When he was growing up, Joe DiMaggio was very much torn between two worlds--that of his father, a fisherman and Italian immigrant inextricably linked to the Old Country, and America symbolized by its national past time, baseball which was young Joe's passion. This well-crafted book, part of the publisher's "Childhood of Famous Americans" series, primarily focuses on the youth and adolescence of Joe DiMaggio, considered one of the greatest players in baseball history. The author has done a masterful job recounting how Joe, or Giuseppe to his father, developed into a baseball star without the blessings of the senior DiMaggio. This work also traces his path to stardom from the minor leagues in California to immortality as center fielder for the New York Yankees. DiMaggio's famous brothers, Dom and Vince who also became well-regarded major league ballplayers, are included here as well. The decision to place the spotlight on Joe DiMaggio's youth and family life will appeal to young readers. This book's crisp style, well-chosen prose, and childhood focus place it at the top of other children's books about Baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio--the "Yankee Clipper."