The Reason We Play: American Sports Figures and What Inspires Them

More than just a collection of biographical portraits of famous athletes, this book also inspires middle school and high school students through the athletes’ stories of their favorite books, what motivates them, and what obstacles they have overcome.

ISBN-13: 9781538140932

Media Type: Hardcover

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers - Inc.

Publication Date: 10-15-2021

Pages: 186

Product Dimensions: 6.33(w) x 9.37(h) x 0.63(d)

Age Range: 10 - 17 Years

Marc Bona is a journalist with more than 30 years’ experience in newspapers, the last eight as a features writer for cleveland.com, the digital arm of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland’s daily paper. He has roots in sports writing, having edited and covered a variety of sports. He is the author of The Game Changer (2018) and has assisted other authors on several nonfiction sports titles.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 1. Brian Boitano, Figure Skating: A California Kid Learns to Skate 2. Bobby Bowden, Football: Born to Coach 3. Dave Burba, Baseball: An Ohio Homecoming 4. Todd Christensen, Football: Big Player, Big Words 5. Frank Deford, Sports Writing: A Born Storyteller 6. Tony Dungy, Football: Calm and in Control 7. Mike Eruzione, Hockey: Believing in Miracles 8. Gerry Faust, Football: A Dream Fulfilled 9. Tony Granato, Hockey: Basement Dreams 10. Tim Green, Football: A Busy Man 11. Janet Guthrie, Auto Racing: Speedy Trailblazer 12. Lou Holtz, Football: The Upbeat ‘Do Right’ Coach 13. Tom Kurvers, Hockey: The World Traveler 14. Vern Law, Baseball: The Deacon on the Mound 15. Kristine Lilly, Soccer: The Caps Queen 16. Kim Mulkey, Basketball: Champion Player, Champion Coach 17. Ty Murray, Rodeo: The Record-Breaking Cowboy 18. Victor Oladipo, Basketball: More Than a Player 19. Cat 'sterman, Softball: The Untouchable Tall Texan 20. Lyn St. James, Auto Racing: From Student to Teacher 21. Dick Schultz, Sports Executive: The Man in Charge 22. Andre Thornton, Baseball: Keeping the Faith 23. Mike Veeck, Baseball Executive: Director of Fun Notes Bibliography About the Author Show More