Shephen Farrelly is better known to fans of the WWE as Sheamus, a Celtic warrior who became the first Irish WWE champion. Born and raised in Ireland, Stephen grew up playing a lot of sports. His father was an amateur bodybuilder and he followed in his path. His career in professional wrestling, however, almost had an early finish when a neck injury sidelined him for two years. But he came roaring back and the rest is history. This interesting biography follows his career in the WWE, as well as his several acting roles. Fans will also get a glimpse into Stephen's years growing up, his rise to fame, and his plans for the future.
Since entering the world of professional basketball as first pick in the 2003 NBA draft, LeBron James has become one of the most acclaimed players in NBA history. His many titles include eight-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA most valuable player, and Olympic gold medalist. In 2012, James led the Miami Heat to the NBA title, and was voted Finals MVP. This high-energy title provides a close-up look at LeBron King James' life on, and off, the court.
Not only is John Cena a world championship-winning superstar of the WWE, he is also an actor who has starred in a number of movies and a rapper who has realeased his own album. A gifted athlete, John trained hard to play football throughout his college years. After that, his athletic fitness led him to bodybuilding and, ultimately, to professional wrestling. This interesting biography follows his career in the WWE and his move into acting. Fans will also get a glimpse into John's years growing up, his rise to fame, and his plans for the future.
Being born in the football-crazy state of Texas, Drew Brees couldn't help but become a football star. This superstar quarterback for the New Orleans Saints has legions of fans, not only because of his athletic career, but because he has star quality. In a gesture of support, he signed with the Saints after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. He has helped the city rebuild and quietly undertakes a lot of charity work. This inspiring biography describes Drew's early years, his rise in football, and how he overcame a potentially career-ending shoulder injury through hard work, a positive attitude, and relying on his Christian faith.
Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. Early in his life, his skills developed from those he needed to stand up to a playground bully into the championship form that earned him a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. As a professional fighter, Ali became known not just for the speed and agility with which he won three world heavyweight championships, but also for his charm, wit, and showmanship. Outside the ring, the courage of his stand against the military draft made him both a revered cultural hero and a lightning rod for the issues that divided Americans during the Vietnam War. In the decades following his boxing career, Ali has become regarded as one of the most recognized people on the planet. He has lent his name, influence, and generosity to a host of humanitarian causes. Today, having earned the affection of billions of people worldwide, the peoples champ is, as ever, The Greatest.
At a time when much of the United States was still racially segregated, Jackie Robinson smashed the color barrier to become the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. Born in 1919 to a family of sharecroppers, Robinson excelled in sports throughout his school years. After serving briefly in the army during WWII, he briefly played ball in the Negro Leagues. At about the same time, a handful of all-white Major League teams paid lip service to trying out black players. But it was when Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 that he became a part of what would be called "The Noble Experiment." Outspoken in the past when it came to racial injustice, Robinson endured racist jeers from fans and players, and even death threats, with dignity and composure. His historic feat of crossing baseball's "color line" became a symbol in the American civil rights movement in the decades that followed.
This high-energy title introduces young readers to different kinds of motorcycles, including superbikes, street bikes, and dirt bikes. This dynamic new book also describes the basic parts and functions of various motorcycles. Decodable text and exciting photographs make this title ideal for young motorcycle enthusiasts.
Monster trucks are recreational, sports entertainment vehicles that are pick-up trucks with enormous wheels and suspension. People watch them in races and jumps, or tractor pulls and car-crushing derbies. Kids will learn about the design of this enormous vehicle!
Playgrounds are places to play and have fun, but don't forget to watch out for potential hazards. Not taking care on playground equipment and ignoring the rules can lead to serious trouble. Safety at the Playground makes learning to take care at the playground easy for children to understand.
Young readers will race to get their hands on this entertaining new book! Bicycles: Pedal Power looks at different kinds of bikes used for transportation, work, and fun. Readers will learn about mountain bikes, racing bikes, tandem bikes, rickshaws, and more.
Dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and quads - children will love reading about their favorite recreational and non-recreational off road and all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in this entertaining book.
This new title will make a splash with young readers! From sailboats and speed boats, to ferries and ocean liners, Boats on the Water introduces readers to different kinds of boats and ships. Children will enjoy learning about the basic parts and functions of various boats.
Takedown Wrestling describes the sport that is thousands of years old. Kids will love reading about basic moves and holds, how to get out of an opponents grip, and wrestling terms. A special section also features the top amateur wrestlers in the sport today.
Take off Track and Field describes the many different sports that are often performed outdoors. Kids will love reading about running sports, including sprints, hurdles, and marathons, and jumping sports, including the high jump, pole vault, long jump, and triple jump. A special section also features the top track and field athletes today.
Snowboard is one of the youngest sports in the Olympics, and it was once viewed as the sport of bad boys and rebels. It might have lost some of that rowdy image, but it still has its pop pizzazz. Snowboarders do stunts with names like 540, double grab, caballerial, and burger flip. This book will explain what these tricks are and how they're done. It'll tell you where snowboarding came from and where its going. And you'll meet some of the most colorful characters you'll find in any sport.
This sport is called speed skating for a reason - blink and you'll miss all the action! Speed skaters can go as fast as a car. Although becoming a speed skater requires hard training, most of all it requires nerve. This amazing book will explain how the combination of danger and velocity makes speed skating one of the most exciting winter sports. You'll find out how it got started, you'll learn about the different competitions and races, and you'll meet some of the champions who live for speed.
The Paralympics are a series of sporting events for elite athletes with different physical abilities. This book examines the five Paralympic winter sports - alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice sledge hockey, and wheelchair curling - and the athletes who compete in them. Prepare to be inspired by their courage, skill, and dedication to their sport.
Do you have a need for speed? If you do, you'll want to read all about these Winter Olympic sliding sports. In this book, you'll learn how bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton competitors speed down steep, twisting tracks on aerodynamic sleds. You'll learn about the racers, their equipment, and the records they hold. You'll also discover that in these fast-paced sports, every second - and hundredth of a second - counts.
Alpine skiing has been an exciting Olympic sport since 1924. Racing down snow-covered slopes at breathtaking speed requires outstanding athletic skill. Freestyle skiing combines speed, agility, and precision. This introductory guide gives an overview of all the Olympic events in both sports, along with fun facts, amazing stats, and a look at some of the most outstanding competitors.
Ideal for soccer fans, this engaging book profiles the greatest soccer teams and players from around the world. From David Beckham to the U.S. women's national team, readers will love learning about their favorite teams and players. Extra features include player statistics, records, and fun facts.
This book looks at the history of soccer championships including the World and Euro Cups, and the Olympics. It also provides highlights of the players and teams to watch for at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
This title guides aspiring young players through drills to hone their soccer skills on the field. Broken down by position, each section highlights fundamental skills and strategic tips on how to play to the best of your ability. Special sections focus on the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and nutrition both on and off the field.
How and where did hockey originate? When was the game first added to the Olympics? These and many more questions are answered for hockey fans in Breakaway! The History of Hockey.
The Stanley Cup is the oldest trophy in North America that professional athletes compete for. This exciting title details the history of Lord Stanley's cup including the greatest team with the most wins, historic rivalries, and history-making moments.
This fact-filled book presents the best of the best in hockey's past, present, and future. More than just racking up goals, superstars display sharp, play-making minds, as well as leadership qualities. Profiles include essential stats, an overview of each player's skills and achievements, and quotes from the superstars themselves. Male, female, and sledge hockey superstars are also featured in this jam-packed title.
