CM Magazine: Wayne Gretzky: Greatness on Ice.

________________ CM . . . . Volume XVII Number 24. . . .February 25th, 2011.

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Wayne Gretzky: Greatness on Ice. (Crabtree Groundbreaker Biographies).

Jessica Morrison.
St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2011.
112 pp., pbk. & hc., $14.95 (pbk.) $24.95 (RLB.).
ISBN 978-0-7787-2548-0 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-2539-8 (RLB.)

Subject Headings:
Gretzky, Wayne, 1961-Juvenile literature.
Hockey players-Canada-Biography-Juvenile literature.

Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13.

Review by Rosemary Hollett.

*** / 4

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Hank Aaron: Home Run Hero. (Crabtree Groundbreaker Biographies).

Jessica Morrison.
St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2011.
112 pp., pbk. & hc., $14.95 (pbk.), $24.95 (RLB.).
ISBN 978-0-7787-2547-3 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-2538-1 (RLB.).

Subject Headings:
Aaron, Hank, 1934- -Juvenile literature.
Baseball players-United States-Biography-Juvenile literature.
African American baseball players-Biography-Juvenile literature.

Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13.

Review by Rosemary Hollett.

*** / 4

excerpt:

Even after four Stanley Cup wins and many record-breaking plays, Wayne believes that the hardest record to beat will be one of his own-scoring 50 goals in 39 games, a record he set back in 1981. (From Wayne Gretzky: Greatness on Ice.)

On the opening day of the 1974 season, Hank Aaron hit home run number 714 to tie the Babe's home run record. It had been a long and draining road, and he had almost become accustomed to the hate mail that was piling up. (From Hank Aaron: Home Run Hero.)

A new series from Crabtree, "Crabtree Groundbreaker Biographies" tell the stories of people from various walks of life, including sports heroes, astronauts, fashion designers and activists. These individuals have inspired millions with their talent, courage, skill and vision.

     Two of these biographies are by author Jessica Morrison and tell the stories of Wayne Gretzky and Hank Aaron.

     Wayne Gretzky, known to millions of hockey fans as "The Great One," was, without a doubt, the best hockey player of his time. He had an uncanny ability to "read" the ice and consistently make the right moves. His life is an example of how hard work and smart thinking can make your dreams come true.

     Hank Aaron, "Hammerin' Hank," began his career in the Negro League when black players were still banned from Major League Ball. When he did move to the majors, he spent his legendary 23 year career with only two teams - Milwaukee and Atlanta. Hank never lost sight of his roots or his mission to open up the game he loved to anyone talented enough to play, regardless of race. His dignity in the face of bigotry and hatred makes for inspiring reading.

     These books follow a similar format. Approximately 112 pages in length, each is divided into six chapters. There is a table of contents, a chronology and an extensive index. I applaud the inclusion of a glossary in both books, especially beneficial for those south of the border that may not be hockey fans. Readers will also find a "further reading " section, a list of web sites and DVDs for those who wish to learn more. I am surprised that only black & white photos have been used to illustrate the books. Some colour shots would have been more attractive to the targeted age group.

     Although there is not much new to discover in these titles, I would recommend their addition to school libraries as there seems to be a shortage of biographies written for middle years.

Recommended.

Rosemary Hollett is a teacher-librarian at St. Emile School in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364 Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

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