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.

New Michael Phelps Video Game Released

Have you heard? Olympic medalist, Michael Phelps is now part of the virtual pool. His new video game, Michael Phelps: Push the Limit, was released earlier this week. The game was developed by Blitz Games and published by 505 Games for use with the Kinect system for Microsoft's Xbox 360. My kids love the Kinect games and I can see this one being both fun and challenging. It's also a great way to bring more attention to the sport of swimming.

Young readers can learn more about Michael Phelps in our book, Michael Phelps: Swimming for Olympic Gold for grades 5–9 available in both library binding and paperback. A free educator's guide is also available through our web site.

On this day in 2008

Michael Phelps swam into history as the winningest Olympic athlete ever with his 10th and 11th career gold medals.

Phelps to compete in this week's US Championships

Michael Phelps, 14-time gold medalist, will be competing in this week's US Championships in Irvine, California, with a transition in swim suits! The Summer Olympics will be held in London in 2012. Click here for more information on the change, that Phelps is embracing.

Read more about Michael Phelps in the book Michael Phelps: Swimming for Olympic Gold in paperback and hardcover.

Michael Phelps: Swimming for the Gold

Kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a splash, Enslow Publishers announces the newest title in the Hot Celebrity Biographies series, Michael Phelps: Swimming for the Gold, by David P. Torsiello.

Swimmer Michael Phelps is considered by many to be the greatest Olympian of all-time. At the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, Phelps took home a record 8 gold medals! Find out about Phelps's amazing achievements, as well as what life is like for him both in and out of the pool.

Enslow Publishers, ISBN: 978-0-7660-3591-1, grades 3-4

For more information on this title, please visit http://www.enslow.com/displayitem.asp?type=1&item=2666