Derek Jeter (Blue Banner Biography Series)

Children's Literature

Even though he has three World Series rings (1996, 1998, and 1999) since joining the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter is still nowhere near his full potential, according to most baseball experts. Maybe he has not arrived at that point yet, but at the age of 26, this famous Yankee shortstop has already received more acclaim than most athletes do in a lifetime. Voted American League Rookie of the Year in 1996, Jeter has not breezed his way to the top on talent alone. He was mainly propelled to stardom by hard work, determination and solid values instilled in him by his parents. The son of an African-American father and a white mother of Irish ancestry, Jeter was expected to maintain an A average in school and to abide by strict household rules while growing up in Michigan with his younger sister Sharlee. These expectations were spelled out in a family contract that Jeter and Sharlee had to sign every year. This biography of Jeter is inspirational, and it shows how important it is to set goals. It is part of the "Real-Life Reader Biography" series. 2001, Mitchell Lane Publishers, $15.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Jeanette Lambert