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Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way – An Inspiring Story About a Legendary Ballplayer for Kids
On April 8, 1974, America watched as Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate and hit home run number 715! With that hit, he surpassed Babe Ruth's legendary baseball record and realized a lifelong dream.
Before blacks were allowed in the major leagues, Hank was determined to play. This is the story of how Hank Aaron became a great ballplayer and an inspiration to us all.
Before blacks were allowed in the major leagues, Hank was determined to play. This is the story of how Hank Aaron became a great ballplayer and an inspiration to us all.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2001
1 person is currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Peter Golenbock
81 books28 followersGolenbock grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, and in 1963 graduated St. Luke's School in New Canaan, Connecticut. His heroes were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford. One day in the local library he discovered the book, The New York Yankees: An Informal History by Frank Graham ( G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1943) and it made a strong impression on him.''
Golenbock graduated from Dartmouth College in 1967 and the New York University School of Law in 1970.
He was a radio sports talk show host in 1980 on station WOR in New York City. He was the color broadcaster for the St. Petersburg Pelicans of the Senior Professional Baseball League in 1989-90 and has been a frequent guest on many of the top television and radio talk shows including "Biography on A&E," the "Fifty Greatest Athletes and the Dynasties on ESPN," "Good Morning America," "Larry King Live," "ESPN Classic," and the YES network.
Golenbock lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with his two basset hounds, Doris and Fred.
Golenbock graduated from Dartmouth College in 1967 and the New York University School of Law in 1970.
He was a radio sports talk show host in 1980 on station WOR in New York City. He was the color broadcaster for the St. Petersburg Pelicans of the Senior Professional Baseball League in 1989-90 and has been a frequent guest on many of the top television and radio talk shows including "Biography on A&E," the "Fifty Greatest Athletes and the Dynasties on ESPN," "Good Morning America," "Larry King Live," "ESPN Classic," and the YES network.
Golenbock lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with his two basset hounds, Doris and Fred.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 18, 2021
Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way is a children's picture book written by Peter Golenbock and illustrated by Paul Lee. This picture book biography of one of baseball's greats inspires as well as informs.
Henry Louis Aaron, nicknamed "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank", was an American professional baseball right fielder who played twenty-three seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1954 through 1976. Widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players in history, he spent twenty-one seasons with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves in the National League (NL) and two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers in the American League (AL).
Golenbock's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Golenbock deftly winnows his material to suit his audience, keeping the story line focused and lean while allowing the theme perseverance in the face of obstacles to shine through. The quiet dignity of Lee's spare, muted acrylic portraits, which transcend mere athleticism to capture the essential humanity of this compelling tale.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Hank Aaron is born during the Depression and grows up in a poor, but loving family. His father teaches him the joy of playing baseball in open grassy fields, while his mother stresses determination.
Young Hank dreams of playing in the major leagues, which excluded black players until the year he turns thirteen. In time, his talent and drive take him to stardom with the Milwaukee Braves, where he sets a new goal for himself – to break the career home run record of Babe Ruth – baseball's most beloved hero. Receiving hate mail and death threats, Aaron becomes even more determined, and breaks the record at the beginning of the 1974 season.
All in all, Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way is a wonderful biography about a man of determination and perseverance in pursuing a dream.
Henry Louis Aaron, nicknamed "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank", was an American professional baseball right fielder who played twenty-three seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1954 through 1976. Widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players in history, he spent twenty-one seasons with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves in the National League (NL) and two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers in the American League (AL).
Golenbock's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Golenbock deftly winnows his material to suit his audience, keeping the story line focused and lean while allowing the theme perseverance in the face of obstacles to shine through. The quiet dignity of Lee's spare, muted acrylic portraits, which transcend mere athleticism to capture the essential humanity of this compelling tale.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Hank Aaron is born during the Depression and grows up in a poor, but loving family. His father teaches him the joy of playing baseball in open grassy fields, while his mother stresses determination.
Young Hank dreams of playing in the major leagues, which excluded black players until the year he turns thirteen. In time, his talent and drive take him to stardom with the Milwaukee Braves, where he sets a new goal for himself – to break the career home run record of Babe Ruth – baseball's most beloved hero. Receiving hate mail and death threats, Aaron becomes even more determined, and breaks the record at the beginning of the 1974 season.
All in all, Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way is a wonderful biography about a man of determination and perseverance in pursuing a dream.
