Patrick Mahomes: NFL Sensation takes a closer look at one of the NFL's brightest stars, the son of a former Major League Baseball pitcher who broke records and blew away competitors during his first year as a starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Features include a timeline, a glossary, further readings, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
In this uplifting illustrated middle-grade biography, acclaimed sports journalist Dan Wetzel tackles the real-life story of the NFL's brightest rising star, quarterback Patrick Mahomes! In 2018, Patrick Mahomes stepped onto the gridiron as the new, inexperienced quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Just twenty-two-years old at the time, football fans wondered if this young man could live up to lofty expectations. Little did they know, a star was about to be born. By season's end, Patrick threw a whopping fifty touchdowns, the youngest to ever do so, and took his team nearly all the way to the Super Bowl. And the next season, he became the youngest quarterback ever to win Super Bowl MVP! With limitless potential, Patrick not only emerged as the NFL's most dynamic and exciting player, but he's also become a role model to kids across the country. Filled with sports action and comic-style illustrations by Marcelo Baez, this inspiring biography tells the story of the new king of pro football. Praise for Epic Athletes: * "Wetzel knows how to organize the facts and tell a good story. [A]n unusually informative and enjoyable sports biography for young readers." —Booklist, starred review “Dan Wetzel has a winning formula in his Epic Athletes series, sure to appeal to young sports fans.” —The Buffalo News
Patrick Mahomes: Showtime is the ultimate tribute to the Kansas City Chiefs' rapidly ascending quarterback, whose prodigious talent and winning personality have made him one of the brightest new stars in the NFL. Including dozens of full-color photographs, fans are provided a glimpse into Mahomes' superb play early in his career, as he leads the franchise in pursuit of an ever-elusive Super Bowl triumph. This keepsake also explores Mahomes' early life and college success at Texas Tech, and looks ahead to where he could one day stack up among legendary Chiefs names like Len Dawson, Derrick Thomas, and Tony Gonzalez.
The best quarterbacks take charge on the field, make amazing throws and thrilling runs, and lead their teams to victory. Learn more about Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL today. Fascinating stories of reliable veterans and promising newcomers alike are sure to be a hit with young readers.
In Epic Athletes: Stephen Curry, acclaimed journalist and bestselling author Dan Wetzel tells the inspiring, electrifying story of the NBA superstar, beginning a new series of sports biographies for young readers! Featuring comic-style illustrations by Zeke Peña! When you think of Stephen Curry, one word comes to mind: greatness. From shooting three-pointers with laser precision to his clutch ability to hit buzzer-beaters time and again, he has established himself as one of the best players in pro basketball. But greatness was never a guarantee for Steph. The son of a talented NBA player, he dreamed of one day playing professionally just like his dad. Yet Steph, who was always smaller and weaker than the competition, was told over and over that he would never be talented enough to be a college star or NBA player--let alone the MVP of the entire league. Through tenacity and hard work, he proved them all wrong and went on to dismantle the record books. With the high energy of a TV commentator, and featuring dynamic comic-style illustrations, this engaging biography tells the story of an NBA All-Star and the path he took to achieve his dreams. * "Wetzel knows how to organize the facts and tell a good story. . . an unusually informative and enjoyable sports biography for young readers." —Booklist (starred review) A Junior Library Guild selection!
In September 2019, ESPN's The Undefeated website (now Andscape) began a season-long series of articles on the emergence of Black quarterbacks in the NFL. The first article in the series was Jason Reid's enormously popular, "Welcome to the Year of the Black Quarterback." The series culminated with an hour-long television program in February 2020, hosted by Reid himself. The Rise of the Black Quarterback: What It Means for America will expand on Reid's piece--as well as the entire series--and chronicle the shameful history of the treatment of Black players in the NFL and the breakout careers of a thrilling new generation of Black quarterbacks. Intimate portraits of Colin Kaepernick, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Kyler Murray feature prominently in the book, as well as the careers and legacy of beloved NFL players such as Doug Williams and trailblazing pioneers Marlin Briscoe and Eldridge Dickey. Reid delves deeply into the culture war ignited by Kaepernick's peaceful protest that shone a light on systemic oppression and police brutality. Fascinating and timely, this page-turning account will rivet fans of sports, cultural commentary, and Black history in America.
“Life is full of choices and decisions, and it’s clear in Fear Is a Choice that James chose not to be a victim of his circumstances. His vulnerability makes this book so relatable. James decided during one of the toughest battles in his life to be an inspiration for everyone who will follow. Fear Is a Choice is more than a great book—it’s a mentality.” — Akbar Gbajabiamila, host of American Ninja Warrior "Fear Is a Choice will inspire every reader to become better through invaluable lifelong lessons and powerful perspective. James teaches us that if we harness fear and meet life's challenges with faith, determination, and hard work there is nothing we can't accomplish." — Kyle Carpenter, USMC Medal of Honor recipient and national bestselling author of You Are Worth It "You don’t have to be a football fan to be inspired by James Conner. On the field, James has never backed down from an opponent. He scored the biggest victory of his life—beating cancer—with that same courage and resolve. Like one of James’s powerful touchdown runs, this very personal story will make you want to stand and cheer." — Pat Narduzzi, head coach of the University of Pittsburgh football team "When faced with the biggest adversity an athlete can face, James Conner chose every emotion but fear. In Fear Is a Choice, he shares his journey and his belief that we are all playing for someone who can’t. We must give it our best shot. A truly inspirational book by an incredible role model we all can learn from." — Brittany Wagner, star of Last Chance U
Kylian Mbappe: World Soccer Sensation tells the story of the breakout player from the 2018 World Cup, a teenager who led France to the championship with his breathtaking speed and dynamic goal-scoring ability. Features include a timeline, a glossary, further readings, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
