Tom Hanks

Children's Literature

The "Star Tracks" series by Abdo & Daughters reveals an up close and personal look at the life and career of superstar Tom Hanks. Wheeler presents Hanks life from his birth in 1956 through his school years to community college, where he signed up for a course that changed his life. Little did Hanks know that the class in drama and performance would lead him to his passion. Hanks reveals when he saw the play "The Iceman Cometh," it was the turning point in his life, "...by the end of the night I had a goal." The generous use of quotes by Hanks draws the readers into the text. Hanks' rise in the profession takes readers along on his journey in acting from Shakespeare to his first TV role in "Bosom Buddies" and finally onward and upward to the silver screen. "Splash" was just the beginning of what would be a very successful career in movies. Hanks tells readers he believes the reason behind his appeal is because he is "charming, witty, and can still be taken seriously." Reluctant readers will be drawn to the book with its easy-to-read text and a format that is brimming with full-page color photos. End notes include a Web source for further information, a glossary, and an index. 2002, Abdo & Daughters,
— Sue Reichard