Uncommon Champions: Fifteen Athletes Who Battled Back

by Marty Kaminsky

Book Overview

Just in time for the 2022 Winter Olympics, here is a motivating collection of true stories from athletes, including many former Olympians, who have faced incredible adversity--proving that integrity and honor are not entirely missing from the playing fields.

Readers will learn about blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer, who scaled the heights of Mount McKinley; sprinter Gail Devers, who returned from a life-threatening illness to...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590780051
• ISBN13: 9781590780053
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Astra Young Readers
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.8" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 11 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 6 to 10

Customer Reviews

Inspiring

Marty Kaminsky paints a vivid picture of individuals who are true champions. These are the most inspirational stories I have read. The message, never let yourself be limited, is one everyone should believe in. The book is very well written - but then again, we've come to expect that from Mr. Kaminsky. I recommend this for all young sports fans.

Giving hope

Uncommon Champions is an engaging book that involves the reader in the lives of these champions who have struggled through adversity. These people exemplify success as shown not just through medals, but also in the satisfaction and pride in their lives. Each one succeeds not just for their own sense of achievement, but also in order to be able to give to others both inspiration and help in their personal quests. As a teacher I see this book as a wonderful tool to help students who are struggling with their own particular adversities to hold on to hope that they too will one day become uncommon champions.

Inspirational

This book is inspirational for young and old, athlete and non-athlete. Each chapter is a lesson in dedication and determination that is truely uncommon in today's world of multimillion dollar salaries and end zone celebrations. The real victories are found in the athletes themselves.

An inspiring book for exceptional children and their parents

As a parent of a child who has endured extreme physical difficulties, it was wonderful to read these inspiring stories. They are written in a prose that is accessible to all readers, and convey the underlying spirit of people who have also overcome life's extreme challenges. Kids with disabilities, and those without them, will be exhilarated and moved when reading about the lives and experiences of these athletes. Many thanks to Mr. Kaminsky for producing this wonderful collection of true stories...

Postive models for young adults

Uncommon Champions tells the stories of star athletes who have successfully grappled with eating disorders, drug addiction, cancer, racism, learning disabilities and more. I think it's important for young people to read about role models who have suffered and come out the other side, especially ones who seem as golden and invincible as top athletes. This book provides hope and inspiration. There is a shortage of role models for our youth among today's elite athletes but the fifteen stories here are proof that integrity and honor are not entirely missing from the playing fields. These are people whose fighting spirit young adults will want to emulate.