Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man

by David A. Adler, Terry Widener (Illustrator)

This biography traces Gehrig’s life, from childhood through his illustrious career with the Yankees to his struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and his tragic death at age thirty-seven. Expressive illustrations capture the strength, modesty, and dignity for which this remarkable man will always be remembered. “Readers will feel good after reading this biography--and maybe even inspired to start measuring themselves against Gehrig’s standard.”-- Kirkus Reviews

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

David Abraham Adler is an American children's author. He was born in New York City, New York in 1947. He graduated from Queens College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics and education. For the next nine years, he worked as a mathematics teacher for the New York City Board of Education, while taking classes towards a master's degree in marketing, a degree he was awarded by New York University in 1971. In that same year, a question from his then-three-year-old nephew inspired Adler to write his first story, A Little at a Time, subsequently published by Random House in 1976. Adler's next project, a series of math books, drew on his experience as a math teacher. In 1977, he created his most famous character, Cam Jansen, originally featured in Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, which was published that year.

Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.

Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.

As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.

(source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Steve Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been another baseball biography I've made available in my room throughout the beginning of the MLB season and my baseball unit. This takes readers through Gehrig's young life, through successes (and hard times) of his great playing career, and his diagnosis of ALS. It's a good biography, and seems to hold the interest of young students. I've seen more intriguing options for them in this genre, and with them, give information in more effective ways. Regardless, it's hard to not include anything on Gehrig in a legends of the game unit!

[JMarryott23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought in Cooperstown near the Baseball Hall of Fame, The Luckiest Man Alive is an excellent addition to a child’s book stock. The art is beautiful and Lou Gehrig was an amazing person. Because of the somber ending, it’s a tough sell until kids understand the concept of death in some way. But once they do, it’s an excellent story of perseverance, perspective, and appreciating what you have.

[Madison Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary
This book is about a baseball player named Lou Gehrig. He played for the New York Yankees and was an extremely good player. When he was in his 30's he began to not be able to hit and field as he had done in the past. He was diagnosed with a deadly disease now known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease". He passed away at the age of 36.
Evaluation
I love this book. I am a huge baseball fan and even though I'm not a fan of the Yankees and love the Braves, this tells the story of a man who loved the game of baseball and never gave up. He had such a positive outlook on life and his condition even when he knew the outcome was not good.

Teaching Idea
This book would be good when teaching about narrative nonfiction. It is a true story of a person's life. You could read this to the students and then have them create their own story about their self. It would also be great to engage sports fans who do not enjoy reading very much.

[Sarah Beth Stair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
"Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man" tells the life story of the famous Yankees baseball player, Lou Gehrig. He was very perseverant and determined throughout his life and his rise to fame as a first baseman, and that aspect of his personality did not change even when he suddenly became weak and unable to play. He was diagnosed with ALS, and the whole country honored him and loved him as he stayed strong and brave even as he died. Lou Gehrig will never be forgotten.

Analysis:
I think this book did a great job of telling a serious and pretty sad story about Lou Gehrig to children who may never have heard it before. It paints his life in a very positive light, because he was such a positive person who did so much for his team and the people who knew him. It was very clear and simply put for kids to understand, and I really enjoyed reading the inspirational story.

How I will use this book:
I would like to use this book to show kids how brave and strong a person can be, even as they are experiencing terrible pain and tragedy. Lou Gehrig's strength is something everyone can learn and grow from.

[Emily Tidwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This autobiography of Lou Gehrig is a book that not only shows the life of Lou but why he is considered the most luckiest man. His life began in 1903 in New York City, in an area with immigrants just like his parents. Unlike most families during this time period, the Gehrig's loved the aspect of education and had a desire for their son to attend school. After going to college in 1923, he was signed to play for the Yankees after two home runs. He then went from not missing a single day of school to not missing a single baseball game. After being selected the most valuable player and as the leagues mvp, he began to experience troubles while playing baseball due to his health. By age 36 he was diagnosed with a disease that affected his central nervous system. This disease did not stop his sportsmanship and willingness to stay with the team.

I really enjoyed this story. This true inspiring story of Lou Gehrig shows how even when times get tough don't let it stop you from doing what you love most and dream of. Although the illustrations were not my favorite I believe they go with the story very well.

I would use this story in my classroom to teach about autobiographies and to show that everyone should be positive even when things are tough! I also would use this story to reach out to the sports fans and give the boys in my class an opportunity to read things that spark their attention.

[Katherinebhana08 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mum is 83 and had great difficulty speaking and swallowing much of anything. Food was getting trapped in her throat and blocking her air way was happening more often. she battled for each breath. The riluzole did very little to help her. The medical team did even less. Her decline was rapid and devastating. The psychological support from the medical centre was non-existent and if it were not for the sensitive care and attention of our primary physician, there she would have died. There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. Acupuncture eased her anxiety a bit. this year our primary physician started her on Natural Herbs Centre ALS/MND Ayurvedic treatment, 6 months into treatment she improved dramatically. It has been a complete turnaround with her speech, she no longer needs the feeding tube to feed, the treatment is a miracle. She recovered significantly! Visit Natural herbs centre. com

[Corri Moran]

This is the story of Lou Gehrig and his strength and perseverance. He was a phenomenal baseball player who was diagnosed with a terrible disease at thirty-six, yet still considered himself the luckiest man and found courage to go through each day.

This is a wonderfully written book about a great baseball player that who was modest and courageous until the day he died. This is a great biography for kids about a person they would be very interested in and can learn from. The story is complimented by great illustrations as well!

This book can be paired with any books about Lou Gehrig, heroes, or baseball. Some good pairs include: Lou Gehrig: One of Baseball's Favorites, Baseball Saved Us, and Who was Jackie Robinson?

"Lou didn't complain about his terrible illness. Instead he spoke of his many blessings and of the future."

[Laurah Quayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope this is allowed here if not I understand. My husband was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) when he was 63 years old 4 years ago. The Rilutek (riluzole) did very little to help him. The medical team did even less. His decline was rapid and devastating. His arms weakened first, then his hands and legs. He resorted to a wheelchair (Perbombil C300). A year ago, I began to do a lot of research and came across www Health Herbs Clinic com, I decided to start him on the ALS herbal protocol as I had nothing else to turn to; 2 months into treatment he improved dramatically. At the end of the full treatment course, the disease is totally under control. No case of dementia, hallucination, weakness, muscle pain and he is even learning to Walk again. visit healthherbsclinic. com

[Paul Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in any way in baseball or baseball history, this book is a must read. Like most baseball fans, I knew a little bit about Lou Gehrig, but not nearly enough. Adler does a good job of relaying why Gehrig is such an important figure in baseball history and how he led the Yankees to baseball domination through his quiet determination and hard work. Pivotal games and series were discussed without getting bogged down in the minute details that often plague baseball writers. The most famous aspect of Gehrig's life, his ALS diagnosis and subsequent death, was well handled and really gave a glimpse into the man as he lived and died.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book details the life and career of Lou Gehrig from his childhood to his death. Gehrig's impressive career with the New York Yankees as well as his influence in his community are outlined in this narrative. I rated the book so highly because of the beautiful illustrations, detailed account of historic information, and endearing depiction of "the modest Lou Gehrig." This book would be perfect for an interactive read aloud or social studies integrated lesson.

[Mayra Velazquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it shows students Lou Gehrig’s life up until he was diagnosed at thirty-six with a rare Ake deadly disease of the central nervous system. He inspired many people to never give up. I think this would be a great book to show to my students the importance of always being hopeful.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great biography of Lou Gehrig, detailing his time as a NY Yankee and relationship with the team and Babe Ruth. It is a very inspiring book and touching story. I loved it. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story about a great man. I, of course had heard the name and the awareness brought about from his disease, but I never knew he was a baseball player, or about his work ethic, and his inspirational gratitude. I highly recommend this story for all ages.

[Andriy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite character in this book was Lou Gehrig. He was a famous baseball player. The most surprising part of this book was when he gave a speech. I wouldn’t change anything about this book. It’s a sad story, but it’s the history of a real baseball player.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou Gerhrig, the son of poor immigrants, became one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and yet it was his honorable character he is most known for. This is an inspirational book, not only for kids but for us all.

[Stacey Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful biography book. Resilience, perseverance, modesty and grace within a sports hero story.
Lots of things to talk about here. Inspires me to do something with biography picture books as mentor texts.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a children's book that made me cry. Taught me a few things, too, like how the Yankees started out in Baltimore.

[Jack Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book because Lou Gehrig was a great person and player. The book was slow but fast at some points. Overall this was a great book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to shorten my baseball unit to 5 books and this is the first one I chose. It is lovely and heartbreaking. Highly recommended.

Quarantine 2020 book.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/21 Read with Julia

[Mary Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well done, but sad of course.

We watched a few clips on YouTube and this and an animated production seemed to cover the material best.

https://youtu.be/RhjfoYJDk_0

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, Liked the pictures and the story and the good ending. I'm keeping thisone!

[Penny Evenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of information about Lou Gehrig!

[Kaitlyn]

Title: Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man
Author: David A. Adler
Illustrator: Terry Widener
Genre:Picture Book
Theme(s): Celebrating life, baseball
Opening line/sentence: “But the Yankees fans and the team wanted to do more”
Brief Book Summary: Lou Gehrig was a baseball player on the New York Yankees. He was very successful as a baseball player. Lou always had a positive outlook on life even though he was diagnosed with a rare disease at a young age.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:This picture-book biography stresses Gehrig's character: his inherent modesty, his steadfastness, his optimism and courage in the face of a terminal disease. Adler's restrained tone makes his description of Gehrig's stoic and uncomplaining struggle all the more moving. The illustrations, meticulously detailed (diehard fans can even trace the changes in the Yankee uniforms over the years), also pack an emotional wallop.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Adler sets the historical scene for this picture-book biography by describing 1903 as "a year of great beginnings. Henry Ford sold his first automobile and the Wright Brothers made the first successful flight in an airplane. In baseball, the first World Series was played." And baseball great Lou Gehrig was born. Gehrig's youth is succinctly depicted as he grows up in an immigrant neighborhood, goes to high school and then on to college, where he signs with the New York Yankees for a $1,500 bonus plus "a good salary." Concentrating on Gehrig's career in baseball, Adler emphasizes Gehrig's personal integrity and athletic ability, as well as his tremendous popularity with sports fans. Gehrig's physical decline and death are handled with admirable restraint while still communicating the man's personal heroism and the loss felt by his family and friends. Widener's acrylic paintings have a monumental feel to them (similar to the mythic proportions of figures in WPA murals), yet they sustain an easy appeal throughout.The layout varies in each double-page spread, from full-page illustrations to half-page to quarter page inserts, always employing generous amounts of white space and a large, clear typeface. As beginning biographies go, this one is a home run
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I liked how the professional reviews discussed the character of Lou Gehrig. A lot of students can relate to this story and it will reach to the audience of little baseball fans especially some little boys.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The illustrations in this book make you feel as though you are in a old time baseball game. The colors are beautiful and the illustrations are kid friendly.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would incorporate a class baseball game after reading the book. After two innings (and when the students are a worn out) I would gather them together to have a discussion about the hard work it takes to play baseball to give the students perspective of how hard Lou Gehrig had to work.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Junior Book- Biography
Summary: This biographical picture book tells the story of Lou Gehrig’s life. Gehrig came from humble beginnings, but went on to become one of the best baseball players to live. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening illness that ultimately cut his baseball career short. The inspirational tale of “the luckiest man” encourages everyone to be grateful of each day we are given.
Critique- Historical Information
Lou Gehrig’s short life lasted from 1903- 1941, so naturally this is the time period the book is set in. There are many historical facts laced within the story. The best part is that it is such an interesting read that children would never notice that they were learning history while reading this book. It gives children a look into what was going on during this time period through a person that actually lived then, which makes it much more meaningful. The first page of the book sets the scene for the time period it will be in. It gives the reader a sense of what was going on at the time Gehrig was born. “Henry Ford sold his first automobile and the Wright Brothers made their first successful flight in an airplane.” It also talks about how his parents were living in New York, but were poor immigrants from Germany. There were many immigrants in New York struggling to make a living at this point in time. I also liked how the story said that he received a $1500.00 signing bonus with the Yankees. It is a great way to compare how the value of money has changed over the years, because baseball players today receive signing bonuses in the millions and hundred thousands.
Curriculum Connection: The book could be read as an extension of social studies, if this time period is being studied. It could even be used around Thanksgiving time to teach children to be thankful for the blessings they have in their lives. Students could write lists of all the things they are grateful for. It could be used as a character education tool, because Gehrig was known for being devoted to whatever he set his mind to. Students could learn what the word humble means, and relate it to how Gehrig was a humble man.

[Mary Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

• This book describes Lou Gehrig’s life from childhood, and reveals details about him that we may not know. These details include that his mother was adamant that he went to college, and that he never missed a day of school in grade school or missed a game in the 14 years he placed baseball. While these may seem irrelevant, Adler uses these details to convey the type of person that Lou Gehrig was, and not just as a baseball player. Terry Widener’s illustrations capture the energy and emotions of the story, making the book come alive. The book encourages readers to remain positive despite how hard or how bad your circumstances may be, and to never give up on something. Regie Routman has it listed on her recommended list of inspirational biographies as being for primary grades, and while the book is written at a reading level of 3.5, I think it could also be appropriately used for grades 3-5. After reading the book, I have many ideas for how this book could be used as a read aloud in the classroom. First, I would definitely students respond to questions that incorporate various comprehension strategies, as it is a great book to help practice some of these strategies, specifically making connections. Because the book tells about Lou Gehrig’s background and childhood, students could easily find ways that they can relate to him. In addition to this, I think it would be great to spend some time focusing on the message of the book by having students come up with a list of challenges that Lou faced, and then identifying how he approached these challenges. Students could also write how they would approach the situation, and then compare it with that of Lou, and explain why they would or would not do what Lou did.

[Ms. Tongate, TLC Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having had a student's father die of ALS, I wanted to know more about Lou Gehrig.

Lou Gehrig was born and raised in NYC. His mother valued education and thought sports were a waste of time. He attended Columbia University. He eventually quit when a Yankees scout saw him play while at Columbia. He received a good salary plus a $1500 signing bonus. His mother was furious, but his family needed the money.

Lou Gehrig #4, played in 2,130 consecutive games. A shy man who never missed a game. He was MVP in the American League in 1927 with Ruth and again in 1936.

1938 the signs of ALS started. All of a sudden he couldn't hit the ball or field. He worked harder and watched his diet. One day he fell down in the clubhouse getting dressed. May 1939 Lou Gehrig benched himself for the good of the team.

June 13, 1939 Lou Gehrig went to the May Clinic in Minnesota.
June 19, 1939, age 36, he was suffering from ALS -amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that affects the central nervous system.
He stayed with the team but didn't play.
July 4, 1939 Yankee Stadium had Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day. The mayor Fiorello La Guardia spoke and many others along with Lou Gehrig.
December 1939 #4 was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Yankees retired his uniform. No one would ever wear #4 jersey.
May 1941 Lou hardly left his bed.
June 2, 1941 Lou Gehrig died at 37. At the funeral the minister announced there would be no speeches for this modest man. He said no one needed none since everyone knew Lou Gehrig.

*Great read-aloud in Health during their "Diseases" research projects.

[Watervliet Public]

No Yankee fan should miss THE LUCKIEST MAN, a gripping and emotional biography that depicts the inspiring and tragic life of home run hitter Lou Gehrig.

As most people know, Gehrig was the second greatest home run hitter of the Yankees after Babe Ruth. The two of them played together in the Twenties and Thirties, and were depicted in the press as a dynamic duo much like Batman and Robin.

In real life, however, Ruth and Gehrig were opposites. Both were from the streets, and both were sons of German-American immigrants. But while Ruth's family was violent and abusive, Gehrig's parents supported him and sacrificed day and night to give him an education. While Ruth was crude and often outspokenly immoral, Gehrig was modest and quiet and always a perfect gentleman. Called "The Iron Horse" because he played for over ten years without missing a single game as the Yankees' first baseman, Gehrig created the work ethic and discipline that would characterize the Yankees for the next three decades at least.

Jonathan Eig tells the story of this famously quiet man in a way that lets the reader in, exposing the humor and strength and underlying sadness of a great athlete who was never defeated, even when a horrifying and tragic illness struck him down in his prime.

LUCKIEST MAN is a moving and touching work of biography, full of detail, celebrating the life of a man who even in his darkest hour considered himself to be "the luckiest man on earth."

[Payton Hiscok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Louis Gehrig, Lou for short, was born in New York City in 1903 to German immigrant parents. Gehrig excelled in baseball and played in both high school and college before being signed to play professionally for the Yankees. Lou's mom did not approve of this choice and thought it would be better for him to finish college instead. Despite this, Lou played for the Yankees for fourteen years and earned many awards including two MVP's. However, in 1938, Gehrig became very weak from sickness and was diagnosed with a deadly disease of the nervous system in 1939. Lou knew he was dying and yet in his speech to Yankee stadium he called himself the luckiest man on earth. Did he really believe such a thing?
This touching biography of Lou Gehrig not only highlights his fame and success from playing baseball, but also portrays his humility, courage, and selflessness that make him an inspiration for all. The beautiful oil painted illustrations are realistic with a unique cartoon-like flare added to the people. The changes in image size, placement and layout keep things interesting and make the second to last page, a only full spread picture, stand out even more as the climax of the piece. This book's targeted audience is probably for children around 3rd through 5th grade due to the length of text and the amount of detail included.

[Cassie Ehrenbock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man is a biography about the world famous baseball player who eventually succumbed to the disease we all know now as ALS. The author wrote his story in sequential order beginning with his birth and ending with what his legacy is now. What makes this book a fascinating read is that many of the details included about his life aren't as well known. We learned how he spent a semester at Columbia University before becoming the baseball story people knew and loved. We also learn how even with his illness, he still persevered for his team and family until the very end. This book can be used with grades 3-5 and is perfect for a read-aloud due to its large size and beautiful illustrations. The story of Lou Gehrig can be used with third grade to teach sequence. Students can sequence his story from birth to death. Or it can be used with older grades as an introduction to character traits. Adler uses details in the story to convey what type of man Lou Gehrig was which readers can use to describe his traits.