Jim Thorpe: Happy Birthday!

Jim Thorpe was born on this day in 1887. The Oklahoman, of mixed native American and European heritage, was arguably America's greatest athlete. He excelled at the highest level in pro football during era when players had both offensive and defensive positions. Thorpe spent six years in big league baseball, mainly with the New York Giants. He also was a gold medal Olympian in the pentathlon and decathlon. There's even a city in Pennsylvania named after him. Thorpe's athletic feats and fascinating off-field life forms the basis of Enslow Publishers' biography of the legendary sportsman. Author Michael A. Schuman's 128-page, age-appropriate work vividly recounts Thorpe's challenges and triumphs. The book includes purposeful color and black-and-white illustrations, as well as useful backmatter.

Jim Thorpe: There's No Such Thing as "Can't," part of Enslow's "Americans--The Spirit of a Nation" series, is available in a library-bound edition from Enslow for $23.95. That price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price to school and library customers. The title is also available from your preferred vendor, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

Today would have been Jim Thorpe's birthday

Jim Thorpe "There's No Such Thing as 'Can't'"
Author: Michael A. Schuman
State Affiliation of Author: NH
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3021-3

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

American Indian Jim Thorpe made great feats a routine during his athletic career, winning gold medals in the Olympics and playing professional baseball and football. Although he faced bitter racism during his life, Thorpe continued to excel. When he received his gold medal for the decathlon in the 1912 Olympics, the King of Sweden proclaimed him the "greatest athlete in the world." Author Michael A. Schuman relates this American's exciting story, including the revocation and ultimate return of his gold medals, using interviews with Jim Thorpe's son and daughter as part of his research.