Winners of the Heisman Trophy

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- A revised edition of the 1986 title, this book provides a brief introduction concerning the history of the Heisman Trophy, followed by biographical sketches of 15 winners of the award. Devaney begins most chapters with a ``bait and switch'' approach, building up to a climactic moment in the player's college career, and then switching to a biographical sketch before completing the suspended drama. This new edition is more updated than revised, as the original introduction and the first 11 chapters are reprinted word for word and photo for photo. The three new chapters about recent winners of the Heisman give information about Bo Jackson, Tim Brown, and Barry Sanders. The other addition is a useful appendix that lists the winners of the Heisman from the original recipient in 1935 to 1989's winner. Playing positions and universities are also included in this section. Stock black-and-white photographs are sprinkled throughout the book. While factually accurate (although 1978 winner Billy Simms is referred to once as Billy Vessels), there is some fictionalization of thought and dialogue. This book is strictly for football fans, as some knowledge of the game is required to follow play descriptions. --Tom S. Hurlburt, formerly at Minneapolis Public Library