Jason Glaser – författare

Nick Cosimo eats, breathes, and lives baseball. He''s a place-hitting catcher with a cannon for an arm and a calculator for a brain. Thanks to his keen eye, Nick is able to pick apart his opponents, taking advantage of their weaknesses. His teammates and coaches rely on his good instincts between the white lines. But when Nick spots a scout in the stands, everything changes. Will Nick alter his game plan to impress the scout enough to get drafted? Or will Nick put the team before himself?

This action-packed book takes an in-depth look at the position played by some of the tallest and strongest players in basketball—from the game’s greatest scorer, Wilt Chamberlain, to current superstar Shaquille O’Neal. Readers will learn all about the sport’s most exciting centers while viewing colorful photographs of them scoring with style. The skills and drills that are necessary to make it as a center in the NBA are comprehensively explained. There’s no doubt about it, this book is a slam dunk!

Every team needs a leader, and point guards are leaders on the court! This excellent guide explores the skills and drills that are necessary to become successful at this position. Great point guards of the past and those who are currently leading their teams in the NBA are also presented. The narrative is paired with stunning action shots of the sport’s best point guards, as well as teens demonstrating proper point guard techniques.

In basketball, play “in the paint” is quick and hard-hitting. That’s why power forwards are often the toughest players on the court. With their backs to the basket, power forwards protect the free-throw lane on defense and help their teammates score points on offense. They’re also ferocious rebounders. This rousing guidebook is sure to impress basketball fans with its stunning shots of the sport’s greatest historic and current power forwards in action.

That moment where a guard releases the ball and it’s heading for the hoop is one of the exciting anticipatory moments in sports. This guidebook takes an in-depth look at the basketball position that most teams look to when they need a sure basket. Students will read about the historic players who made the shooting guard position what it is, as well as the superstars who play it today. Dazzling photographs show the sport’s greatest shooting guards in action, while photographs of teens help show how to train to become a shooting guard.

This thrilling guide takes a close look at basketball’s most versatile position. Readers will learn about historic small forwards such as Larry Bird, Elgin Baylor, and Dominique Wilkins, as well as today’s superstars, such as LeBron James, Paul Pierce, and Carmelo Anthony. The color action photographs are sure to impress basketball fans. They’ll also help young shooting guards learn the tools of the trade.

They call pitches, cover bunts, and catch pop-ups. They throw out runners trying to steal bases, cover wild pitches, and do anything else necessary to help their teams win. They’re catchers, and they have a very important job. Readers will learn about this crucial role on the baseball field. Aspiring ball players will receive valuable exercises and tips to teach them how to be better catchers. Fascinating facts explain the hard work that goes into becoming a catcher, and vibrant photographs show professional catchers of yesterday and today doing what they do best.

In baseball, every infield position is important. The first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman work hard to keep the other team from scoring runs. Young baseball fans will learn about the unique roles for each position and what each player must do to help their team win. Colorful photographs show legendary infielders and current stars in action. Readers also learn special exercises to help perfect their skills and become the best infielders they can be.

Great outfielders are very tough to find. They must be smart, fast, and strong. Readers learn the many different jobs an outfielder must perform in every game—from catching balls hit deep into the outfield to backing up the infielders. The greatest outfielders of the past and present are featured here, and detailed photographs bring their positions into sharp focus. Special exercises teach readers how to be just like these amazing players.

Budding athletes will discover the many different types of pitchers that are needed for a baseball team to be successful—from starters to closers. They explore the kinds of pitches thrown during a game, as well as other ways pitchers help their teams earn a win. Bright photographs show the most famous pitchers in baseball—past and present—hard at work on the mound.

Are all professional baseball bats made out of wood? What is a designated hitter? Who has the highest lifetime batting average in baseball history? These questions and many more are answered. Readers explore the careers of the greatest hitters in history—from Babe Ruth to Ryan Howard. Detailed photographs and memorable fun facts bring this aspect of baseball front and center. Readers even get tips on how to swing for the fences just like their heroes.

Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade is a superstar of the NBA. Born in Chicago, he idolized Bulls star Michael Jordan. Wade’s talent with the basketball wasn’t obvious in his youth. However, in high school, he became determined to master the skills and strategy he’d need to succeed as a professional athlete. Following Wade’s career from his NCAA years to his hard-earned NBA records, this book examines how the star overcame obstacles to achieve dazzling success on the court.

Manning is a name synonymous with football. Though Archie Manning began the dynasty, it’s Peyton who now wears the crown. The Pro Bowl quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts has dominated the NFL and made his team a perennial contender in the playoffs. He’s also committed to several charitable causes, including a football camp for young players. This book follows Peyton from his New Orleans childhood to his record-breaking college career and finally to Super Bowl glory.

Few athletes hear the title “greatest” attached to their name while they’re still playing. Roger Federer is an exception to this rule. His domination of the tennis court has commanded attention and admiration worldwide. This book documents Federer’s journey as an athlete, from lessons as a young boy to grand-slam victories. Still at the top of his game, Federer shows every sign of continuing to break records, ensuring his place in tennis history.

“The Freak.” This high school nickname has stayed with Tim Lincecum. It describes his pitching style: unusual to watch and incredibly frustrating to any opponent team’s batter. This two-time Cy Young Award recipient pitched his San Francisco Giants all the way to the 2010 World Series title. Sports enthusiasts will learn the origin of Tim’s unique technique and follow his rise from a skinny high-school hurler to the ruler of the MLB mound.

Tom Brady wasn’t the number-one pick in the 2000 NFL draft. He wasn’t even selected in the first round. It wasn’t until the sixth round that the New England Patriots chose him. Many had doubts about this quarterback’s skills. When Brady finally got his chance on the field, Patriots fans wanted no other leader for their team. He has since risen to become a Super Bowl champion and league MVP. His stellar statistics and leadership seem like gifts, but Brady’s high school, college, and professional careers were born of hard work and determination. This book follows Tom Brady’s story from young 49ers fan to Patriots superstar.

As one of the lawmaking bodies of the US government, the US Senate has a hand in how all Americans live their lives. Readers learn about the inner workings of the Senate, including information about equal representation conceived by the Founding Fathers through today’s filibusters. Readers see how the work of the Senate influences their own everyday lives as well. Fun fact boxes and sidebars provide even more interesting history while enhancing content that supports the social studies curriculum. Colorful photographs allow readers to “meet” some of the most influential senators in history.

Minerals are amazing. Their beauty, variety, and many properties are fascinating to observe, especially under a microscope. Readers get a chance to see close-up photographs of many minerals as they learn what a mineral is and how it forms from various elements. They''ll also learn why people need minerals for their bodies to function and how we can get them through the things we eat.

This superstar golfer was less than a year old when hit his first golf ball! Young readers will learn how Woods’ immense skill, dogged determination, and hard work have revolutionized the sport he so loves.

A lifelong love of speed has made Danica Patrick one of the most successful women in the history of racing. This book follows Patrick’s career, from her early karting victories through her historic showing at the 2005 Indy 500 to the present day.

Not only is Maria Sharapova one of the youngest Wimbledon women’s champions ever, this rising star is also the world’s highest paid female athlete. This book offers young tennis fans a closer look at this powerful player.

This international soccer superstar caused great excitement when he announced his move to the LA Galaxy in 2007. Young readers will learn what makes Beckham such an amazing soccer player and mesmerizing celebrity.

Though he originally planned to become a swimmer, Tim Duncan will go down in sports history as a spectacular basketball player. Young sports fans will learn about Duncan’s impressive skills and his talent for working with others, both on and off the court.

Young football fans will be captivated by this informative book about famous quarterback Tom Brady. Brady’s college football triumphs, charity work, and multiple Super Bowl MVP awards are just some of the highlights of this book.

South Dakota’s scenic Black Hills are home to the world-famous Mount Rushmore. These mountains offer just some of the breathtaking landscapes that this gorgeous state has to offer. Readers are taken on a journey into South Dakota through maps and colorful photographs.

Colorado is home of the world’s first rodeo. Its mile-high city, Denver, has the largest city park system in the nation. It’s truly a state of interesting and beautiful details. This book introduces kids to the many wonders the Centennial state has to offer, from cosmopolitan cities to wild mountain peaks.