Larry Fitzgerald

Children's Literature - Pat Trattles

Larry Fitzgerald's mother was his role model. She worked for the Minnesota Department of Health and helped people learn how to deal with diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Fitzgerald watched his mother put her all into her work and did the same into everything he did, especially football. He went to the University of Pittsburgh for college and had a successful first season. Near the end of his freshman year, however, his mother died of cancer. To deal with the loss he worked even harder at the sport he loved and by the end of his second year at Pittsburgh many considered him the nation's top pass catcher. He entered the NFL draft after his sophomore year and was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals. Over the next several seasons, Fitzgerald became one of the league's best receivers and in 2008 led the Cardinals into their first Super Bowl. Fitzgerald's accomplishments off the field are equally as impressive. In honor of his mother he set up the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund to teach people about cancer and AIDS and help those who are afflicted with those terrible diseases. He established the Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Football Camp to teach young teens the techniques of the game. He believes helping others in this way means as much as playing in a Super Bowl. Part of the "Football Heroes Making a Difference" series from Bearport Publishing, this book includes a table of contents, detailed index, "The Larry File" highlighting his accomplishments on and off the field, a glossary, bibliography, and suggestions for further information in books and online. Aimed at upper elementary students, it is a great resource for young football lovers everywhere. With its high interest level and simple, straightforward text, it is also an ideal book for reluctant readers. Reviewer: Pat Trattles