New Releases by Carrie Golus

Think you know all there is to know about Jim Thorpe? Well, did you know that:* His Sauk and Fox name was Wa-Tho-Huk, which means Bright Path?* He broke his high school’s high jump record on his very first jump?* On the football field, he could run fast enough to catch his own punt? Jim Thorpe has been called the greatest athlete of the twentieth century. He excelled in football, baseball, and track and field. He won two Olympic gold medals in 1912. But his career was marred by controversy. And as a Native American, he faced much prejudice. Read all about his struggles and his triumphs.

A stolen bicycle led twelve-year-old Cassius Clay to his first boxing teacher. He spent endless hours training, determined that he would one day become the heavyweight champion of the world. In 1964 he beat Sonny Liston to make his prediction come true. When Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War, his title was stripped from him, and he was banned from boxing. But just a few years later, he made an incredible comeback. Find out how Ali became one of the most popular athletes in the world.

As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, Russell Simmons "helped found the hip-hop movement and turn it into a huge money-making machine." He co-founded Def Jam Records, one of the first successful hip-hop record labels. He also worked with many of hip-hop's earliest stars, such as Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys. Raised in Queens, New York, Simmons grew up obsessed with music—and fought to make a life for himself in the music business. After helping push hip-hop into the mainstream, he took on fashion, film production, and advertising, among other projects. Later, he turned to activism, using his influence to aid different social causes. Throughout it all, Simmons has held onto his unique personal style and unmistakable attitude.

As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, "[Tupac] Shakur saw himself as both artist and urban soldier, battling the media, the law, the courts and rival rappers." Tupac overcame poverty to become one of hip-hop's biggest stars. His life, death, and music were all surrounded by controversy. Raised by a single mother and ex-Black Panther in Harlem, Tupac grew up aware of the problems in society around him. His social conscienceand creative talents made him a unique voice in rap music. He starred in several Hollywood films about the challenges of urban life. But Tupac also struggled with drug abuse, served time in prison, and faced extreme violence―including a shooting that took his life. Throughout Tupac Shakur's career, he outraged some and inspired many. He continues to be known as one of the greatest rappers in the history of hip-hop.

Think you know all there is to know about Josh Gibson? Well, did you know that Gibson made 75 home runs in 1931? Did you know that Gibson's home runs often soared more than 500 feet? In spite of his talent, Gibson never played for a major league baseball team? Josh Gibson is known to many as one of the best baseball players―and possibly the best hitter, of all time. For many years, baseball fans overlooked Gibson's accomplishments because he was never able to play in the major leagues. When Gibson played baseball in the 1930s and 1940s, African Americans were not allowed to play on major league teams. As a member of two of the best Negro league teams―the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays―Gibson's celebrity grew. According to legend, Gibson was the only ballplayer to ever hit a fair ball out of Yankee Stadium. While that story has never been proven and the details are uncertain, Gibson's reputation as a power hitter and outstanding ballplayer is fact.

Teasing. Shoving. Name-calling. Making threats. Bullying happens all too oftenon school grounds, playgrounds, and even in cyberspace. Why do some kids bully? How many kids are bullied? (Its more than you think!) And why dont more people try to stop it? Explore the answers to these questions and find out how to take a stand against bullies.