Enslow's Olympic Men's Hoops Player Bios Available Now

The United States Olympic men's basketball team reached the knockout phase of the medal rounds yesterday. The road to the medal rounds has not been entirely smooth, with the Lithuanian and Argentine team offering the American squad strong competition.

The American squad includes a number of well-known NBA stars. The spotlight of the London 2012 Games presents librarians and parents with an opportunity to offer biographies of prominent US basketball players that are on TV now.

Enslow Publishers offers an excellent selection of high-interest biographies of these sports celebrities. Read About Carmelo Anthony and Read About Kobe Bryant offer 24-page biographies of these Olympians. Author David Torsiello's Guided Reading Level "I" titles include excellent photos and a reader-friendly design. The books, included in Enslow's "I Like Sports Stars" series, are available in paperback for $6.95; a library-bound edition of each book is available for $15.95. The library-bound price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price for those items.

Enslow's LeBron James: A Basketball Star Who Cares offers a more challenging text suitable for readers in grades 3-4. Author Kimberly Gatto's 48-page work draws particular attention to "King James'" philanthropic work and his strong character. The Guided Reading Level "O" book includes game action photos, career statistics, and an address to write the Miami Heat star. A paperback version of this book, part of the "Sports Stars Who Care" series, is available for $7.95. A library-bound edition is also available for $17.95; the price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.

Michael Phelps' 19 Medals + 1

Earlier this week at the London 2012 Games, Michael Phelps became the leading medal winner in Olympic history. The American swimmer won his 19th medal over his illustrious athletic career, breaking a record formerly held by legendary Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina. It's an astonishing feat, and a tribute to the 27-year-old Phelps' ambition, discipline, and talent. Wisely, Phelps understands his remarkable achivement exists to be broken. According to a BBC report, Phelps said "'Nothing's untouchable'" in relation to his record.

Phelps' life story and Olympic feats are terrific material for a timely, fascinating book, especially for young readers. Enslow Publishers' 48-page biography of the record-breaking swimmer delivers on this promise. Author David Torsiello's well-crafted narrative, exciting photos, and engaging sidebars form a gold-medal winning reading experience suitable for ages 9-12.

This Guided Reading Level "S" title, part of Enslow's "Hot Celebrity Biographies" series, is available in paperback for $7.95. A library-bound edition of Michael Phelps: Swimming for Olympic Gold, is also available for $17.95; that price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.

London Olympics Will Be Swan Song for Michael Phelps' Swim Career

Michael Phelps, arguably the greatest swimmer in American sports history, has announced that the 2012 London Olympics will be his final competitive venue. The story, as reported by CNN, notes that Phelps has re-committed himself to the arduous training typically required of medal-level Olympic athletes. For American aspirations for Olympic gold, Phelps' entry is a promising omen. He has won 16 Olympic medals over the years, fourteen of which were gold medals.

Young readers can learn more about Phelps' interesting life story in Enslow Publishers' biography of the swimmer. Author David Torsiello's Guided Reading Level "S" work explores highlights of Phelps' career as well as his background growing up in suburban Baltimore, Maryland. This 48-page book, part of Enslow's "Hot Celebrity Biographies" series, is available in paperback for $7.95 (a free dowloadable teacher's guide is also available for this book.) The book may also be purchased in a library-bound edition for $17.95. That price, available to schools and public libraries, represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for the library-bound edition.