Synopsis
A biography of the cyclist whose racing career was interrupted by a battle with cancer before he was back on track with a Tour de France win.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-In October 1996, at age 25, Armstrong, world-class cyclist, found out that he had testicular and lung cancer. A week later he discovered his cancer had spread to his brain. To make matters worse, he had no medical insurance. Through the help of some good friends and fans, he received excellent medical treatment and insurance coverage. Garcia outlines Armstrong's early life, and describes how even as a youngster he used his family problems to fuel his competitive spirit. Black-and-white photos are scattered throughout the text. The book may raise questions among young readers concerning such topics as testicular cancer-its causes, treatments, tests, etc. Some of the details concerning Armstrong's biological father, his adopted father's extramarital affairs, and his grandfather's drinking problem seem unnecessary. Still, this is a well-written account of a young man overcoming great odds and succeeding. Mark Stewart's Sweet Victory (Millbrook, 2000) and Kristin Armstrong's Lance Armstrong: The Race of His Life (Grosset & Dunlap, 2000) include color illustrations.-Kate Kohlbeck, Waukesha Public Schools, Waukesha, WI Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.