Happy Birthday Albert Pujols!

January 16th, 1980 is the birthday of philanthropist and star baseball player Albert Pujols.  Born in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, Pujols and his family  emigrated to the United States in 1996.  Pujols has had a stellar career playing for the Cardinals and now the Angels, and, through his non-profit Pujols Family Foundation, he is a major advocate for individuals with Down's syndrome.  To learn more about Albert Pujols, check out Tom Needham's Albert Pujols: MVP On and Off the Field from the "Sports Stars With Heart" series.

Happy Birthday, Derek Jeter!

New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter celebrates his 38th birthday today. For a professional athlete, high level performance is an unrelenting activity. When that athlete plays in a big-time market, the expectations from fans, teammates, and management become even greater. Jeter has successfully navigated those demands and has done so in baseball's most visible platform. What's truly remarkable is that Jeter is enjoying one of his finest seasons at an age when most players' skills, especially those of infielders, are in steep decline.

Jeter's career challenges and fascinating life story provide excellent material for young readers to discover. Enslow Publishers' currently offers two biographies of the New York Yankee star. Read About Derek Jeter, part of Enslow's "I Like Sports Stars" series, is a 24-page book suitable for early readers. Author David Torsiello's Guided Reading Level "I" text dovetails with the work's exciting color photos and reader-friendly type size. The book is available in paperback for $6.95. A library-bound edition is also available for $15.95; that price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price for the book.


For older readers, Derek Jeter: Captain On and Off the Field, from Enslow's "Sports Stars with Heart" series, is the way to go. Author Tom Robinson's 128-page work provides a wealth of information on Jeter's professional accomplishments. The book's Guided Reading Level "V" narrative is enhanced with useful pull-outs and excellent color photos. Robinson's title is available in paperback for $9.95; a library-bound edition may also be purchased directly from Enslow for the discounted school/library price of $23.95.


Happy birthday, Derek! 

New Enslow Books Salute Yankee All-Star Derek Jeter!

New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter made baseball history this weekend, when he reached the 3,000-hit mark by hitting a dramatic home run at Yankee Stadium. Only 28 other players in major league baseball history have achieved this milestone. What made Jeter's feat even more remarkable was that he was the first player in Yankee history to have 3,000 or more career base hits.

Read About Derek Jeter, a title in Enslow's new six-book "I Like Sports Stars!" series, informs young readers about the Yankee All-Star infielder's skills, individual records, and championship accomplishments. David P. Torsiello's 24-page book includes many action photos that neatly dovetail with text appropriate for children in Grades K-3.

Older readers looking for greater detail about Jeter's background and athletic success should read Derek Jeter: Captain On and Off the Field, from Enslow's "Sports Stars With Heart" series. Author Tom Robinson's 128-page, Guided Reading Level "V" book provides a winning combination of engaging text, colorful sidebars of key statistics and other information, and full-color photos that bring Jeter's iconic career into vivid life.

Both Derek Jeter titles are available in library-bound and paperback editions directly from Enslow Publishers. Prices for each book are as follows:
      Read About Derek Jeter

• library-bound: $21.26 (list); $15.95 (school/library discount price)
• paperback: $6.95

     Derek Jeter: Captain On and Off the Field

• library-bound: $31.93 (list); $23.95 (school/library discount price)
• paperback: $9.95

Baseball Season Begins March 31st

Believe it or not, the major league baseball season is upon us. Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 31st. For young readers who follow the sport, Enslow offers a number of 100-plus page titles focusing on popular baseball stars. Among the fun, well-written books are Albert Pujols: MVP On and Off the Field, Derek Jeter: Captain On and Off the Field, and Andruw Jones: All-Star On and Off the Field. These Guided Reading Level "V" titles are among those included in the nine-book "Sports Stars with Heart" series. Paperback versions of each title are $9.95 via Enslow's teacher-focused Enslow Classroom website. A free, downloadable teacher's guide for each title in the series is also available on the Enslow Classroom site.

In addition, all books in the "Sports Stars with Heart" series are available in library-bound editions.

Kevin Garnett Bowling for Charity

Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett ("KG") has earned a good reputation for his charitable interests off the court as well as his strong play on the court. His most recent endeavor was participating in a charity bowling event to rasie money for "The Truth Fund" and "The Truth on Health" information campaign. Both initiatives, targeted to reach underprivileged kids, are spearheaded by Garnett's teammate Paul Pierce.

Read more about KG's longstanding interest in "giving back" in Enslow Publishers's Kevin Garnett: All-Star On and Off the Court. Author J. Chris Roselius' attractively designed, 128-page biography neatly illuminates Garnett's early years, his rise to stardom, and selected charitable activities. An excellent choice for character education and African-American biography collections, this Guided Reading Level "V" title is available in paperback for $9.95 or in a library-bound edition.

A free, downloadable teacher's guide, including curriculum-specific activities, is also available for the book.

Kevin Garnett: All-Star On and Off the Court is part of Enslow's nine-book "Sports Stars with Heart" series, which focuses on professional athletes in basketball, baseball, and football.

