Kategoria BISAC: Juvenile Nonfiction >> Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation

This biography offers an up-close look at this superstar's life...

"I learned that it is faith that decides whether something will happen or not." At the age of eight, Kaka already knew what he wanted in life: to play soccer and only soccer. He started playing in front of his friends and family, but after a crippling injury, doctors told him he would never play again. Through faith and perseverance Kaka recovered and has since become a FIFA World Player of the Year, and winner of the Ballon d'Or. This updated edition tells the story of the midfielder for Real Madrid who has become one of the most recognized faces on the soccer field.

On a summer day in 1932, twelve-year-old Sammy Lee watched enviously as divers catapulted into the public swimming pool. Sammy desperately wanted to try diving himself, but the Korean American boy -- like any person of color -- was only allowed to use the pool one day a week.

This discrimination did not weaken Sammy's newfound passion for diving, and soon he began a struggle between his dream of becoming an Olympic champion and his father's wish for him to become a doctor. Over sixteen years Sammy faced numerous challenges, but he overcame them all and fulfilled both his dream and...

If there was anything in the world better than playing baseball, Marcenia Lyle didn't know what it was. As a young girl in the 1930s, she chased down fly balls and stole bases, and dreamed of one day playing professional ball.

With spirit, spunk, and a great passion for the sport, Marcenia struggled to overcome the objections of family, friends, and coaches, who felt a girl had no place in the field. When she finally won a position in a baseball summer camp sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals, Marcenia was on her way to catching her dream.

Full of warmth and youthful energy,...

Lipman Pike's father, a Dutch immigrant, runs a small haberdashery in Brooklyn, New York, though Lip is more interested in watching the ball players than working behind the counter. His mother doesn't approve -- Jewish boys should be paying attention to more sensible matters. But when Lip is barely a teenager, he's invited...

Stories of bravery and self-sacrifice from well known athletes who have served in the military.

-Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox outfielder, whose career was interrupted by service as a pilot during both World War II and Korea, where he saw combat and survived a crash landing.

-Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh Steelers running back: Drafted in 1968, nearly lost a foot on a land mine during Vietnam War.

-Carlos May, Chicago White Sox outfielder, an emerging star whose fought to remain in the major leagues after a training accident during National Guard service caused him to lose...

Babe Ruth came from a poor Baltimore family and, as a kid, he was a handful. It was at a reform school that Babe discovered his talent for baseball, and by the age of nineteen, he was on his way to becoming a sports legend. Babe was often out of shape and even more often out on the town, but he had a big heart and an even bigger swing Kids will learn all about the Home Run King in this rags-to- riches sports biography. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, a true sports legend is brought to life.

Her Determination, Dedication, and Desire Brought Home the Gold Dominique Dawes focused on her dream, and nothing would stop her from reaching it--definitely not the fact that she was still just a kid. By the time she was ninteen years old, she stood on the podium to receive the Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. Discover how her faith in God and hard work led her to become one of the top gymnasts in the world. Let her story and her motto of "determination, dedication, and desire" encourage you to become all you can be, in competition and in life. Includes a special note from Dominique...

He conquered the thing that nearly took his life At five years old, Cullen Jones nearly drowned. While some people might stay away from water after that, Jones conquered his fear when his mother enrolled him in a swimming class. Not only did he learn to swim, he quickly found that he was a good swimmer... and would become one of the world's best. Discover how faith, courage, and hard work led Jones to win an Olympic gold medal and set a new world record in his event. Find out what can happen when you overcome fear and strive to become all God calls you to be. Includes a personal note from...