Synopsis
Derek Jeter's career with the New York Yankees started in style. In his first full season in Major League Baseball, Derek Jeter was named Rookie of the Year and helped his team win the World Series. Things only got better from there. From 1996 through 2008, he made nine All-Star Games, won a total of four World Series Championships, and received countless honors for both his offensive and defensive plays. He has also become one of the Big Apple's biggest celebrities, all while giving back to the community through his Take 2 Foundation.
However, the road to baseball stardom wasn't always easy for a biracial man who was raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. There were times he played poorly, times where he shouldered the blame for team failures, and even times when he struggled with sportsmanship. Through it all, though, Derek worked hard to improve, both on the field and off. His story is one that proves that dedication pays off, as he has met all of his challenges head on, emerging as one of the best ballplayers of his era.
Children's Literature
A baseball biography should ring with the sounds of homeruns and stolen bases, not bland statistics and a roster of celebrities. Yet, that is exactly what you get with this biography of Yankee's captain Derek Jeter. The whole presentation of this title is clunky. The text is accurate and factual, but listing stats like any baseball website will not inspire young readers to greatness. Moreover, mentioning that Jeter had an incredible 2002 season while dating two young Hollywood starlets will likely not appeal to young readers. The way this book combines the personal and professional life of Jeter in the same breath distracts from the real purpose of the book. Most sports biographies give a special section or chapter to personal life and charity work. That way one may chose to skip ahead or read every word. The organization of the book is decent enough, with an exciting chapter opening the book and then moving on to a more chronological presentation. The way the book tries to capture the eye is another weakness. Boxes containing more in-depth information about topics mentioned in the chapter are featured in a different color, yet all too often they interrupt the flow of the text, making the thought process hard to follow. Also, all direct quotes are featured in a bold, off-color font, regardless if they are quotes from Jeter or sports writers and managers. A chronology, glossary, list of accomplishments, and further reading suggestions are included. As well, three websites are mentioned, all under the umbrella of mlb.com, so the reader may be assured of accuracy. Overall, this is a serviceable biography but considering that the Yankees have won yet another World Series, libraries wouldbe better off to wait for a more timely and exciting biography of Jeter. Reviewer: Tiffany Torbeck