(4) 4-6 Versus series. Each volume pits a present-day superstar against one from an earlier era. Comparisons include technical skills, statistics and records, and past or potential legacies. Sports fans will appreciate the many action photographs illustrating the choppy but accessible texts; side-by-side charts provide additional data. No attempt is made to name the superior athlete: that decision is left to the reader. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Versus titles: Lionel Messi vs. Pelé, Tiger Woods vs. Jack Nicklaus, Sidney Crosby vs. Wayne Gretzky, LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, Serena Williams vs. Billie Jean King, and Tom Brady vs. Joe Montana.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(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

(2) K-3 Michael Jordan's energy and determination showed up early on, but his ability to win did not. Cooper uses young Michael's defeats to demonstrate how losing can be motivational. Didactic though the picture book text may be, the faces of the people in Cooper's oil paintings tell the story without words, each person distinctly individual and expressive. A long biographical note is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2004

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Michael Jordan's mother and sister share a story from his childhood. Young Michael worries that his small size will hold him back when playing basketball with his older brothers. His mother advises him to put salt in his shoes and say a prayer every night, while his father tells him that practice and determination, not height, are what he needs. Detailed illustrations capture the story's warm and supportive family atmosphere.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(3) 4-6 Alternating biographical chapters on Jordan and Pippen merge when the two meet as teammates for the Chicago Bulls. Cooperation and teamwork emerge as keys to success, evident in these athletes' respectful relationship--the "best one-two punch" in basketball. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the easy-to-read text, which balances a generous amount of statistics with engaging personal histories. Ind.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck