Derek Jeter: Yankee Great

Playmakers introduces young readers to their current heroes on and off the field. Derek Jeter: Yankee Great summarizes Derek Jeter’s life and career to date and draws attention to accomplishments beyond his athletic skill as well as career highlights thus far. 

Derek Jeter: Yankee Great begins by showing how Derek broke Lou Gehrig’s hitting record and became one of the Yankees’ starting shortstops. While the story focuses on Derek’s baseball skills, it also showcases Derek’s positive attitude. For example, the Yankees’ owner said Derek has “got an infectious smile, and he’s so handsome and well-behaved. He’s just a fine young man who does everything right.”  

Derek’s dream of playing for the Yankees began when he was eight years old. However, his dream became true because he worked hard and set high expectations for himself. Derek said, “I think we should all set goals in life and set them high. I did that, and my parents encouraged me to do it, which is one of the main reasons I am where I am today,”  

The transition from high school to playing for the minor leagues was difficult for Derek. After games, he would “wind up crying in my hotel room night after night because I was playing so poorly.” Derek persevered and eventually was moved up to the major leagues, where he became team captain. Derek’s teammates respected him for his baseball skills as well as his positive attitude, his reliability, and his leadership.  

Most people know Derek as a great baseball player, but he “has become a hero for what he has done off the field.” Derek created the Turn 2 Foundation, which helps kids have healthy lifestyles. Derek believes that “If you have more than you need, share it with someone else.”  

Derek Jeter: Yankee Great allows readers to discover Derek’s baseball statistics as well as his depth of character. Because of his work ethic and positive attitude, Derek is an excellent role model who encourages readers to focus on their goals in order to make their dreams a reality. Derek shows how his dream came true, and this knowledge will help readers obtain their goals as well.  

Readers will appreciate the book’s easy-to-read format which includes oversized font, easy vocabulary, and short chapters. Each two-page spread has a large illustration of Derek in action as well as informative sidebars. In addition, the back of the book includes more fun facts and a one-page glossary. Derek Jeter: Yankee Great will be a hit with any reader who loves baseball. By learning more about Derek Jeter, young readers will be inspired to work hard in order to see their dreams become reality. Baseball fans who want to learn more about baseball superstars should also read Out of the Ballpark by Alex Rodriguez and Play Ball, Jackie! by Stephen Krensky. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None