LaDainian Tomlinson Equals Payton Record

National Football League and New York Jet star LaDainian Tomlinson recently reached two career milestones that place him in among the game's greatest players. The running back has now rushed for over 13,000 yards and caught passes for more than 4,000 yards. The only other running back to have matched those thresholds was the late Walter Payton.

In addition to their football accomplishments, Tomlinson and Payton were separately involved with charitable, off-field activities. For both players, their belief in "giving back" was matched by action. Enslow Publishers' biography of LaDainian Tomlinson discusses his philanthropic interests, and places them in the context of his exceptional professional career.

Author Craig Ellenport's LaDainian Tomlinson: All-Pro On and Off the Field discusses Tomlinson's life, the positive influences on his character, and how he combines athletic success with off-field achievements. This high-interest, 128 page title is available in paperback from Enslow Classroom, as well as Enslow's traditional, library-bound edition.

A free, downloadable teacher's guide is available for this Guided Reading Level "W" title.

Derek Jeter for Yankees' Monument Park?

This week, the New York Yankees placed a plaque for late owner George Steinbrenner in Yankee Stadium's Monument Park. The site commemmorates great members of the Yankee organization, such as Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle. We wouldn't be surprised if a current Yankee player, shortstop Derek Jeter, receives this honor after his retirement.

Fortunately, we can see the Yankee infielder play this season on a daily basis. Watching Jeter reminds us that not only is Jeter a fine baseball player, but that his life story is an uplifting one. Young readers can learn about this athlete's background, character, and career in Enslow Publishers' Derek Jeter: Captain On and Off the Field. This high-interest, 128-page biography is available in paperback, and is included among the titles in the Enslow Classroom paperback portfolio. The book, also available in a library-bound edition, would make a welcome, timely addition to your classroom library collection!

Today is Kevin Garnett's birthday

Kevin Garnett All-Star On and Off the Court
Author: J Chris Roselius
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2863-0

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

Kevin Garnett is the star forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 1995, he became the first NBA player drafted out of high school in twenty years. In 2004, he was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. Off the court, Garnett has helped many charities, including a $1.2 million donation to Oprah's Angel Network to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005.

LeBron named 2009-10 MVP

LeBron James was named the NBA's MVP for 2009-10!

"James, who also earned the honor last season, totaled 1,205 points including 116 first place votes, from a panel of 122 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada and the first ever NBA MVP fan vote." says the article.

Enslow Publishers has a series called Sports Stars with Heart, that includes a title Lebron James: King On and Off the Court

Today is David Beckham's birthday

David Beckham

Gifted and Giving Soccer Star
Author: J Chris Roselius
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3587-4

Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

One of the most popular athletes in the world, soccer star David Beckham's skills are second to none. As he grew into an international superstar, Beckham used his fame to help the sport of soccer grow and make a better future for underprivileged children throughout the world.

Today is Andruw Jones' birthday

Andruw Jones All-Star On and Off the Field
Author: Tom Robinson
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2867-8

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

Andruw Jones is one of the most well-rounded players in baseball, with the ability to hit for both average and power, as well as play a nearly flawless centerfield. In 2006, Jones won his ninth consecutive gold glove for his outfield play. In addition to his athletic achievements, Jones has aided many charities, including "Jaden’s Ladder"—an organization dedicated to assisting women and children who have survived abusive situations. Jones and his wife, Nicole, serves as ambassadors for the charity.

Happy Birthday Tiki Barber!

Tiki Barber All-Pro On and Off the Field
Author: Tom Needham
State Affiliation of Author: NC
State Affiliation of Title: NJ, NY
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2865-4

ISBN-10: 0-7660-2865-8
Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

Tiki Barber is the outstanding running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He was the league's top yardage gainer from the line of scrimmage in 2005 and is the all-time leader in rushing yards in Giants history. Off the field, Barber has been involved with programs designed to fight breast cancer, autism, muscular dystrophy, domestic violence and many others. When a charitable cause calls, Tiki always answers. His 21 Club, which raises funds based on his performance on the field, supports the Children's Miracle Network and art education.

Peyton Manning's birthday is today

Peyton Manning Leader On and Off the Field
Author: Tim Polzer
State Affiliation of Author: TX
State Affiliation of Title: IN, LA, TN
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2822-7ISBN-10: 0-7660-2822-4-->
Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

After a legendary college career at Tennessee, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has gone on to shatter nearly every passing record in the NFL in his young career. Off the field, Manning’s "PeyBack" Foundation, established in 1999, assists programs that provide opportunities for children at risk.

Enslow Publishers, Inc.

LaDainian Tomlinson signs deal with the Jets

LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers recently signed a 2-year agreement with the New York Jets. To read more about this trade, click here.

In Enslow's title, LaDainian Tomlinson: All-Pro On and Off the Field you won't only learn about his tremendous NFL career, but also his life wway from the football field. Tomlinson's Touching Lives Foundation finances field trips for young students in an effort to encourage their education and personal growth.