Book Description
Real-Life Reader Biographies present the lives of contemporary role models for young readers. These are the stories of real men and women who, dispite many obstacles, followed their dreams. Tiger Woods was destined for greatness. Right from the start he was unique. His father Earl was African American and his mother Kultida was from Thailand, meaning that Tiger was a rare combination of black and Asian. Tiger has always been proud of both his parents’ culture and heritage. Practically born with a golf club in his hand, Tiger was such a good golfer at the age of two, he appeared on the Mike Douglas show putting with Bob Hope. At the age of three, he shot an incredible 48 for nine holes at a local golf course. By the age of five, he was being featured in Golf Digest. He was a celebrity before he knew what the word meant. It should not have come as a surprise, then, that by the time he was 24, Tiger had established himself as one of the all-time greatest golfers. And he is a true hero—a role model for all.
About the Author
John A. Torres is the assistant city editor for the Poughkeepsie Journal newspaper. He has written more than 20 sports biographies including Oscar De La Hoya (Enslow), Kevin Garnett (Lerner), and several for Mitchell Lane. He lives in Fishkill, New York with his wife and two children. When not writing, John likes to fish, coach youth sports, and spend time with his family.
Tiger Woods FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature
Given how many kids became interested in golf because of Tiger Woods, this book should find a wide audience. Torres gives a simple, readable account of this remarkable young athlete's life, without leaving out the painful stuff. A wrist injury forced Woods out of the U.S. Open. He was constantly pestered to turn pro before he was ready. And recently, Woods was criticized for practicing his swing rather than paying tribute to deceased golfer Payne Stewart. By including these details, the author shows that Woods' life has been as complicated as anyone else's. Yet his successes show young readers, subtly, the value of hard work and commitment. Part of the "Real-Life Reader Biography" series. 2002, Mitchell Lane, $15.95. Ages 9 up. Reviewer:Donna Freedman
VOYA - Julie Roberts
This title belongs to the Real-Life Reader Biography series, which boasts an impressive list of short biographies on celebrities popular with teens and preteens. According to the book jacket, this series "presents the lives of contemporary role models for young readers. These are the stories of real men and women who, despite many obstacles, followed their dreams." Each book begins with an anecdote establishing the extraordinary nature of the subject and then moves on to tell the rest of his or her life story. Tiger Woods begins with his 1997 win at the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgiaﾽa defining moment in his career ﾽand then backtracks to describe his rise to professional fame despite his being of African American and Asian descent. Although the authors of the books are different, the format and style are very similar. The authors seem chosen for their level of expertise and experienceﾽTorres alone has written more than twenty sports biographies. The books tell a lively story and are not just a regurgitation of the facts. These biographies are short and entertaining reads, with large print and plenty of photosﾽperfect for projects and speeches. Each book ends with a short index and a helpful chronology. Although there is nothing extraordinary about this series, it offers solid choices for biography collectionsﾽparticularly those in need of some current pop culture icons such as Sheryl Swoopes, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Simpson. Select from the many titles offered to fill gaps in the collection for middle schoolers. Index. Photos. Chronology. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P M (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2002,Mitchell Lane, 32p. PLB
Art & Photography
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