Clay Aiken (Blue Banner Biographies) [Library Binding]

John Albert Torres (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Blue Banner Biographies

Clay Aiken's life story is one that most people not born into privilege can identify with. The self-proclaimed geek took a one in a million shot at music stardom by qualifying for and then nearly winning the American Idol contest. In losing the contest, however, he won America's heart. Now, with hit records under his belt, the North Carolina native has a smile, a wit, and a voice that is being recognized everywhere.

Go behind the scenes of one of America's most popular television shows and learn what Clay had to go through to achieve success. Learn about his rough childhood and how his love of singing rose to the top at just the right time. Learn about how he deals with his newfound fame and what he thinks of his fans.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John A. Torres is an award-winning journalist covering social issues for Florida Today Newspaper. John has also written more than 25 books for various publishers on a variety of topics. He wrote Marc Anthony, Mia Hamm, and Fitness Stars of Bodybuilding for Mitchell Lane Publishers. In his spare time John likes playing sports, going to theme parks, and fishing with his children, step-children and wife, Jennifer.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Mitchell Lane Pub Inc (July 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584153164
• ISBN-13: 978-1584153160
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,116,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, September 6, 2004

By 

C. Carol (Perth, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clay Aiken (Blue Banner Biographies) (Library Binding)

I expected this autobiography to be like a normal one, as in a thick paperback novel... only to be greeted with a kid's book. There were just too many spelling errors & inaccurate points throughout the book & I couldn't help but to have the feeling that the author is simply riding on Clay's fame to make a quick buck... :(

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, August 26, 2004

By 

Ms. C. "Book Teacher" (NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clay Aiken (Blue Banner Biographies) (Library Binding)

As a children's librarian, I am thoroughly disappointed that Mr. Torres or his editors did not care enough about adolescent readers to better research his subject. How hard is it to find out the birth date of a living person? How hard is it to get the correct spelling of a name 'THROUGHOUT' the book. Ruben Studdard is mentioned at least 3 times and his name is spelled Stoddard in some mentions and Studdard in others. It is Studdard, by the way.

One of the things we try to teach students is the importance of accuracy in non-fiction. This is a poor example.

Mr. Aiken is a really good role model for young people, overcoming adversity with a positive attitude. This biography is one I would like to recommend for students. It's too bad this book didn't do him justice.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Inaccurate, September 1, 2004

By 

L. Chamness "Delu" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clay Aiken (Blue Banner Biographies) (Library Binding)

This book is filled with inaccuracies. Just a small amount of research would have helped. Too many mispellings and wrong dates, and just in general a sloppy effort to make a quick buck.I personally will NOT recomend this book to anyone.