February 6, 2021
Text-to-World Connection
This is the story of baseball legend, Henry Louis Aaron, affectionally known as Hank Aaron. The book details Hank's life from childhood until he broke Babe Ruth's homerun record in 1974. I learned so much from this book. Hank went through a lot trying to do the very thing he loved to do most, play baseball. This is a good book to read because it gave a glimpse into what it was like for Hank to grow up in a time where he was disliked because of his skin color. I chose this book because Mr. Aaron passed away on January 22, 2021 and we are celebrating Black History Month.
This is the story of baseball legend, Henry Louis Aaron, affectionally known as Hank Aaron. The book details Hank's life from childhood until he broke Babe Ruth's homerun record in 1974. I learned so much from this book. Hank went through a lot trying to do the very thing he loved to do most, play baseball. This is a good book to read because it gave a glimpse into what it was like for Hank to grow up in a time where he was disliked because of his skin color. I chose this book because Mr. Aaron passed away on January 22, 2021 and we are celebrating Black History Month.
April 14, 2018
As someone who is not typically interested in baseball, I chose this book as a way to expand my knowledge of literature so that I might suggest books for students. I was pleasantly surprised by the content of this book as I had no idea what Hank had to contribute to the history of baseball.
Hank grew up with all of the odds against him to make it big. Once he became interested in baseball his mind was set on becoming a professional baseball player. His home life was less than comfortable, living with what his parents could provide. Regardless of his lack of financial support from his parents, they still attempted to support him emotionally. Hank worked his way up with hard work and determination. By the time he made it to the major leagues, he set his goals high...to beat Babe Ruth's home run record. Not only was Hank faced with the stress of attempting to set a new record, he was also met with discrimination as a black athlete attempting to challenge a record set by a white athlete. Hank didn't let this stop him and continued to fight his way to victory.
This is a valuable story for readers that struggle to find reading they enjoy and connect with. It's beautiful imagery, sports content, and a discriminatory experience makes this book a powerful learning tool.
Hank grew up with all of the odds against him to make it big. Once he became interested in baseball his mind was set on becoming a professional baseball player. His home life was less than comfortable, living with what his parents could provide. Regardless of his lack of financial support from his parents, they still attempted to support him emotionally. Hank worked his way up with hard work and determination. By the time he made it to the major leagues, he set his goals high...to beat Babe Ruth's home run record. Not only was Hank faced with the stress of attempting to set a new record, he was also met with discrimination as a black athlete attempting to challenge a record set by a white athlete. Hank didn't let this stop him and continued to fight his way to victory.
This is a valuable story for readers that struggle to find reading they enjoy and connect with. It's beautiful imagery, sports content, and a discriminatory experience makes this book a powerful learning tool.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2020
We often act like once Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, things were fine.
This story is about Hank Aaron and his amazing home runs, but it's also about his triumph over hate mail and the people who came out of the woodwork to support him when they realized that he was getting hate mail. Even more, it's about his parents and their love and support.
This story is about Hank Aaron and his amazing home runs, but it's also about his triumph over hate mail and the people who came out of the woodwork to support him when they realized that he was getting hate mail. Even more, it's about his parents and their love and support.
January 3, 2021
About Hank Aaron, the support of his parents, and the mix of hate mail and support that Aaron faced on the path to breaking Babe Ruth's home run record.
March 5, 2021
3.5/5 stars
I need to learn more about Aaron’s history in the Negro League, hence 3.5 stars instead of 4. This feels like it glossed over that important history.
I need to learn more about Aaron’s history in the Negro League, hence 3.5 stars instead of 4. This feels like it glossed over that important history.
June 17, 2021
F&P Book Clubs book. Simple story of Hank Aaron achieving his dream to play Major League Baseball and then to beat Babe Ruth’s home run record.
December 3, 2014
This is the story of Hank Aaron's strength and perseverance-- of how he became an inspiration to others. Since the day he was born Hank's father knew he wanted his son to know the joy of playing baseball. Hank Aaron was one of those lucky people who know just what they want to do with their lives, he wanted to be a major league ball player. With determination Hank set about achieving that goal. When he was a boy it seemed that his dream was practically unreachable. Then Jackie Robinson broke the racial barrier when he went to play for the Dodgers. Now Hank knew that an African-American could get into the major leagues. Hank's talent was considerable and it wasn't long before he was offered the opportunity to play for the Milwaukee Braves. Hank became the second youngest player to win a National League Batting title and he played so well that he began to threaten Babe Ruth's 714 runs record. The closer Hank grew to the record the more hate mail he began to get and his family became afraid for his safety. Then the press found out about the hate mail and wrote about it in their newspapers. Fans from all over the country wrote to him offering support and encouragement. In 1973, to the roar of fans, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's record.
