Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers

September 1, 2011
Grades 3-5 On the very first page of this newest entry in the Super Bowl Superstars series, Sandler sets up the drama: For six years, the Green Bay passer had been trying to overcome the fans who doubted him. Not any easy goal: glaring across the line from him at Super Bowl XLV were the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers. Could he do it? Well, of course he couldbut that doesn't diminish the pleasures of this snappy mini biography. Before giving the blow-by-blow of the championship, the book first takes a look at Rodgers' journey, from high-school athlete (including a shot of him pitching for his baseball team) to his community-college debut (bigger schools were scared off by his small size) to his not-so-smooth taking of the reins from Green Bay legend Brett Favre. Huge full-bleed photos, some of which span over both pages, will draw in reluctant readers, while boldface words (scrambling, ground game) are defined in a concluding glossary. Back matter also includes bios on two of the big game's Key Players.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2012
After a brief preview of the 2011 Super Bowl game, the text backs up to explore quarterback Rodgers's early life and career. It then shifts to the historic big game, showing how Rodgers led the Packers to victory. Other key players are briefly highlighted. Analysis is slight; the clear action photographs are what might attract football fans. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)