Review: "Any Given Number" by Bill Syken

Besides being professional athletes, what do Yogi Berra, Cal Ripken Jr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kobe Bryant, and Troy Aikman have in common? The answer: each of these amazing athletes wore an 8 on their backs. Now here’s a tougher question: of these athletes, who was the greatest?

It might seem unfair to ask, especially since we’re comparing pros from all types of events, but that’s what the Sports Illustrated book “Any Given Number” attempts to do. The editors have collected the most notable professional athletes who wore any given number and then duke it out in a debate to crown one of them king. So if you want to see who wore it best, from 00 to 99, pick up “Any Given Number.”

You’re still wondering about which athlete who wore the number 8 was best? It’s Yogi Berra, of course! If you want to know why, check out the book!

--Kelly B., Prairie Commons

Review: "The First Olympics of Ancient Greece"

With this summer's Olympics just around the corner, it's a great time to read about "The First Olympics of Ancient Greece."  In this non-fiction title by Lisa Bolt Simons, readers will learn which events took place and who participated at the first games.  It includes photos of original artifacts and illustrations depicting the action.  There is also a glossary of terms in the back to help readers with new or challenging words.

I recommend this book for readers in Kindergarten through second grade, but any fan of the Olympics will enjoy it!

--Angie R-H, Cliff Cave

Dewey Discoveries: "A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis" by Matt De la Pena

In a time when the world was dark with war and our nation was still very racially divided, boxer Joe Louis offered a taste of hope. Louis' journey and famous match are simply and lovingly chronicled in , "A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis." Written with grace and simplicity by Matt De La Pena and illustrated by the beloved Kadir Nelson, it is a wonderful homage to Louis' lasting legacy. Click on the link above to reserve a copy today. Appropriate for grades 3-5.

Dewey: J 796.83


Want more books about Joe Louis? Check out these books:

"Knockout: a Photobiography of Boxer Joe Louis" by George Sullivan

"Joe Louis: America's Fighter" by David A. Adler






--Andrea W., H.Q. 

Dewey Discoveries: "Weird Water Sports" by K.C. Kelley

Did you know that there is a bog biking competition? Or that underwater hockey is a competitive sport? No? Then you need to check out "Weird Water Sports" by K.C. Kelley. From noodling to concrete boat competition, you will learn about all things wet and weird, like river surfing! For grades 2-5.

Dewey Number: 797

--Andrea W., H.Q.

Staff Review: "Brothers at Bat" by Audrey Vernick

Brothers at Bat: the true story of an amazing all-brother baseball team by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Steven Salerno

It's unusual to meet a family with 12 sons, and unheard of for those 12 boys to all get along, but that's what this book is about. The Acerra family had 17 children, and only 5 of them were girls.
Today you might share a room with your brother or sister, but what about sharing a bed? The Acerras did: 12 boys, 6 beds, 1 room. Maybe that is whey they played so well together! This family is one of twenty-nine baseball teams made up entirely of brothers, but their team played the longest. The Acerras played semi-pro baseball from 1938-1952, and took a break only during World War II when six of them joined the military. 
This is an inspirational story of family sticking together no matter what. It would be a great read for any sports fan. Recommended for ages 9-12 years.


--Angie R., Headquarters

Cal Ripken Jr. and Family Read Night

St. Louis County Library is pleased to announce our 8th annual Family Read Night with featured guest Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken has written a new series of chapter books for young readers that are sure to please baseball lovers. His newest book "Super-Sized Slugger" will be here soon.
Click here for more information on Family Read Night. 

"Hothead" Connor Sullivan is an All-Star shortstop on his Babe Ruth team, the Orioles. He can hit and field with the best of them, but he's got one big problem: his temper. When he strikes out or makes an error, he's a walking Mt. Vesuvius, slamming batting helmets and throwing gloves. His teammates are starting to avoid him, even his best friend Jordy. His coach is ready to kick him off the team. To make matters worse, things aren't much better at home. His dad is having trouble finding a new job after being laid off. Money is tight. Connor's dream of attending the prestigious Brooks Robinson Baseball Camp this summer seems like just that now - a dream. When the sports editor of the school paper threatens to do a big story on his tantrums - complete with embarassing photos - Connor realizes he has to clean up his act. But can he do it in time to regain his teammates' trust and help the Orioles win the championship against the best team in the league?