Dennis Rodman

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8A candid look at the tattooed, technicolor-haired, cross-dressing superstar of the Chicago Bulls. The author makes no attempt to gloss over Rodman's bad-boy image, frankly discussing his troubled youth and the rebellious attitude that continues to cause him problems both on and off the court. Perhaps the book's greatest strength is its demonstration of the fact that Rodman, for all his flamboyance, has succeeded by studying and working very hard at two of the less-glamorous aspects of the game: defense and rebounding. He has become one of the most recognizable figures in American sports by concentrating on what many would consider to be the "grunt work" of professional basketball. He has accomplished this, moreover, despite an extraordinarily unpromising early career. Woven seamlessly throughout the narrative is the fact that Rodman is more than a hot-dogging, publicity-seeking showboat; he is a man who has overcome major obstacles to reach his goals. While marred by an abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion, this book, with its exciting game action, numerous black-and-white photographs, and candid treatment of its subject, should appeal to basketball fans.Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT