On the Field with...Derek Jeter (Matt Christopher Sports Biographies)

Rating:
Summary: Derek Jeter realizes his dream of playing SS for the Yankees
Review: As with other juvenile biographies in the Matt Christopher "On the Field/Court with..." series, this look at New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter emphasizes work ethic and family life as much as it does achievements on the baseball diamond. Since Jeter dreamed of being the Yankee's shortstop since he was a little boy, the first half of the book follows the "dreams come true" motif, while the second half of the book, covering how Jeter's Yankees won three World Series in his first four seasons in the Major Leagues comes under the "succeeding beyond your wildest dreams" heading. In relating key moments for Jeter at bat, on the bases or in the field, there is an admirable attempt to provide the details and not merely refer to things you might remember having seen on television. But there is always something of an educational purpose behind these sports biographies, so young readers will also learn that despite all his talent, Jeter had to work very hard to become a baseball star. Being considered the top high school player in the country does not mean you are ready for professional baseball, even at the lowest minor league level. Young readers will be informed to learn that Jeter's fielding style and batting swing had to be readjusted to make him a better player. They might also learn something from the relationship he enjoyed with his parents and his attitude towards people and school, as well as towards sports, that make him such an admired sports figure.

I believe this biography is written by Glen Stout, although it is copyrighted by Catherine M. Christopher for whom Matt ChristopherTM is a trademark. It only sounds confusing. One of the fun thing with these books is that they are not written "down" to the level of their readers. You should always keep an eye out for words that will send kids running to their dictionaries. In this book the biggie is found in the following sentence: "Near the end of the season he magnanimously offered to move to third base so Derek could play shortstop for the varsity." Other titles in this series look at Kobe Bryant, John Elway, Wayne Gretzky, Mia Hamm, Lisa Leslie, Tara Lipinski, Sammy Sosa, and Tiger Woods to name but a few. "Matt Christopher" is, by its own admission, the number one sports series for kids and based on the few books I have read to date, I have no reason to suspect there are engaging in hyperbole.

Rating:
Summary: Good for all Derek Jeter Fans!!
Review: I am a big fan of Derek Jeter! I love the Yankees! I had to read a biography for school, and I picked this book. It tells you all about his life gorwing up till 1999. If you like Derek Jeter, or just want a good book to read, I recommend this to you!!!

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Summary: george salerno's book review
Review: I like this book because i like baseball and i also like Derek Jeter. This story tells how Derek Jeter wanted to be the yankees shortstop it shows how he had to acommplished his goals by going through different obstacles in his way to make it to the major league.one of the obstacles was when he got drafted in 1992 but did not play until 1995. this book also talks about his great awards like becoming the american league rookie of the year.he also won the world series a couple of times. before Derek Jeter played for the yankees the yankees did not win a world series in 15 long years.so Derek Jeter is one of the big reasons that the yankees have been winning the world series.

Rating:
Summary: On The Field With... DEREK JETER
Review: I LOVED THE BOOK. I LOVED IT BECAUSE I LOVE DEREK JETER, THE NEW YORK YANKEES, AND BASEBALL. IT HAD A GOOD SETTING. I LOVE THE BOOK IT WAS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ IN A REALLY LONG TIME!!*!!

Rating:
Summary: It's a Grand Slam!
Review: It's a grand slam! Baby. If you like nod slam Yeah baseball you are going to love this book. It's called on the Field with Derek Jeter. It's about a boy who has a fantasy to become the greatest short stop for the New York Yankees. His dreams come true. This book is cool and it is for all Ages. You will like this book but baseball Fans will love this book at One point in he book I all most cried I
recommend this book to you because I am a big baseball fan.

Rating:
Summary: Must read at the Plate with Derek Jeter
Review: This series in general, and the Jeter book in particular, are great for a 5-10 year old sports nut. I read this with our 6 year old, a chapter a night for a couple weeks.

It's well written and moves quickly.

It makes reading fun by being about something a sports fan kid will really enjoy.

And Jeter in particular is a good story because he's such an great role model for kids -- he crosses racial divides, espouses the virtue of hard work, respect and not taking anything for granted.

Highly recommended