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Big Loosh: The Unruly Life of Umpire Ron Luciano
by Jim LeekeRon Luciano was a college football star, baseball umpire, TV broadcaster, and best-selling author. He barged through the world with an outsized personality, entertaining many, offending a few, and hiding behind a cheerful and outrageous persona until life somehow proved unbearable. Everyone knew him, but nobody really did. Once an All-American tackle at Syracuse University, Luciano turned to umpiring after an injury derailed his professional football career, and he quickly moved up the Minor League ladder to reach the Majors in 1969. As a big, likable loser—Oliver Hardy in blue—he became a fan favorite in the American League, &“shooting&” runners with his forefinger, conducting a legendary feud with Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver, and entertaining writers with outlandish baseball stories—some of which were even true. Even as he added years to his umpiring career and was considered among the game&’s best, some players and managers thought his showmanship detracted from his abilities. He later became a baseball color analyst on national TV before coauthoring a series of rollicking best-selling sports books. Away from the game, he loved Shakespeare and birdwatching. But his upbeat public face was at odds with his private struggle with depression. His suicide at age fifty-seven shocked and puzzled friends, fans, and readers alike. In Big Loosh Jim Leeke recounts Luciano&’s unlikely career, detailing his life as athlete, arbiter, sportscaster, writer, and mythmaker while separating fact from fiction amid the fanciful stories he loved to spin. As a friend said of Luciano, &“If you didn&’t like this man, you didn&’t like people.&”
The Polygamist's Daughter: A Memoir
by Anna LeBaron Leslie WilsonMy father had thirteen wives and more than fifty children . . . This is the haunting memoir of Anna LeBaron, daughter of the notorious polygamist and murderer Ervil LeBaron. Ervil’s criminal activity kept Anna and her siblings constantly on the run from the FBI. Often starving, the children lived in a perpetual state of fear—and despite their numbers, Anna always felt alone. Would she ever find a place she truly belonged? Would she ever be anything other than the polygamist’s daughter? Filled with murder, fear, and betrayal, The Polygamist’s Daughter is the harrowing, heart-wrenching story of a fatherless girl and her unwavering search for love, faith, and a place to call home.
What is a Girl Worth
by Rachael DenhollanderRachael Denhollander’s voice was heard around the world when she spoke out to end the most shocking US gymnastics scandal in history. The first victim to publicly accuse Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor who sexually abused hundreds of young athletes, Rachael now reveals her full story for the first time. How did Nassar get away with it for so long? How did Rachael and the other survivors finally stop him and bring him to justice? And how can we protect the vulnerable in our own families, churches, and communities?
All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir
by Beth MooreAn incredibly thoughtful, disarmingly funny, and intensely vulnerable glimpse into the life and ministry of a woman familiar to many but known by few. “It’s a peculiar thing, this having lived long enough to take a good look back. We go from knowing each other better than we know ourselves to barely sure if we know each other at all, to precisely sure that we don’t. All my knotted-up life I’ve longed for the sanity and simplicity of knowing who’s good and who’s bad. I’ve wanted to know this about myself as much as anyone. This was not theological. It was strictly relational. God could do what he wanted with eternity. I was just trying to make it here in the meantime. As benevolent as he has been in a myriad of ways, God has remained aloof on this uncomplicated request.”
Thomas Edison and the Lightbulb (Inventions And Discovery Ser.)
by Scott R. WelvaertIn graphic novel format, tells the story of Thomas Edison's involvement in the development of the incandescent lightbulb <P><P> <i>Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.</i>
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Get to Know the Rising Politician (People You Should Know)
by Leticia SnowAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often known as AOC, wrote her name in the history books in 2018 when she became the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress. Her fearless, meteoric rise from paycheck-to-paycheck to the House of Representatives and her tireless advocacy for a world inclusive of all peoples will fascinate readers.
Malcolm X: Get to Know the Civil Rights Activist (People You Should Know)
by Ebony Joy WilkinsMalcolm X is known as a leader of the civil rights movement. He faced racism, spent time in prison, became a minister, joined the Nation of Islam, left, took a pilgrimage to Mecca, traveled the world, and became a public figure before his assassination. Explore how his words shaped the civil rights movement and the people who called him a leader.
Michelle Obama: Get to Know the Influential First Lady and Education Advocate (People You Should Know)
by Lakita WilsonThe first black First Lady in U.S. history (and one of the most beloved), Michelle Obama brought intelligence and passion to her role. Readers will learn how her years as a daughter, student, lawyer, wife, and mother shaped her into the influential education, healthy living, and women's rights advocate she is today.
Steven Spielberg: Get to Know the Extraordinary Filmmaker (People You Should Know)
by Judy GreenspanSteven Spielberg has changed the cinematic world with his hugely popular films. Testing out new technology, telling dramatic stories, and collaborating with successful directors, actors, and producers helped build Spielberg's reputation as a director and producer.
Stan Lee: Get to Know the Comics Creator (People You Should Know)
by Cristina OxtraStan Lee is one of the most influential people in the comic book world. The memorable heroes he created, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, and Daredevil, helped build Marvel Comics into the publishing powerhouse we know today.
