Michael Phelps

June 1, 2009
Gr 3-5-Concentrating on impressive 2008 Olympic moments, these books also feature memorable events in each star's life. Some readers will relate when they learn that Phelps's mother was told that because Michael had ADHD he would "never be able to focus on anything," or that James moved seven times in a year when he was five years old. Impressive camera angles used in the color photos provide dynamism to the narratives. A "Just the Facts" section adds additional information about each athlete, and a closing time line places their Olympic accomplishments in context. These books should not become outdated too quickly."Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2009
Grades 2-4 The life of the multiple gold medalwinning swimmer is covered in simple text with plenty of color photographs in this addition to the Defining Moments: Super Athletes series. Much of the emphasis is on Phelps younger days as he struggled in school with ADHD but found swimming the perfect outlet for his energy. The story climaxes with his dramatic 2008 Olympic wins (of course, this came out too early to include the recent highly publicizedmarijuana controversy involving Phelps). Back matter includes a glossary, short bibliography of other age-appropriate books, and a Web site that links to two of the NBC Olympic sites.Theres not much here beyond the usual gee-whiz, aint-he-great material often found in youth books about athletes; still, this is good for younger kids looking for basic information on the Olympic star.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)