Win One for the Gipper: America's Football Hero (True Story) [Hardcover]

Kathy-Jo Wargin (Author), Bruce Langton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2011 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: True Story

Like most boys growing up in Michigan in the early 1900s, George Gipp enjoyed playing sports. But even as a small boy, his athletic skills set him apart from the others. When he is awarded a baseball scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, his future seems set. An afternoon's horseplay with a football, however, brings George to the attention of assistant football coach Knute Rockne, and Notre Dame football is transformed forever. Setting records and winning fans' hearts, George seems unstoppable - until cruel fate intervenes. Now, for every young reader sho has ever wondered about the phrase "Win one for the Gipper," comes the inspiring story of the legendary George Gipp.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4 - A picture-book biography of a Notre Dame football hero in the early 1900s. George Gipp initially attended Notre Dame on a baseball scholarship, but attracted the attention of Coach Knute Rockne, who encouraged him to give football a chance. Gipp suited up and became an outstanding player for his team. During his senior year, he became ill, but nonetheless played in the game against Northwestern on a day planned to honor his accomplishments. Two days later, he was hospitalized and died. Before his death, he told Coach Rockne at his hospital bedside to "win one for the Gipper," a phrase that was repeated eight years later in a locker room before Notre Dame went on to defeat Army at West Point. Langton's larger-than-life oil paintings are stronger than the pedestrian text, which is framed on each page. However, readers who have been curious about the expression will gain a clear understanding of its origin. - Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
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About the Author

Following successful careers as a commercial illustrator and a wildlife artist, Bruce Langton started illustrating children's books. His books include P is for Putt: A Golf Alphabet and Win One for the Gipper: America's Football Hero. Bruce lives in Granger, Indiana.

Kathy-jo Wargin is the author of more than 30 books for children, including The Legend of Sleeping Bear. Her many awards include an IRA Children's Choice Award for The Legend of the Loon and an IRA Teacher's Choice Award for Win One for the Gipper. Kathy-jo lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; 1 edition (October 31, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585362212
• ISBN-13: 978-1585362219
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,555,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kathy-jo Wargin is the bestselling author of more than 45 books such as the children's classic The Legend of Sleeping Bear, 2001 IRA Children's Choice Award Winner The Legend of the Loon, IRA Teacher's Choice Award Winner Win One for the Gipper, Bank Street College of Education Best Book Listee The Voyageur's Paddle, and newly released Alfred Nobel, The Man Behind the Peace Prize. She has also written two widely successful coffee table books titled Michigan, The Spirit of the Land and The Great Lakes Cottage Book, working in collaboration with her husband, Great Lakes photographer Ed Wargin.

Kathy-jo Wargin was born and raised on the iron range of northern Minnesota, and studied music composition at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She has been writing professionally for more than twenty years, and is dedicated to the creation and promotion of quality literature for children. She is a frequent guest speaker at reading conferences throughout the nation such as IRA, MAME, MRA and more. In addition, she regularly visits school systems to perform large and small group presentations and teacher in-service programs, as well as frequent book signing tours and promotional events. Kathy-jo Wargin and family reside in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Her newest book is titled Moose on the Loose. Here's what School Library Journal has to say: PreS-Gr 1-This rhyming text begins by asking: "What/would you do/with a moose/on the loose?/Would you chase him,/or race him,/or stand up to face him?" As the book continues, the creature becomes more daring, and children will delight in the antics of both the moose and its young human companion. Bold, bright, cartoonlike illustrations capture the action in a humorous style, inviting readers to look closely at all the details. The large boldfaced type complements the illustrations and action. Colorful spreads and simple rhymes will make this whimsical story a hit.-Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for any age, October 27, 2011

By 

M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Win One for the Gipper: America's Football Hero (True Story) (Hardcover)

Kids will love this book, and so will Dads and Grampas.

George Gipp was a regular person with outstanding athletic talent. An assistant football coach noticed his abilities and recruited him from his first sport -- baseball -- to the football field. The coach with an eye for greatness? Knute Rockne.

People went wild for Gipp, so much so that he played on through tonsilitis and a bad infection, leading to his death at age 25.

This book handles his death gently, notifying us of his worsening condition the same way his hometown got the news -- through signs posted in shop windows.

And Knute Rockne got an inspirational story and went on to legendary fame.

Read one for the Gipper -- this one.

4.0 out of 5 stars Husband's request, October 4, 2011

By 

June A. Albert "barrettbug" (Punta Gorda, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Win One for the Gipper: America's Football Hero (True Story) (Hardcover)

I ordered this per request of my husband as he is so into Notre Dame and 'the Gipper'. I have not read it so can't say - just listened to what good things he said about it.

5.0 out of 5 stars What is one for the Gipper, August 22, 2011

By 

wogan "the book reader" - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Win One for the Gipper: America's Football Hero (True Story) (Hardcover)

This picture book is designed for grades 2-4; however anyone with a love of football and especially Notre Dame Football would enjoy reading this. It has nice colour pictures that have been modeled on a friend of the author who died in a car accident; we are told this in a touching dedication.

The story, as expected touches a spot in those who believe in playing sports with their heart. It tells the story of George Gipp, the legendary Notre Dame Football player, who gave rise to the motivation to win one for the Gipper.
This is a piece of American sports history and of its culture that is worth learning at a young age.