Wangari Maathai: Get to Know the Woman Who Planted Trees to Bring Change (People You Should Know)
by Lisa A. CraytonWangari Maathai was a fierce protector of the environment and a couragous advocate for women's rights, especially in her native country of Kenya. Her journey from a girl of rural Africa to college professor, founder of the Green Belt Movement, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate shows readers how little things can bring about big change.
Khalil Mack: Football Dominator (Stars of Sports)
by Matt ChandlerAs a kid Khalil Mack loved basketball, not football. He didn't even start playing football until his senior year of high school. That season he racked up 140 tackles, an amazing total. From then on, football became Mack's focus, and he proved to be a force on the gridiron. In the National Football League, he was named defensive player of the year in 2016, and today he is widely recognized as one of the most dominant players in the pro game. It's easy to see why in this engaging, hard-hitting biography.
Alex Morgan: Soccer Champion (Stars of Sports)
by Matt ChandlerAlex Morgan first joined a soccer team when she was 14 years old, quickly impressing her peers and coaches with her skills. From there, she grew to become a world-class soccer player, reaching incredible heights including a FIFA Women's World Cup championship and an Olympic gold medal. Learn about Alex's rise in soccer in this electric biography in the Stars of Sports series.
Kevin Durant: Basketball Champion (Stars of Sports)
by Matt ChandlerStanding over 6 feet tall while in middle school, Kevin Durant seemed destined for basketball greatness. He was heavily recruited after high school and never folded to the pressure. From NBA rookie of the year to the NBA finals MVP, Durant has proven himself time and time again. This fresh biography from the Stars of Sports series breaks down his extraordinary list of accomplishments.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Basketball Powerhouse (Stars of Sports)
by Matt ChandlerAs the youngest player in the National Basketball Association during his rookie season, Giannis Antetokounmpo looked like a rising star. At almost seven feet tall, he would become an All-Star Game starter and winner of the NBA's most improved player award. Giannis went from selling toys and sunglasses to help his family get by to playing in the NBA and turning heads with his power and grace. Get all the facts on Giannis's extraordinary rise in basketball in this exciting biography.
Auston Matthews: Hockey Dynamo (Stars of Sports)
by Shane FrederickAuston Matthews felt at home on the ice as soon as he stepped onto a rink as a kid. Soon hockey scouts watched him closely as he broke records in the youth hockey. After signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he made an immediate impact by being the first player in the modern era to score four goals in his National Hockey League debut. Learn about the rise of a three-time NHL All-Star in this exciting, fast-paced biography.
Chloe Kim: Gold-Medal Snowboarder (Stars of Sports)
by Matt ChandlerAt 17 years old, Chloe Kim became the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding medal. She was the first snowboarder to win halfpipe gold at the Olympics, the World Championships, and the X Games. Kim's hard work and determination make for an exciting story in this winning biography.
Patrick Mahomes: Football MVP (Stars of Sports)
by Matt ChandlerPatrick Mahomes, the 2018 most valuable player in the National Football League, could have succeeded in any sport. Growing up, he played baseball, basketball, and football. After joining the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, he broke record after record, including most passing yards and most passes completed in a single season. Learn all the facts on Mahomes's meteoric rise in the NFL in this exciting biography.
Candace Parker: Basketball Star (Stars of Sports)
by Shane FrederickWhen Candace Parker beat out all the boys at the McDonald's All-American slam dunk contest in 2004, she became the first female player to win the event. In the years that followed, Parker's list of achievements became long and ever-growing. She was WNBA rookie of the year, a two-time WNBA most valuable player, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and more. Parker is also a mother, broadcaster, and role model. Discover more about Parker's amazing life in this inspiring biography.
LeBron James (Influential People)
by Laura Price SteeleLeBron James worked hard to become a National Basketball Association (NBA) star. Now he uses his fame to give back to others. Learn more about how James rose to the top of the NBA!
Lupita Nyong'o (Influential People)
by Stephanie WatsonWhen Lupita Nyong'o was a young girl, she didn't think she could be a famous actor. Now she is an Academy Award winner. Learn more about her rise to stardom!
Maddie Ziegler (Influential People)
by Andrea PelleschiThe world saw Maddie Ziegler dance alongside pop star Sia. Now the young dancer is also a writer and actor. Learn more about Maddie's promising career!
Michael B. Jordan (Influential People)
by Celina McManusActor Michael B. Jordan is known for connecting with his characters, including playing the villain in the Hollywood blockbuster Black Panther. Learn more about his rise to fame!
Millie Bobby Brown (Influential People)
by Martha LondonMillie Bobby Brown rose to fame playing the character Eleven on the Netflix TV show Stranger Things. Now she's using her fame to try to make the world a better place. Learn more about Millie's acting and activism!
Stephen Curry (Influential People)
by Matt LilleyStephen Curry is one of the top players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Now he uses his fame to give back to others. Learn more about how Curry became an NBA star!