The story of Lou Gehrig, the heroic Yankee who battled with ALS, was inspirational far beyond Yankee Stadium. David Adler's spare biography tells Gehrig's story just as the athlete lived: with unassuming simplicity. It's a wise choice, since the story is so affecting on its own. Another wise choice was Adler's decision to remain vague about the details of Gehrig's illness. The story is no less affecting without them, and probably contains enough sadness for any child. As good as this book is, Terry Widener's illustrations multiply its impact enormously.

[Recommended for ages 5-9. Older siblings will probably be willing to hang around to hear it though.]


From Publishers Weekly
PW called this picture-book biography of the man who played 2,130 consecutive games for the New York Yankees "a gracious tribute to a stalwart, modest and tirelessly optimistic man. Widener's stylized acrylics vividly re-create the look and feel of major league baseball in the '20s and '30s." Ages 6-9. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4?The simple text tells the story of this New York Yankee great whose record of playing in 2,130 consecutive games stood from 1939 until Cal Ripken, Jr., broke it in 1995. Gehrig is justly portrayed as a humble, self-effacing man. Widener's acrylic paintings sweep across the pages, melding comfortably with Adler's spare writing style while adeptly portraying Gehrig and the era. Young sports fans will read about an athlete and a man whose work ethic and demeanor seem especially appealing in comparison to many of today's over-hyped, self-promoting sports stars. Richard Rambeck's Lou Gehrig (Child's World, 1993) contains more biographical information at a slightly higher reading level and features photographs. Norman Macht's Lou Gehrig (Chelsea, 1992) is a solid choice for those in the upper-elementary and junior high grades.?Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WICopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.


The Boston Globe
"A touching tribute to the baseball superstar . . . Stunning illustrations."


From Booklist
Gr. 3^-5. Kids of today may not immediately recognize the name Lou Gehrig, but they will be immediately drawn into this picture book for older children about the "Iron Horse." Adler sets his narrative stage by telling readers that in 1903, Henry Ford sold his first auto, the Wright brothers took their first flight, and Lou Gehrig was born. Young Lou, who never missed a day of school, became a baseball player who never missed a game. Crisply and concisely, Adler covers the many high points of Gehrig's career, at the same time giving readers a real sense of the man and his shining spirit. Gehrig's illness and eventual death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are handled with dignity and in a way youngsters will understand. The picture-book format gets a lift here from Widener's impressive artwork. Reminiscent of WPA art with its rounded shapes and potent energy, these pictures project a zest for life on and off the playing field. The last spread, showing Yankee Stadium on the day of Gehrig's funeral, awash in rain, provides a silent but powerful ending to Gehrig's story Ilene Cooper


From Kirkus Reviews
The aw-shucks decency of Gehrig drives this picture-book biography from Adler (One Yellow Daffodil, 1995, etc.); what comes through is Gehrig as a genuine rarity, blessed with colossal athletic talent that he carried with dignity and modesty. The familiar story (no sources are given, but it follows the Gary Cooper movie, Pride of the Yankees, quite closely) is here: how Gehrig left college and signed with the Yankees to get money for his family; his remarkable, 14-year, 2,130-consecutive-game record; how he benched himself when he started to experience the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; his farewell speech to Yankee fans (``I'm the luckiest man on the face of the earth''); his death at age 37 and the rain that fell on his funeral. Adler never overstates the adulation, which would sound hokey on anyone else's shoulders, but fits Gehrig snugly. Newcomer Widener's illustrations capture the texture of Gehrig's city and playing fields, although one spread--of Yankee Stadium in the rain-- brings the book to a premature close (a dangling page of text follows). Readers will feel good after reading this biography--and maybe even inspired to start measuring themselves against Gehrig's standard. (Picture book/biography. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Review
"A touching tribute to the baseball superstar . . . Stunning illustrations."-The Boston Globe

"Well told and handsomely illustrated." -The New York Times Book Review



Review
"Well told and handsomely illustrated." -The New York Times Book Review



Review
"Well told and handsomely illustrated." -The New York Times Book Review



Book Description
Lou Gehrig's perseverance is legendary. During fourteen years as a first baseman for the New York Yankees, he played in a record 2,130 consecutive games, earning himself the nickname Iron Horse. Lou loved baseball and considered himself a very lucky man, even though on his thirty-sixth birthday he was diagnosed with a rare and fatal disease.



Card catalog description
Traces the life of the Yankees' star ballplayer, focusing on his character and his struggle with the terminal disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.


About the Author
DAVID A. ADLER lives in New York.

TERRY WIDENER lives in Texas.

ANNOTATION

Traces the life of the Yankees' star ballplayer, focusing on his character and his struggle with the terminal disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This biography traces Gehrig's life, from childhood through his illustrious career with the Yankees to his struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and his tragic death at age thirty-seven. Expressive illustrations capture the strength, modesty, and dignity for which this remarkable man will always be remembered.

FROM THE CRITICS

A touching tribute to the baseball superstar . . . Stunning illustrations.

Boston Globe

A touching tribute to the baseball superstar . . . Stunning illustrations.

Boston Globe

A touching tribute to the baseball superstar . . . Stunning illustrations.

Publishers Weekly

PW called this picture-book biography of the man who played 2,130 consecutive games for the New York Yankees "a gracious tribute to a stalwart, modest and tirelessly optimistic man. Widener's stylized acrylics vividly re-create the look and feel of major league baseball in the '20s and '30s." Ages 6-9. (Apr.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde