Albert Pujols.

Young, Jeff C.  Albert Pujols.  Enslow  2014  48p  $17.95  ISBN 978-0-7660-4228-5  elem/ms  series: Sports Stars Who Care  Sports biography  VG-BN

Albert Pujols is known as a record setter during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals.  This book provides a statistical chart at the back of the book, a glossary, an index and an address where readers can write letters to him.  A colorfully illustrated book showing Pujols at work both on and off the field, this book will satisfy report writers as well as baseball fans.  His family life as well as professional life indicate a person who aspires to do his best on and off the field.  Since his trade to the Los Angeles Angels, Pujols’s statistics have fallen somewhat, but his philanthropic efforts have remained strong.  There is one comment that might prove puzzling to readers; some question his age, and since the book does not say why that is important, readers may wonder why it matters.      

Sports Stars Who Care features athletes whose prowess on the field is matched by their philanthropic efforts.  Colorful photos of the athletes on and off the field, biographical information and statistics provide all that is needed for reports. Gr. 3-8.   

Summary: One of his league’s best hitters and an outstanding first baseman, Pujols is shown to be a philanthropic athlete as well as a steady performer on the field.  This book chronicles his early life in the Dominican Republic through his World Series performances. Gr 3-8. 

Baseball biography                                          --Lois McNicol