that his life will be full of faith-tested trials and heartbreaking setbacks. The son of an NFL Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy winner, Tyler is on the quest to create a new path for himself and he would utilize the game of football to do it.

Working through times of setbacks and Grand Slam glory, Serena Williams has become a role model for a new generation of tennis players, and it's all captured in this biography. From an early age, Serena trained to be a force on the tennis court. Alongside her talented sister Venus, she rose up through the ranks until she was competing in - and dominating - the world's most elite tournaments. Follow along as she amazes everyone with her powerful, strategic playing style and also speaks out against racism and sexism in the tennis world.

In an era of discrimination, Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson broke Major League Baseball's race barrier. Before Robinson took his place at first base, the majors discriminated against African-American athletes, denying them a chance to compete. Despite facing harassment from fans and other players, Robinson stayed focused on the game, becoming the MLB Rookie of the Year in 1947 and later a baseball legend. This biography follows Robinson's time on semi-pro teams, his days in the US military, and his history-making experience with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

At the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, track and field star Jesse Owens ran himself straight into international glory by winning four gold medals. But the life of Jesse Owens is much more than a sports story. Born in rural Alabama under the oppressive Jim Crow laws, Owens's family suffered many...