This entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Jim Thorpe, an exceptional athlete with natural talent and the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States.
Jim Thorpe's parents knew he was special from the day he was born. He developed his athletic skills early on, playing outdoors and hunting with his father and brother. But when Jim was sent away to Indian boarding schools, he was confined to stiff uniforms and strict rules. While he struggled in academics, he always excelled in sports. As Jim moved from school to school over the years, overcoming family tragedies, he always remembered the encouragement of his brother and the words of his father—that the white man's knowledge was necessary for him and his people to survive.
The Story of All-Star Athlete Jim Thorpe
is a fresh look at a world-renowned champion and allows the reader to meet the person behind the celebrated athlete. This chapter book in our "Story" line includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.
Check out the other titles in this series:
THE STORY OF ALL-STAR ATHLETE JIM THORPE • THE STORY OF BANKER OF THE PEOPLE MUHAMMAD YUNUS • THE STORY OF CAR ENGINEER SOICHIRO HONDA • THE STORY OF CIVIL RIGHTS HERO JOHN LEWIS • THE STORY OF MOVIE STAR ANNA MAY WONG • THE STORY OF OLYMPIC SWIMMER DUKE KAHANAMOKU • THE STORY OF CIVIL WAR HERO ROBERT SMALLS • THE STORY OF OLYMPIC DIVER SAMMY LEE • THE STORY OF TENNIS CHAMPION ARTHUR ASHE • THE STORY OF TRAILBLAZING ACTOR IRA ALDRIDGE • THE STORY OF ENVIRONMENTALIST WANGARI MAATHAI • THE STORY OF WORLD WAR II HERO IRENA SENDLER