(4) K-3 Sports Illustrated Kids: Superstar Athletes series. Each book kicks off with an important game (2006 NBA finals in Wade; 2008's Super Bowl XLII in Manning) then looks back at the star player's early life and career. Some quotes from the players and many photos throughout add interest to the sometimes-sketchy texts (e.g., Scheff doesn't explain why, during the 2004 NFL draft, "Manning was unhappy. He didn't want to play for the Chargers"). Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Sports Illustrated Kids: Superstar Athletes titles: Dwayne Wade and Eli Manning.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Basketball Heroes Making a Difference series. These consistent titles begin with details of game-winning moments and continue on to introduce the athletes' childhoods, challenges overcome, and their successful NBA careers. The entries each conclude with the subject's charitable work, such as the Wade's World Foundation, dedicated to helping "kids who are growing up in difficult situations." The attractive, clean book design complements the focused texts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Basketball Heroes Making a Difference titles: Amar'e Stoudemire, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) YA Modern Role Models series. These biographies chronicle the subjects' rise to fame, major setbacks and accomplishments, and efforts toward helping others. The busy design includes photographs, bolded quotations, and many different-color fonts. Sports fans will appreciate the range of topics discussed in the series, from basketball to snowboarding, auto racing and professional wrestling. There are twelve other fall 2008 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Modern Role Models titles: Danica Patrick, John Cena, Shaun White, Sheryl Swoopes, and Dwyane Wade.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey