Derek Jeter.

Gatto, Kimberly.  Derek Jeter.  Enslow    2014  48p  $23.93  ISBN 978-0-7660-4298-0  elem   series: Sports Stars Who Care  Sports biography  VG   

Sports books are always popular, particularly with male readers, even reluctant ones, and this book in particular recognizes Derek Jeter for more than his statistics as a player, which gives it greater classroom applicability.  Not that his statistics are not an important part of the work, since there is an entire page devoted to them, but the focus of the book is on how Jeter earned his fame and how he is using it to give back to the community through the Turn 2 Foundation he established to help kids avoid drugs and alcohol and live all-around healthier lives. As captain of the Yankees, Jeter is considered one of the greatest leaders in the history of professional sports.  This elementary-level profile of the star shortstop will help readers get to know this superstar athlete and celebrity.  The photographs are typical baseball fare, but they coordinate well with the text, which is not only readable, but accessible to fans and non-fans alike.  The book includes a glossary, index, and a list of additional resources for curious readers, as well as the aforementioned statistics page and an address for Jeter.  The only major concern with this book is that it was published too soon to include final statistics from the 2013 season or to make mention of Jeter’s announcement in February 2014 that the 2014 season would be his last.  

The Sports Stars Who Care series so far contains four books geared toward elementary readers.  Each describes a different athlete involved in a different sport who is using his fame to give back to others.

Summary: As captain of the Yankees, Jeter is considered one of the greatest leaders in the history of professional sports.  This elementary-level profile of the star shortstop will help readers get to know this superstar athlete and celebrity.         

Derek Jeter.                                          -- Bethany Geleskie

Dwight Howard.

Torres, John Albert.  Dwight Howard.  Enslow    2014  48p   $17.95  ISBN 978-0-7660-4294-0  elem/ms  series: Sports Stars Who Care  Sports biography  VG-BN  

Dwight Howard is as devoted to his off-court charity work as he is to his on-court game.  One of the current dominant big men in the NBA, Howard was raised by his parents to live clean, work hard and show compassion for others.  The book traces his rise to NBA success from being the number one draft pick out of high school in 2004 through his time with the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers.  His basketball experiences are intertwined with the many charities he has been involved with in communities where he has lived as well as his international Dwight Howard Fund to help at-risk children.  The value of this book is that it gives equal measure to the athlete’s actions on and off the court, demonstrating the impact that one can have with the financial and social ability to help others.  The book includes color photographs on almost every page, showing Howard in both the basketball and charity worlds.  Career statistics through the 2012-13 season, an address to write Howard, a glossary, an index and lists for further reading (books and web sites) are included.

The Sports Stars Who Care series highlights role model athletes who work hard and participate in charity work in their respective communities.  This easy-to-read series filled with pictures is a top selection for reluctant readers. 

Summary: The career and charity work of basketball player Dwight Howard are profiled. Grades 4-7.    

Basketball biography, Charity work                    --Stephanie Pennucci