Review of Chris Rock title in Booklist

Chris Rock, one of the latest titles in the African-American Icons series, was recently reviewed in the June 1 & 15, 2014 issue of Booklist.

An excerpt of the review is below:

"Drawing on multiple interviews with Rock himself, this biography celebrates the candor and honesty of this often controversial comedian."

This title, one of 12 titles in the African-American Icons series, was recently published by Enslow Publishers. Written by Marty Gitlin for the middle school reader, this title, and the others in the series, spotlight the personal and professional accomplishments of inspirational African Americans.

All of the titles in this series are available in library, paperback, and eBook formats. They are available from your preferred vendor, enslow.com, local bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Jeff Gordon in 2nd Start Position for 2013 Daytona 500

Veteran driver Jeff Gordon won the second guaranteed spot in this year's Daytona 500.  Gordon starts behind Danica Patrick, who's made headlines as the first female driver to win pole position at the Daytona 500.

Gordon has three Daytona 500 wins behind him and has a real shot at winning a fourth this year.

To learn more about Jeff Gordon's history with the Daytona 500 and with competitive racing in general, check out Jeff Gordon: Racing's Brightest Star by Marty Gitlin.  Written especially for reluctant readers, Gitlin's 128 pg. book details Jeff Gordon's racing career, from his start as one of the youngest successful racers, through his later career as a recognized racing champion.

Jeff Gordon: Racing's Brightest Star, included in Enslow's "Heroes of Racing" series, is available directly from Enslow Publishers in a library-bound edition for $23.95. That price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.The book is also available from major vendors, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Shaun White -- Enslow Biography Subject -- Makes History at Winter X Games

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-7660-3627-7
Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3212-5 

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White added to his remarkable career achievements with a stunning, perfect score at the recent Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado. In doing so, he bested his closest competitor in the Men's Snowboard SuperPipe finals, Swiss rider Iouri Podladtchikov.

The triumph was something of a character test for White, who had sprained his ankle in the days prior to snowboard competition. The ailment forced White to skip a competitive event in which he had strongly desired to compete and win. White's perfect score more than soothed his disappointment.

"I've been wanting that 100 forever," White said after overcoming Podladtchikov's strong challenge.

Young readers who have an affinity or attraction to White's competitive spirit and athletic excellence will enjoy Enslow's biography, part of the "Hot Celebrity Biography" series, on the snowboard wizard. Author Marty Gitlin's engaging, 48-page work explores White's career and his driven personality. Filled with action photos and useful sidebars, the biography is fun for independent readers and a "way in" to books for reluctant readers.

Shaun White: Snow and Skateboard Champion is available in paperback for $7.95; a teacher's guide for this Guided Reading Level "S" book is available with purchase. A library-bound edition is also available for the school/library price of $17.95, which represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for the title.

Shaun White Scores at X Games, Has Cameo in New Justin Timberlake Movie

Shaun White, the 24-year-old Olympic gold medalist, struck gold again at this past weekend's summer X Games. He put on a dazzling show to win against world-class competition; GrindTV's story and accompanying videos detail his remarkable, winning performance. White's athletic triumph caps a busy summer for him. His cameo in Justin Timberlake's new movie Friends with Benefits gives White's fans an opportunity to see him on the big screen.

White's life and career make the stuff of compelling summer reading. Shaun White: Snow and Skateboard Champion, Enslow Publishers' biography of the sports superstar, provides a fascinating window into White's exciting life. Author Marty Gitlin's 48-page work depicts White's love of challenge and desire for success as positive forces in his life. The Guided Reading Level "S" book's age-appropriate vocabulary and contemporary design make it appealing to young readers. The book also provides reliable sources for further reading about this intriguing athlete and media star.

Enslow Publishers offers Shaun White: Snow and Skateboard Champion in a backpack-friendly, easily-shared paperback edition for $7.95. (A free teacher's guide to this book is available for educators and librarians.) A library-bound version is also available.

PS. Justin Timberlake fans: Enslow also offers a 48-page biography of the music and film star. The paperback edition is $7.95 and is available directly from Enslow Publishers. Discounted six-packs of the paperback edition of this Guided Reading Level "S" title are exclusively available from Enslow Publishers.

The Justin Timberlake and Shaun White biographies are among the titles in Enslow's "Hot Celebrity Biographies" series. Look for new additions to the series this fall!

NY Mets David Wright Sure Bet for Opening Day

For many of us there's still snow covering the ground with no sign of spring but the New York Mets spring training got under way on Tuesday. There's still plenty of time and a lot can happen between now and Opening Day against the Marlins on April 1st but it's a pretty sure bet that David Wright will be in the lineup!

Jimmie Johnson 5X Champion

Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson who won his fifth consecutive Sprint Cup Championship. Visit Team Lowe's homepage for all the details.

We know teens are crazy about cars and their driver's. Reluctant readers can learn more about Jimmie Johnson by reading his biography, Jimmie Johnson: Racing Champ.

Happy Birthday Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson is one of the dominating figures in NASCAR. He became the first rookie ever to lead in the point standings (and to date the only rookie to do so). He is the only driver to finish in the top five in the standings in his first five full seasons. He has never finished below fifth in the final standings and finished second twice (in 2003 and 2004) and won the Nextel Cup championship in 2006. He will only get better as he continues to compete at the highest levels of NASCAR. Great title for reluctant readers!

Happy Birthday Shaun White

Shaun White: Snow and Skateboard Champion
Author: Marty Gitlin
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3212-5
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 48

Shaun White has become an icon of the extreme sports world. He has dominated in both snowboarding and skateboarding, despite being years younger than many of his competitors. With an Olympic Gold Medal added to his trophy case, there’s no telling how high this guy will fly!