All You Can Be: Learning & Growing Through Sports
An illustrious outfielder for the New York Yankees, Granderson has many athletic accomplishments to be proud of, but he also has the rare distinction of being a professional baseball player with a college degree. He shares his insights on the importance of education in this book, organized into nine “innings” that present broad life lessons. Underscored with illustrations by students from New York City public schools and photos from his own childhood, Granderson’s discussions touch on the value of family, the importance of being yourself, and the power of positive thinking. While the obvious appeal here is for kids who love baseball, Granderson’s wisdom is perfectly suited for anyone with big dreams and goals. The mixed-media illustrations will catch the eye of both children and adult readers and effectively drive home the book’s main points. Weaving an engaging and winsome set of moral lessons, Granderson never loses touch with a sense of authenticity and humility that more professional athletes should emulate. Grades 3-6. --Erin Anderson