Lance Armstrong: A Biography FROM THE PUBLISHER
Lance Armstrong is the premier cyclist in sports history. But the road to victory has not been smooth, which makes his story all the more compelling.
In 1991 he was the National Amateur Cycling Champion, and a professional career seemed guaranteed. But a grim diagnosis of cancer in 1996 threatened to cut the career -- and his life -- short. With the help of family, friends, and a dedicated team of doctors, Lance began the hard work not only to beat the disease, but to get back on the bike.
By the summer of 1999 Lance was not only back, he was leading the pack to his first Tour de France win. And he hasn't stopped winning since that sweet victory.
Here's the story of Lance Armstrong, from his first ride, to his most recent race, and all the twists and turns in between!
FROM THE CRITICS
VOYA - Rollie Welch
Not a typical sports hero biography, this story of Lance Armstrong includes insights into the life of an accomplished athlete who is willing to reveal details of his personal life. Beginning with being raised by a single mother to his problems of not fitting in at school, readers come to know a driven athlete who refuses to accept defeat in anything he attempts. By sheer force of will, young Lance becomes an athlete who wins many junior competitions, not only in cycling but also in triathlon events. Details of Armstrong's meteoric rise in his sport are woven throughout the book, but readers will be fascinated by chapters that portray his battle with testicular cancer, placing Lance at the brink of death. The many effects of drugs used in chemotherapy on Lance's body are described along with Armstrong's long road back to competing in cycling events. Following his dominating post-cancer performances, competitors complained of drug doping, and Lance's angry reaction to these accusations is made known to readers. Concluding with a step-by-step explanation of Armstrong's four consecutive victories in the elite cycling event, the Tour de France, veteran biographer Gutman offers a refreshing and realistic view of an athlete whom teens might recognize from television commercials and Internet sites. He excels in simply riding a bike, something that they can emulate. A quality selection for an assigned biography of choice, this book will appeal to both male and female junior high students. Photos. VOYA Codes: 4Q 3P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2003, Simon &Schuster, 160p,
KLIATT - Tom Adamich
Strength, tenacity, and persistence are words that may be interchanged with the name Lance Armstrong. Armstrong's role as the premier American cyclist in the history of the sport was reinforced as he crossed the finish line this past July to win the 2003 Tour de France, his fifth consecutive victory in an event considered to be one of the sporting world's toughest. While Armstrong's margin of victory was slim, his triumph in the 2,000-plus mile event; as a healthy, vibrant cancer survivor; is significant. Bill Gutman, a noted YA biographer (past works include Tiger Woods and Shaquille O'Neal) highlights Armstrong's bout with testicular cancer, which had spread to other parts of his body. Using a direct style with short, flowing sentences, Gutman traces Armstrong's road to recovery and his participation in his first Tour de France in 1997. Armstrong credits his illness with enabling him to compete in the grueling event, as a result of weight loss associated with his chemotherapy treatments. His ability to turn adversity into success is typical of his dogged training and racing style. Color photos of Armstrong's 1999 and 2000 Tour de France victories are featured, with significant references to the 2003 event. Armstrong's continuing role as a cycling legend and the newsworthy nature of the 2003 campaign's completion would make Lance Armstrong: A Biography a great springboard for classroom discussion in health, physical education, and sociology courses in grades 7-12. Gutman's easy-to-read style offers reluctant readers an entertaining biography. KLIATT Codes: JS; Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2003, Simon & Schuster, 157p. illus.,
Home
