All You Can Be

Curtis Granderson grew up on the south side of Chicago. He loved sports and was determined to become a successful athlete. But perhaps because both of his parents were teachers, he had an even stronger desire to succeed in the classroom. He loved learning for its own sake, and from an early age, the importance of education. Now an established Major League Baseball star, Curtis has not forgotten the lessons he learned growing up. These are lessons not only about the importance of education, but also about working hard to attain goals; lessons about character, integrity, and personal responsibility. In his book All You Can Be, Granderson shares these valuable lessons with his young fans. He has also invited fourth graders from across the state of Michigan to submit artwork that exemplifies their own goals, the best of which has been culled here to illustrate the themes of the book. This is not just a book for aspiring athletes, it is a book for any young dreamer about how he or she can develop the character to help them succeed, whether they want to be the next president of the United States, the best teacher in the country, or even the center fielder for the Detroit Tigers.

In this colorful volume, illustrated by elementary school students from the Chicagoland area, veteran All-Star pitcher for the Chicago Cubs Kerry Wood shares the valuable principles he's learned throughout life. The importance of education, working hard to attain goals, building character, maintaining integrity, and accepting responsibility are just some of the life lessons he shares. Aimed at any young dreamer looking to develop a successful personality-whether they want to be president of the United States, the best teacher in their school, or even a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs-Wood provides advice for every youthful go-getter. Sharing his own highs and lows, both on and off the baseball field, he also stresses the importance of family and friends, the positive power of laughter, and doing the right thing.

Professional athlete Dwight Howard shares hard-earned lessons and tips for accomplishing goals in this encouraging resource. Growing up in Atlanta, his goal was to be the number one pick in the NBA draft, a dream that became a reality for him in 2004 after a successful high school athletic career. Artwork made by children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida accompany Howard's stories, exemplifying their own goals and illustrating the themes of the book.