Tiger Woods: Golf Star

VOYA - Voya Reviews

Tiger Woods became a worldwide champion and a household name in April 1997, when he shot twelve-under-par in his victory at the Masters Championship, becoming the first African American and the youngest player ever to win this prestigious event. In California, at Stanford University, and in both amateur and pro golf circles, however, the prodigy named Tiger Woods was already a golf and teen hero. These titles uniformly chronicle the life and career of Tiger Woods, including family background, schooling, and the dates, names, and coverage of his golf competitions during his rise to stardom. Each title is filled with photos, a name and subject index, and significant statistical data to present accurately the rare talent that is Tiger Woods. He is compared with Michael Jordan in each book, and all note that spectator attendance increases whenever Tiger's name is on a roster. Lace and Uschan cover Tiger's life until 1998, and Durbin's details conclude in 1997. Predictions about the champion's future are discussed in each volume also. Upper elementary readers as well as middle school students will appreciate Lace's entry in the Sports Reports series because its style, readability, and sidebar "facts" highlight the material concisely and expertly. Part of the Black Americans of Achievements series, Durbin's title covers Tiger's relationship with Coach Goodwin at Stanford and includes Tiger's 1995 statement on his ethnic background. Older students will appreciate the detail, the chronology, the overview of golf, and the style of this text. From the People in the News series, Uschan's work delves further into the subject of racism and Tiger's friendship with Mike O'Meara, and it contains themost sophisticated writing style of the three volumes. Uschan refers readers to the Durbin book as one of its "Further Reading" selections. At least one of these well-written titles belongs in every young adult collection. Where sports and golf are of special interest, purchase all three for accuracy in the portrayal of the career and outstanding life of Tiger Woods. NOTE: This review was written to address three titles. Glossary. Index. Photos. Further Reading. Chronology. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 1998, Chelsea House, Ages 12 to 15, 110p. PLB $19.95. Reviewer: Nancy Zachary