John Albert Torres

When I first ordered this book from the library, I did not realize it was a children's book. After I discovered it was, I thought it would be fun to read anyway as I am a Lionel Messi fan.

I was right! Although the book was published in 2014 and doesn't have the current stats on Messi, I enjoyed the book nevertheless. There were some fun facts about Messi (His nickname was The Flea/La Pulga because he was so small) as well as some interesting personal information (He suffered from and was treated for growth hormone disorder). It described why he plays for Barca (the team of Barcelona, Spain) as well as for the Argentina national team. He is a dual citizen of both countries. He was born in Argentina, but he moved to Spain to play on Barcelona's soccer leagues so his medical expenses could be covered.

The end of the book was very sweet in that it described how Messi gives back to those institutions that helped him in his life. The Leo Messi Foundation helps needy children and also allows sick children in Argentina get medical help in Spain. Messi is also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, the international organization promoting children's rights.

In addition, I very much enjoyed the color photos of Messi at different ages...and with different hairstyles. All in all, this was quite a fun book!… (more)

I read this children's biography of the Real Madrid and Portugal football star aloud to my son. Ronaldo is not someone I've particularly been impressed by as a person, although his talent is unquestionable. So I was surprised that this kid's book actually made me feel much greater sympathy for him, as it describes his poor background and his self-awareness that he doesn't come off quite as well as a more outwardly cheerful player like Lionel Messi. It's nice when a simple kid's book can make you think differently about someone.… (more)

Summary:

This blue banner biography is about Tim Tebow's triumphant and outstanding career. The author, John A. Torres highlights his mircale existence, his faith in God, achievements, and his outstanding high school and college career. Finally, he finds a way to accelerate in the pros even when critics was against him.

Personal Reaction:

I found great pleasure in how the author's tone. It seemed as if he was for Tebow than against him, because even when he would lose games John A. Torres pointed out the positive things Tebow did rather than focusing on the negatives and what the critics said about him.

Classroom extensions:

1. Have a career dress day and explanations why they chose that particular career and who motivates you to be your best.

2. Show and tell: Bring their parents to career day to explain their profession.… (more)