Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way (Paperback)

~ (Author), Paul Lee (Illustrator) "It was the time of the Great Depression, and like millions of others, Herbert Aaron had great difficulty finding work..." (more)
Key Phrases: Black Bears, Babe Ruth

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This picture book biography of one of baseball's greats inspires as well as informs. Golenbock (Teammates) deftly winnows his material to suit his audience, keeping the story line focused and lean while allowing the theme perseverance in the face of obstacles to shine through. As the author tells it, Aaron is born during the Depression and grows up in a poor but loving family. His father teaches him "the joy of playing baseball in open grassy fields," while his mother stresses determination ("Set goals for yourself and don't let anyone stop you from achieving them"). Young Hank dreams of playing in the major leagues (which excluded black players until the year he turned 13). In time, his talent and drive take him to stardom with the Milwaukee Braves, where he sets a new goal for himself, to break the career home run record of Babe Ruth, "baseball's most beloved hero." Receiving hate mail and death threats, Aaron becomes even more determined, and breaks the record at the beginning of the 1974 season (with the now Atlanta-based Braves). Golenbock's prose is straightforward but full of drama and poignancy, qualities reflected in the quiet dignity of Lee's (The Good Luck Cat) spare, muted acrylic portraits, which transcend mere athleticism to capture the essential humanity of this compelling tale. Ages 6-9.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-This richly illustrated biography tells the story of the Hall of Famer by placing him in the proper historical context and attempting to humanize him. Aaron, a southern country boy, followed his dreams under the strict, but loving guidance of his parents. Despite his mother's wish that he attend college, he took a job on a professional team and rose quickly to the top as a home-run hitter. However, with racial tensions at an all-time high in the United States, his journey was not without problems. Hate mail and threats began to chip away at his hopes for success, until Aaron's adoring fans helped keep his dream alive. What Golenbock does well is capture the feel of 1960s' America, swelling with civil-rights tension. He deftly tells the athlete's story and proves that his subject certainly was "brave in every way." At times the narrative is a bit slow and the style is dry. Still, this baseball giant is brought down to earth as readers learn of his humble past and his personal struggles. Lee's strong, full-page acrylic illustrations in rich tones and textures work well and give the story depth and intensity.

Holly T. Sneeringer, St. Mark School, Baltimore, MD

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Voyager Books (March 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 015205250X
• ISBN-13: 978-0152052508
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #767,343 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Hooray for Hank Aaron!, January 28, 2008

By	Lynn Ellingwood "The ESOL Teacher" (Webster, NY United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is a nice book about Hank Aaron, the baseball player who broke Babe Ruth's home run record. It is also about an African-American man who managed to brake into Major League Baseball and endure threats from racist people who didn't like the fact he played. An inspiring story about overcoming people's bad attitudes and hatred while trying to achieve a goal.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hank Aaron's Life was Great, February 20, 2007

A Kid's Review

The story Henry "Hank" Aaron begins right when you open Hank Aaron Brave in Every Way by: Peter Golenbock. Paul Lee colorfully illustrates every page. Hank's story from birth to the HR record is told in this great biography.
The book will inspire every young person to not give up. Hank's perseverance to make the majors will show kids that miracles can happen. Paul Lee's illustrations by there selves could tell the story. Pictures of Henry with his family are extremely artistic. Hank Aaron is a great example that hard work pays off. His mom said "Hank, try to be the best." He took that attitude all the way.
Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way is a great read for people of all ages. People will admire Hank Aaron's talent and will. The pictures also help tell the story very well.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hank Aaron's Life was Great, February 20, 2007

A Kid's Review

The story Henry "Hank" Aaron begins right when you open Hank Aaron Brave in Every Way by: Peter Golenbock. Paul Lee colorfully illustrates every page. Hank's story from birth to the HR record is told in this great biography.
The book will inspire every young person to not give up. Hank's perseverance to make the majors will show kids that miracles can happen. Paul Lee's illustrations by there selves could tell the story. Pictures of Henry with his family are extremely artistic. Hank Aaron is a great example that hard work pays off. His mom said "Hank, try to be the best." He took that attitude all the way.
Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way is a great read for people of all ages. People will admire Hank Aaron's talent and will. The pictures also help tell the story very well.