(4) 4-6 Hall of Fame Sports Greats series. Originally published in the Sports Great series, these formulaic, somewhat updated biographies of players (all now retired) provide brief information about their early lives, then delve into specific games or important playing seasons. Occasional quotes from teammates and coaches (unsourced) provide some insight into the men's personalities, but the books mostly focus on on-field accomplishments. Color photos throughout enliven the chapter-book presentation for reluctant readers. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Hall of Fame Sports Greats titles: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripkin, Jr., Deion Sanders, and Troy Aikman.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Hall of Fame Sports Greats series. Originally published in the Sports Great series, these formulaic, somewhat updated biographies of players (all now retired) provide brief information about their early lives, then delve into specific games or important playing seasons. Occasional quotes from teammates and coaches (unsourced) provide some insight into the men's personalities, but the books mostly focus on on-field accomplishments. Color photos throughout enliven the chapter-book presentation for reluctant readers. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Hall of Fame Sports Greats titles: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripkin, Jr., Deion Sanders, and Troy Aikman.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Hall of Fame Sports Greats series. Originally published in the Sports Great series, these formulaic, somewhat updated biographies of players (all now retired) provide brief information about their early lives, then delve into specific games or important playing seasons. Occasional quotes from teammates and coaches (unsourced) provide some insight into the men's personalities, but the books mostly focus on on-field accomplishments. Color photos throughout enliven the chapter-book presentation for reluctant readers. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Hall of Fame Sports Greats titles: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripkin, Jr., Deion Sanders, and Troy Aikman.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Sports Great Books series. These formulaic books provide adequate introductions to each athlete's professional career. The format, which includes repetitive black-and-white action shots, is dull, but the text captures game details. The adulatory books touch on controversial issues, but they tend to be glossed over. Directory, stats, websites. Ind. [Review covers these Sports Great Books titles: Sports Great Allen Iverson, Sports Great Kurt Warner, Sports Great Sammy Sosa, and Sports Great Peyton Manning.]

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(4) 4-6 Sports Great Books series. The formulaic, adulatory books in this series adequately profile a superstar athlete, briefly covering the subject's childhood and college (or early) career before focusing on professional success. The text features lots of important game (or race) highlights and is accompanied by repetitive black-and-white action shots. Fans and report writers will be satisfied. A chart of career stats is appended. Ind. [Review covers these titles: Sports Great Alex Rodriguez, Sports Great Jeff Gordon, Sports Great Vince Carter, Sports Great Tim Duncan.]

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) 4-6 Sports Great Books series. The books in this series look at their subjects from childhood to superstardom. Illustrated with grainy black-and-white action photos, these brief, formulaic biographies stress the importance of education and commitment, as well as the merits of sportsmanship. Career statistics and related websites are appended. Ind. [Review covers these Sports Great Books titles: Sports Great Keith Van Horn, Sports Great Derek Jeter, Sports Great Tiger Woods, Sports Great Rebecca Lobo, Sports Great Grant Hill.]

Reviewer: Kathleen S. Rourke

(4) 4-6 Sports Great Books series. The formulaic, adulatory books in this series adequately profile a superstar athlete, briefly covering the subject's childhood and college (or early) career before focusing on professional success. The text features lots of important game (or race) highlights and is accompanied by repetitive black-and-white action shots. Fans and report writers will be satisfied. A chart of career stats is appended. Ind. [Review covers these titles: Sports Great Alex Rodriguez, Sports Great Jeff Gordon, Sports Great Vince Carter, Sports Great Tim Duncan.]

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) 4-6 Sports Great Books series. These formulaic profiles--mixing career highlights with personal histories--present the achievements of three NBA stars. Garnett went directly to the NBA from high school, and Marbury played only one season in college. Mutombo attended Georgetown, but only when his height was noticed on campus was he asked to join the team. Each book is illustrated with dark black-and-white action photos. Ind.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(4) 4-6 Great Sports Teams series. Filled with game action and numerous quotes, these texts relate the most famous moments in the history of each team and briefly describe the team's best players, the leadership behind the team, and what the future holds for them. The intended audience of reluctant readers will appreciate the fast-paced writing and won't be bothered by the grainy quality of the color and black-and-white photos. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) 4-6 Sports Great series. The poorly reproduced black-and-white photographs that illustrate these formulaic biographies are disappointing. However, fans will appreciate the information about each athlete's childhood, the honest discussion of personality flaws, and the detailed game descriptions. Career stats and fan mail addresses are included. Ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.