Doeden, Matt. Meet Jalen Hurts. Lerner Sports: Sports VIPs. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765610466. Paper $9.99. 979-8765623640. GRADES 4–6. ADDITIONAL.
Players from various professional sports teams are introduced to readers in these enthusiastic biographies. While there are a number of details about their recent rise to fame and their upbringing, the overall brief format is likely to leave readers wanting more. Each title zooms through their childhood, what got them interested in their sport, how they excelled as a kid, about their rise into a big, professional team, and why they have become a fan favorite. Some disappointments and personal problems are included, so readers will get at least a glimpse of the real person behind the name. Frequent color photographs break up the quick-paced information. Useful for middle-grade readers wanting to learn about current athletes. This reviewer read four new entries in the series, featuring two Black football players, a white Serbian basketball player, and a white Canadian hockey player, all male.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library