Gail Devers (Overcoming the Odds)

Gr 3-6-Students on the track team at Sweetwater High School in National City, CA, had to train on their own. In spite of not having a coach or prior experience in track and field, Devers made steady progress working by herself, and, as a senior, won the sectional title for her school. Gutman chronicles her life from her childhood in San Diego to her participation in the 1993 World Championships. He highlights Devers's track-and-field accomplishments and examines the impact, professionally and personally, of the athlete's bout with Graves' disease. His book is a positive and sensitive portrayal of this Olympic gold medalist. Full-color photographs appear throughout this attractive title. A fine addition to a series that discusses athletes who have achieved success in spite of overwhelming odds.-Jeanette Lambert, Nashville Metropolitan Schools, TN

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