From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7?A pleasant diversion from the scores of formula sports biographies, this book details the life and career of Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Hideo Nomo. Having lived his whole life in Japan, Nomo went against the disapproval of his friends, family, and the public at home to pursue his dream of pitching in the American major leagues. Not only did he succeed?he starred, being named National League Rookie-of-the-Year for 1995, and creating a frenzy among fans and media known as "Nomomania." Rodman draws heavily on interviews with Nomo's father. Readers are introduced to the rigid societal demands prevalent in Japan, many of which were counter to Nomo's goal to pitch in the United States. Upon his joining the Dodgers, the athlete faced not only myriad cultural differences, but also had to deal with a high-pressure international press corp that grew as the season progressed. A center section offers four pages of black-and-white photos. While the book is undocumented beyond an acknowledgment, youngsters will come away with insights they won't garner from standard juvenile sports biographies.?Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
