Hank Aaron: Brave In Every Way

Hank Aaron: Brave In Every Way

Product Description On April 8, 1974, America watched as Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate. The pitch was low and down the middle. Hank swung--and hit career home run number 715! With that hit, he surpassed Babe Ruths legendary record and realized a lifelong dream. Before blacks were allowed to play in the major leagues, Hank was determined that that was where he was going to play. When his success in the field triggered a deluge of hate mail, he refused to back down. This is the moving story of Hank Aarons strength and perseverance--of how he became a great ballplayer and an inspiration to us all. From Publishers Weekly This picture book biography of one of baseballs greats inspires as well as informs. Golenbock (Teammates) deftly winnows his material to suit his audience, keeping the story line focused and lean while allowing the theme perseverance in the face of obstacles to shine through. As the author tells it, Aaron is born during the Depression and grows up in a poor but loving family. His father teaches him the joy of playing baseball in open grassy fields, while his mother stresses determination (Set goals for yourself and dont let anyone stop you from achieving them). Young Hank dreams of playing in the major leagues (which excluded black players until the year he turned 13). In time, his talent and drive take him to stardom with the Milwaukee Braves, where he sets a new goal for himself, to break the career home run record of Babe Ruth, baseballs most beloved hero. Receiving hate mail and death threats, Aaron becomes even more determined, and breaks the record at the beginning of the 1974 season (with the now Atlanta-based Braves). Golenbocks prose is straightforward but full of drama and poignancy, qualities reflected in the quiet dignity of Lees (The Good Luck Cat) spare, muted acrylic portraits, which transcend mere athleticism to capture the essential humanity of this compelling tale. Ages 6-9. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Gr 1-3-This richly illustrated biography tells the story of the Hall of Famer by placing him in the proper historical context and attempting to humanize him. Aaron, a southern country boy, followed his dreams under the strict, but loving guidance of his parents. Despite his mothers wish that he attend college, he took a job on a professional team and rose quickly to the top as a home-run hitter. However, with racial tensions at an all-time high in the United States, his journey was not without problems. Hate mail and threats began to chip away at his hopes for success, until Aarons adoring fans helped keep his dream alive. What Golenbock does well is capture the feel of 1960s America, swelling with civil-rights tension. He deftly tells the athletes story and proves that his subject certainly was brave in every way. At times the narrative is a bit slow and the style is dry. Still, this baseball giant is brought down to earth as readers learn of his humble past and his personal struggles. Lees strong, full-page acrylic illustrations in rich tones and textures work well and give the story depth and intensity. Holly T. Sneeringer, St. Mark School, Baltimore, MD Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. This attractive addition to a growing list of illustrated sports biographies details the life of Hank Aaron, with emphasis on his run to break Babe Ruths home-run record. The book traces Aarons humble beginnings, enriched by his parents encouragement. After Jackie Robinson broke baseballs color barrier, Aarons dream of playing major-league baseball became a reality. Aarons powerful hitting led him to set the goal of breaking Ruths record, and when the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta, he hit more homers than ever. But many people resented Aarons attempt because of his color, and he began to get angry letters, even dea