Strong Man: The Story of Charles Atlas

by Meghan Mccarthy

He could tear phone books in half, bend iron bars into giant Us, and pull a 145,000-pound train with his bare hands. But Charles Atlas wasn't always one of America's most famous strong men. Once upon a time, he was a "97-pound weakling" who was picked on by neighborhood bullies.Using her trademark humor, Meghan McCarthy brings to life the story of Charles Atlas, the man who would become "the World's Most Perfectly Developed Man" and, with his fitness campaign, inspired the entire nation to get in shape, eat right, and take charge of our lives.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Sports

40 pages, Hardcover

First published June 12, 2007

About the author

Children's book author of many wonderful fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the below following. Meghan's books have won the IRA-CBC Children's Choice, ALA Notable, Kirkus Reviews Reviewer's Choice, Booklist Best Books, NYPL 100 Best Books, SLJ Best Books, and so on. Blah blah blah, what Meghan really wants to do is drive really fast and jump in really long grass until she gets grass stains. She'd prefer to remain child-like because children don't have to pay bills.

The Wall Street Journal described Meghan’s art as “goofy yet somehow dignified.” Meghan is much the same way. By the age of 40 she plans to wear a boa at all times and on all occasions.

Reviews

[Ruth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think kids will love the cartoon illustrations, especially the goggle eye. This is the story of an Italian immigrant who developed a fitness program that did not use weights, but involved stretching and pitting one muscle against another. With good healthy habits and consistent effort, he sculpted his body to perfection. He became a side-show strong-man act at Coney Island and won body building contests. Many Americans, including children, were inspired by Atlas.
The book includes some exercises for the reader to try and an author's note that provides further information. I liked that the author told the readers that Charles Atlas was a private man and the facts that we know about him have been embellished, making him a legend.

This is a very entertaining and motivating biography, which could be enjoyed by all elementary age students.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

He could tear phone books in half, bend iron bars into giant Us, and pull a 145,000-pound train with his bare hands. But Charles Atlas wasn't always one of America's most famous strong men. Once upon a time, he was a "97-pound weakling" who was picked on by neighborhood bullies.Using her trademark humor, Meghan McCarthy brings to life the story of Charles Atlas, the man who would become "the World's Most Perfectly Developed Man" and, with his fitness campaign, inspired the entire nation to get in shape, eat right, and take charge of our lives.

[Ellie Dynek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spectacular story of overcoming the obstacles to reach your greatest potential!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illustrations and an inspiring message for children.

[Lisa K]

The strong man's story told in simple sentences with fun pictures; examples of how to do the stretching exercises that were the foundation of his system and which remain useful.

[Mellanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting.

[Sharon A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone wants to do something to feel strong, confident, and here is the story of Charles Atlas, who figured out how to be strong and confident for himself and then for everyone else in the world who wanted to know how to do so. This is the real story of Charles Atlas in picture book form.

Angelo Siciliano arrived from Italy skinny and small. What he did from his own observations became world famous and his help to others made him internationally known in the decades between 1930 and his death.

What an excellent read aloud for all ages of how to look, think, learn, practice, work, share, and generously spread something good around the world.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this biography. I didn't really know who Charles Atlas was. I liked ready about his life and I love how the author made it a motivational book for those reading it too. As it exaplined his life, the author told about how he worked hard for what he did and how he encouraged others. This is a wonderful book. I also like how it gives come exercises in the back of the book that children can do.

[Cassidy Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong Man: The Story of Charles Atlas is an inspiring biography of Charles Atlas, world renowned body builder and fitness buff. The story follows Angelo Siciliano (Charles Atlas) from when he came to America through Ellis Island. From being bullied, Siciliano decided he was going to work hard to become strong. And he did. He won many awards and was well known all over the world for his fitness plans and his achievements. Best suited for 2-4th grade. Teaches about resilience and determination.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I liked what I learned about Charles Atlas. I liked what I learned about the world during this time period, and most of all, we all REALLY liked the illustrations. I find that most children's book biographies have all the information I really want to know about any given person! Great book!

[Tim Vandenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is an interesting mini-biography of the world's most famous Strong Man, with colorful, kid-friendly art, I still wasn't struck by what could have been a more effective & powerful storyline.

Recommended for scrawny little boys in need of protecting their date from gigantic he-man bullies.

[April Scheivelhud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great informative biography of Charles Atlas who was an Italian immigrant of the early 20th century. He created the world famous exercise program. He wasn't always that muscular though! This is a great inspirational story for anybody!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

a biography picture book of Charles Atlas the most perfect dimension guy in the world. A small kid he created his own fitness regimen and later lifestyle to help people build muscle and live a healthy life. Elementary or one on one for length.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute book talking about a man and getting strong. Very inspirational and interactive for young students.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting and well-done biography of Charles Atlas. Inspiring and truly captures the spirit of the man. Highly recommended.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story on someone I was unfamiliar with.

[Lewiston-Altura Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read to second graders. They had difficulty understanding he was a real person. I think the cartoon illustrations threw them. The book was a good match for our Fitness Fever Event.

[Shalini Noronha]

South Brunswick Public Library
Call Number Copy Material Location
J B ATLAS 1 Juvenile Book Juvenile Biographies

[Lorelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great picture book biography of a very interesting person! Loved it!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read about the life of Charles Atlas.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information on a person I knew little about. Useful for research by children.