(3) K-3 Illustrated by Huynh Kim Liên & Phùng Nguyên Quang. Composed mostly of questions, this picture-book biography traces Jeremy Lin's uphill battle as the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA. Moving from his youth to his breakout 2012 game with the New York Knicks, the book shows how faith, diligence, and tenacity helped Lin weather taunts, setbacks, privation, and an agonizing NBA draft wait. The digital illustrations employ spot art to depict Lin's off-court life, while full bleeds portray on-court action and the media craze ("linsanity") surrounding his meteoric rise from obscurity. Ho prompts children to reflect on their own experiences contending with naysayers, find role models who look like them, embrace who they are, and defy stereotypes. Back matter fleshes out Lin's life story and includes an author's note and bibliography.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Xtreme Athletes series. This biography chronicles the rise of "Linsanity"--the wild enthusiasm for the first American-born NBA player of Chinese descent. Both college recruiters and the NBA draft overlooked Lin, but his academic prowess and clear passion for the game helped forge his path to Harvard and then to NBA greatness. Action photographs illustrate the accessible text. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 Playmakers series. These volumes provide brief profiles of football and basketball standouts. The choppy texts focus on each player's biggest games and impressive statistical accomplishments, while also touching on his background and personal life, such as Lin's time at Harvard, Tebow's strong Christian beliefs, the Manning family's football legacy, and Durant's 3.0 college GPA. Color photographs capture the athletic action. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Playmakers titles: Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin, Kevin Durant, and Eli Manning.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan