Kurt Warner: Can't Keep Him Down

Children's Literature

Rams quarterback Kurt Warner led his team to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. This biography tells of Warner's life-long struggle out of athletic obscurity into football's brightest spotlight. Although he proved himself a winner over and over—in high school, college and professional Arena Football—Warner had a hard time convincing the pros of his value. In dramatic, play-by-play game descriptions, Stewart tells Warner's story of triumph and determination. The book is well-designed, with plenty of color photos and bright graphic elements. The vocabulary level assumes a knowledge of football on the part of the reader. Stewart uses football terminology and slang in a context that is generally understandable, which is a good thing, since no glossary or definitions are offered. Warner seems a fine role model for today's youngsters because of his determined spirit, inspiring history and solid, family-man lifestyle. The book is part of the series "New Wave." 2001, Bittersweet/The Millbrook Press, $20.90. Ages 9 up. Reviewer:Kimberly Norman