The story takes you from left to right, text in the middle of a blank white page to your left and a full page realistic illustration to your right. This Story follows Hank Aaron from birth up until the day he broke Babe Ruth's record. It touches on the highs and lows throughout hanks life, from the hurtful letter in the mail to his offer to play in the big leagues. Hank Aaron's story is about much more than baseball, its about strength and perseverance.
The story takes you from left to right, text in the middle of a blank white page to your left and a full page realistic illustration to your right. This Story follows Hank Aaron from birth up until the day he broke Babe Ruth's record. It touches on the highs and lows throughout hanks life, from the hurtful letter in the mail to his offer to play in the big leagues. Hank Aaron's story is about much more than baseball, its about strength and perseverance.
November 15, 2012
I am a big baseball fan so I really enjoyed this biography. But even if one isn't a baseball fan, I think you would enjoy it because it discusses the trials and tribulations that Hank Aaron had to endure. Being an African American, he did not have as many rights as other people had and that included being able to play baseball, the one thing he truly loved. Hank Aaron was determined to play baseball and became an inspiration to many and one of the best baseball players in history. The biography goes into detail about home run number 715 that surpassed Babe Ruth's record. This is a great read for children because it teaches them all about discrimination and adversity and how one came overcome anything. I would recommend this book to everyone.
December 7, 2014
This biography is the powerful story of a man who broke social barriers and became the home run record holder of the American Major League of Baseball. The author, Peter Golenbock retells the life of the great man who changed the face of baseball forever by breaking one of the most iconic sports records of all time.
This book is an amazing narrative of a national hero and encompasses exactly how much of a hero Hank Aaron was. It also has awesome illustrations that perfectly pair with the narrative to better the story in every way. it allows the readers to better imagine what it was like to live in the same life time of Hank Aaron and what it was like for him to reach the milestone he did. I Would highly recommend this book to anyone for any occasion.
This book is an amazing narrative of a national hero and encompasses exactly how much of a hero Hank Aaron was. It also has awesome illustrations that perfectly pair with the narrative to better the story in every way. it allows the readers to better imagine what it was like to live in the same life time of Hank Aaron and what it was like for him to reach the milestone he did. I Would highly recommend this book to anyone for any occasion.
March 9, 2013
Design is pretty basic - painting on one page, text on opposite for most pages. Goes from birth to record breaking 715th home run, so story only highlights pursuit of baseball. No chronology or biographical references for further reading, which I consider a mistake in any nonfiction work. For as much struggle Aaron must have faced, this story doesn't convey it convincingly. More of a picture book storybook than comprehensive biography, but it does contain dates in the text, so maybe useful for school.
July 1, 2016
The 2005 Peter Golenbock's book "Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way" is about the magic of baseball written specifically for young readers. Golenbock helped me put into perspective a 1971 published book I recently read by Joel Cohen entitled "Hamerrin' Hank of the Braves". Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record, endured many life threats as he pursued the record, and always handled his affairs with a sense of class in an era of racial injustice and social unrest. From my childhood Hank was and he remains today my hero!
August 26, 2016
This biography discusses the trials and tribulations in the life of Hank Aaron. This biography not only tells of the breaking of the home run record of Babe Ruth, but tells about a time in America where African Americans were not allowed to participate in sports. The biography gives examples of how he received hate mail and threats on his life. A very nice biography.
April 23, 2012
I used this book for a read aloud with my practicum students, and they loved it. We wrote letters to Hank Aaron after reading about his bravery and the hate mail he received. The students participated in a marvelous discussion afterwards, which encourages me to recommend this book to any teacher wanting to adress racial issues within our culture.
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September 26, 2009This book talked alot about how Hank broke Babe's home run record...which is sad for me since I love BR. He was lucky that Jackie Robinson paved the way for him and other Blacks in baseball. It was a phenomenal read!
May 25, 2011
This was an excellent biography covering the birth up to the 715th home run in Hank Aaron's career. It was well written and carefully illustrated. I'd be happy to have this in a biography section in my library.
August 10, 2008
An excellent children's biography of Hank Aaron, including his experiences inside and outside of the ball park. For first graders and up.
January 29, 2009
This was also an excellent book that i read it is a biography and was really detailed on how Hank Aarons life was.
January 27, 2012
A picture book that chronicles the life of Hank Aaron. Info includes his childhood through his time in the Major Leagues.
March 26, 2012
A great biography for students and children interested in sports, specifically baseball. It also addresses civil rights issues of race and equality.
August 22, 2015
This book could be used when studying famous Americans or it can be used during social studies or used to help students understand nonfiction.
December 26, 2014
Great Book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews