Among the new children's books fresh off the press from Gareth Stevens Publishing is Drew Brees by Michael Portman. This biography is one of the books in the series Today's Superstars. The series gives children easily accessible reading about the lives and accomplishments of stars they can admire and see as role models.
The author, Michael Portman, is a sports fan who frequently attends college and professional sports events. He especially likes to keep up with football, hockey and baseball. His love for sports led him to a 15-year career in the sports and recreation field, and now he writes about the subject for children. He also has written children's books about classic cars.
Features that draw children to this book
The 48 pages of this book show many exciting glossy color photos of Drew Brees in action. The 9-inch by 6.5-inch hardback book begins with an easy to read table of contents that lists all the chapters and also the end-of-book supplements. Among these supplements are a chronological list of the star quarterback's awards and championships, a timeline chart of his life and football career, a reference page of web sites and books that tell more about him, source notes, a glossary and an index. Glossary words appear in bold type throughout the book.
All the chapters of the book are divided into subsections with titles and age appropriate content. Each subsection begins and ends on the same page to allow young readers quick comprehension. Fact boxes and sidebars are featured in each chapter, too. Highlighted fun true-false questions are throughout the book, with an answer page just before the back index.
The day that Drew Brees took the Saints to the top victory
More viewers tuned in to watch Super Bowl XLIV (44) than any other television program in US history. Many of those watching were pulling for the New Orleans Saints, a team which some people thought would never make it to a Super Bowl. The team's star quarterback, Drew Brees, who had made a comeback of his own, was up against one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts. Many sports fans thought the Saints could not possibly defeat the Colts.
In Chapter 1, “Super Saints,” Portman gives the details of the game. On that fateful day, February 7, 2010, Brees and the Saints astounded the world with a 31-17 victory over the Colts. The 43-year-old New Orleans team came out Champions of their first Super Bowl. Brees was named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP). He had proven himself to be one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League (NFL).
The life of Brees from childhood through college
Portman tells of Brees's athletic heritage in Chapter 2, “A Good Sport.” Both his parents, Chip and Mina Brees of Dallas, Texas, were accomplished athletes in their school days. His grandfather, Ray Akins, was a highly successful and well known high school football coach in Texas.
The Brees family moved to Austin, Texas, when Drew was seven years old. There he later played football at Westlake High School. As starting quarterback in his senior year, Brees took the Westlake team through a season of 16-0 wins-losses and on to the Texas state championship.
Nevertheless, most college recruiters were not certain that Drew could play at the college level because of his small size. He was only six feet tall. Purdue University and Kentucky offered him scholarships, and he decided to attend Purdue.
In Chapter 3, “College Game Day,” Portman tells of Drew's slow start in college football and his determination to succeed. In 1998, when he was starting quarterback, the Purdue Boilermakers had a season of nine wins and only four losses. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year, and his team won the Alamo Bowl.
Brees's professional football career
Although Brees was one of the best college quarterbacks, the first round of the 2001 NFL draft left him unchosen. In the second round he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers, a struggling team with a poor record for the past four years.
Chapter 4, “California Dreaming,” tells the story of Brees's years with the Chargers. Brees was throwing too many interceptions, so he worked on throwing accurate passes. In 2004 he led the Chargers to a 12-4 season and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
In the last 2005 game with the Chargers, Brees had an injury to his right shoulder and had to undergo surgery. That was extremely serious. His right arm was his throwing arm. Although he was certain that he could be ready for the 2006 season, the Chargers didn't want to take the risk. Brees got an offer from the Saints and accepted it.
Chapter 5, “Cool Brees in the Big Easy,” covers the quarterback's fast rise with the New Orleans Saints. Chapter 6, “Off the Field,” tells how his character, leadership, and charitable work have helped the city of New Orleans.
Among children's books this is a quality biography
Michael Portman gives a broad look at the life and football career of Drew Brees in this biography for children. He tells of the superstar quarterback's generosity and his participation in many charities, including cancer research and assistance for cancer patients, his work with children, and his leadership in the New Orleans Katrina recovery. The book also tells of Brees's family life as a child and adult, his persistent work and practice in his sport, and, of course, his many achievements in high school, college and professional football.
The language of this book can be comprehended easily by third-grade level readers. This is a quality biography for third graders who need to reach for higher achievement in their reading. It also is a fine book for children who enjoy sports but are reluctant to read.
Please click here for a review of another children's book in the Today's Superstars series, CC Sabathia by Therese Shea.
Sources
Portman, Michael. Today's Superstars – Drew Brees. New York: Gareth Stevens Publishing, 2011.
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