Search Results: 14 books from 1 publisher. Learn more

Cam Newton

Peter DiPrimio (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692628

Cam Newton may have won the 2016 MVP award in the NFL, but see why he may just be the league's MVP outside of football as he works tirelessly to help children in need across the country.

Kevin Durant

Pete DiPrimio (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690235

Kevin Durant is a kid at heart when he's not busy being a basketball star. He is a 6-foot-9 forward with guard skills and a drive to be the best in whatever he does. That includes acting-Durrant starred in the movie Thunderstruck. He made such an impression in his one year at the University of Texas that he became the NBA's no. 2 draft pick. Before he was 25 years old, Durrant was a three-time NBA scoring champion and an Olympic gold medalist. He rates as one of the NBA's most popular players-you can catch him on Twitter-and goes out of his way to help those in need. Durrant is a superstar in every sense of the word.

Peyton Manning

Pete DiPrimio (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690921

Is Peyton Manning the greatest quarterback who's ever lived? He has the awards to back it up, but his accomplishments and fame go beyond that. He made "Omaha" into a household name. He made people laugh as a Saturday Night Live host and in commercials. He won one Super Bowl, and played in two others. He donated lots of money for an Indianapolis children's hospital. And when everyone thought his career was over because of a herniated disc in his neck, he proved them wrong with yet another NFL MVP performance. Why has Peyton Manning been so good for so long? Let's take a look.

Legends of the Leagues

Pete DiPrimio (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692826

Brace to meet some of the biggest baseball stars of the Negro Leagues. They were men and women of glory and achievement, of spectacular ability and heartbreaking obstacles. They rose above discrimination to pursue their dreams. Cool Papa Bell was once said to be so fast, he could outrun electricity. Another story had Josh Gibson hit a towering fly ball in Pittsburgh that didn't land until the next day-in Philadelphia! Pitcher Satchel Paige won with a blistering fastball when he was young, and then with experience and creativity when he was old. He played with charm and witty sayings: "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you." Nobody messed with Oscar Charleston or fielded better than John "Pop" Lloyd.Women such as Peanut Johnson and Toni Stone also made big impressions. These are among the brightest stars of a league, gone but never forgotten.

Breaking the Barriers

Russell Roberts (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692840

Like America in the first half of the twentieth century, baseball was still segregated. Every road to the major leagues was blocked by unwritten agreements never to allow black athletes entry. It seemed like the better they played, the further they were pushed back. Until, that is, a plan was hatched by two men. One seized an opportunity to advance the game of baseball forever, and the other ran a path through bigotry like he ran the bases, with strength and grace. Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson would work together to break down the color barriers of baseball, and show the world that African-American athletes were as good and as worthy as anyone to put on a major league uniform. They were not alone. From Larry Doby to Monte Irvin, and the irrepressible Satchel Paige, baseball was gifted by the emergence of a wealth of talent and personality that would truly make it, at last, America's pastime.

A Whole New League

Wayne L. Wilson (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692789

Before and after the Civil War, the African American community held the same passion for baseball as the rest of the nation. But black players faced prejudice. They were banned from the major leagues. From this group emerged Andrew "Rube" Foster, one of the greatest pitchers and managers of the early twentieth century. The founder of the Negro National League, Foster was called the Father of Black Baseball. Thanks to his vision and efforts, black players were finally respected. The doors to Major League Baseball were opened to black players, and the world could enjoy such superstars as Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron.

Barnstorming

Mike DeMocker (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692802

Banned from professional baseball in the late 19th century, African-American players were forced to go on the road to make money playing the game they loved. Enduring poor fields and long journeys between games, teams brought their unique and entertaining brand of baseball to towns big and small. Even when they had trouble securing food and lodging because of the color of their skin, these players persevered, opening the door for the ultimate return of African-American athletes to big-league baseball.

Mo'ne Davis

Pete DiPrimio (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624691898

Mo'ne Davis did what most people thought couldn't be done. She dominated like no girl had done before, showing that girls could beat boys at their own Little League baseball game. At 13 years old, during a spectacular month in August 2014, Mo'ne became the most famous baseball player in the nation. She threw fastballs to rival the form of major league pitchers. She showed maturity and poise beyond her years. And perhaps the most amazing thing is, baseball is probably not her best sport. You might someday see her playing professional basketball. When it comes to Mo'ne Davis, all things are possible.

Muhammad Ali

Pete DiPrimio (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624691874

He was a man who fought like no other inside the ring, yet outside the ring he fought for peace. "The Louisville Lip" went on to become a three-time champion, beating some of boxing's greatest fighters, including Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He stunned the world when he beat Sonny Liston for the title. He stunned the world even more when he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He was stripped of his title and banned from boxing for refusing to join the military because of his religious beliefs, then returned to become one of the most famous athletes in history. Not even Parkinson's disease could stop him. A fighter, poet, civil rights leader, humanitarian, and more, Ali remains, in his own words, the king of the world.

Mount Everest

Bonnie Hinman (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690020

Why do people climb Mount Everest? It is one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. Mountain climber George Mallory once said, "Because it's there." People climb Mount Everest for different reasons. Many of them want the thrill of standing on top of the world. Some want the fame it may bring them. For others, it is the final obstacle in a sort of competition. More than a few don't know why, they just know they want to reach the summit - even if it means putting their lives at risk. This is the story of these climbers and the mountain that beckons them.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Christine Petersen (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690587

Just 150 years ago, many people refused to believe that snow could be found near the equator in Africa. Today, the white peak of Kilimanjaro is recognizable to people around the world. Its three volcanic peaks tower above the surrounding grasslands, forming the largest mountain in Africa. Each year, more than 35,000 people challenge themselves to climb Kilimanjaro. They hope to stand on the glacier-capped summit, far above the clouds, and know they have persevered. In these pages, explore the natural and human history of this great mountain, and discover what it takes to reach the top.

Mount Fuji

Amie Jane Leavitt (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690624

Mount Fuji is the centerpiece of Japan's topography and its highest peak. It rises up out of the earth like an upside-down ice cream cone with its point sticking high up into the sky. For centuries, the sheer size of Mount Fuji has encouraged adventure seekers to scale its peaks. Today, thousands make the trek to the mountain's summit each year during the summer season. Mount Fuji isn't a peaceful giant, though. It is an active volcano and could erupt at any time. Scientists keep an eye on the seismic (earthquake) activity around Mount Fuji to make sure the people who live and visit there are kept safe.

K2 in Kashmir

Tamra Orr (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690600

Welcome to K2, the Savage Mountain-one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. For more than a century, climbers have trekked thousands of miles just to climb to the top of K2. Some have brought extra oxygen, while others have sent hundreds of porters ahead of them to put out lead ropes. Some have reached the top and survived; others have given their lives in the attempt. In this book, you will meet these climbers, including the mother who made it all the way to the peak, but not the trip down, and the man whose strength and sheer determination saved his team from certain death. Find out about what it is like to climb K2 and the people who cannot wait to reach "The Top of the World."

Robert Griffin III

Pete DiPrimio (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690211

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, also known as "RG3," is not Superman, although he sometimes wears Superman socks. He has become one of the nation's most popular athletes. He set Texas state track records in high school when he wasn't dominating in football. Griffin won the Heisman Trophy while at Baylor University. He became the NFL's no. 2 overall draft pick by Washington, then won NFL offensive rookie of the year honors. In his spare time, Griffin does things for those less fortunate. He is a superstar in every sense of the word.