Books in Making a Difference: Athletes Who Are Changing the World series

Even during his first outstanding rookie season in Major League Baseball, Derek Jeter was determined to channel his burgeoning success into helping the community. This book explores the ways in which one of the world's top-performing baseball stars has become a role model by practicing what he preacheseating well and exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and working hard to achieve success. Readers will learn all about Jeters Turn 2 Foundation, which supports programs that encourage physical fitness and good values. All in all, this book shows the rewards that come from an athlete giving back.

Rising out of poverty to become the third female and first Hispanic associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor truly embodies the American dream. Her journey from a housing project to the Ivy League and then through all three levels of the federal court system has inspired countless individuals across the country. Even in the midst of her successes, Sotomayor has made time to reach out to various communities to help ensure that all have equal opportunities for success. Readers will learn about her incredible life story and her contributions to both the legal system and the world outside of the courts.

As leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the pope is the most visible spiritual leader in the world. The first non-European leader of the church in more than 1,2 years, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope in 213. Taking the name Francis, the new pope has captivated the world with messages of justice, tolerance, and concern for the poor. This accessible biography tells Pope Francis’s life story, tracing his path to this important role in the church and on the world stage. It discusses his compassionate acts and efforts to bring about change, which have created excitement about the church’s future.

From his humble beginnings to his worldwide fame, the still-humble Dalai Lama, originally from Tibet, is an inspiration to many, Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. Full of fascinating facts, this engaging book chronicles the life, achievements, awards, teachings, and ideals of this gifted and devoted promoter of peace and political independencemost notably for the people of Tibet, who remain under the control of the Chinese government. Though he himself remains exiled from Tibet, the Dalai Lama does all he can on the world stage to make the plight of his people known. This is the inspiring story of a uniquely passionate freedom fighter, political leader, public conscience, and spiritual guide.

Few political figures are as polarizing as Bill and Hillary Clinton. This power couple has generated fiercely mixed reactions since their first appearance on the political stage. A new Clinton era may be dawning, as Hillary again tests the waters for a presidential bid. Uncovering all the layers of myth, rumor, spin, and talk-radio takedowns, this examination is clear-eyed and calm, objectively reviewing the origins, rise, near fall, and reemergence of the world's most influential couple. It is a fascinating tale of hard work, ambition, idealism and calculation, political might and human weakness and, ultimately, the enduring strength of family.

Few political figures are as polarizing as Bill and Hillary Clinton. This power couple has generated fiercely mixed reactions since their first appearance on the political stage. A new Clinton era may be dawning, as Hillary again tests the waters for a presidential bid. Uncovering all the layers of myth, rumor, spin, and talk-radio takedowns, this examination is clear-eyed and calm, objectively reviewing the origins, rise, near fall, and reemergence of the world's most influential couple. It is a fascinating tale of hard work, ambition, idealism and calculation, political might and human weakness and, ultimately, the enduring strength of family.

Aung San Suu Kyi was born to lead. Following in the footsteps of her dissident father, Aung San, she has resisted the machinations of a corrupt government for years?and paid dearly for it. In a largely biographical format, this book details Aung's rise as an opposition leader in Myanmar (formerly Burma), telling the story of a woman who willingly sacrificed her freedoms for those of her people. Background information and notable moments in her struggle are called out in boxed inserts.

Rising out of poverty to become the third female and first Hispanic associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor truly embodies the American dream. Her journey from a housing project to the Ivy League and then through all three levels of the federal court system has inspired countless individuals across the country. Even in the midst of her successes, Sotomayor has made time to reach out to various communities to help ensure that all have equal opportunities for success. Readers will learn about her incredible life story and her contributions to both the legal system and the world outside of the courts.

While some professional athletes are admired for their walls of trophies, endorsement deals, and large paychecks, others have become inspirations for their efforts away from the spotlight as well. From working with at-risk youth to funding schools and hospitals to rolling up their sleeves in the wake of natural disasters, the remarkable athletes surveyed in these volumes have used their celebrity to contribute to a variety of important causes. Readers will learn how stars from the football, tennis, baseball, basketball, and racing worlds have translated their material successes to significant charitable undertakings, becoming role models both in and out of the sports arena. • Stats boxes summarize each athlete’s career accomplishments • Timelines outline each athlete’s major achievements and community work • Relevant organizations are included in each volume for further reference

While some professional athletes are admired for their walls of trophies, endorsement deals, and large paychecks, others have become inspirations for their efforts away from the spotlight as well. From working with at-risk youth to funding schools and hospitals to rolling up their sleeves in the wake of natural disasters, the remarkable athletes surveyed in these volumes have used their celebrity to contribute to a variety of important causes. Readers will learn how stars from the football, tennis, baseball, basketball, and racing worlds have translated their material successes to significant charitable undertakings, becoming role models both in and out of the sports arena. • Stats boxes summarize each athlete’s career accomplishments • Timelines outline each athlete’s major achievements and community work • Relevant organizations are included in each volume for further reference

In the 1990s, NASCAR racing star Jeff Gordon became a household name for his extraordinary wins on the track. Today he is equally well known for his charitable work with the Jeff Gordon Childrens Foundation. This book takes an in-depth look at Gordons successful efforts to raise funding for cancer research, as well as the construction of pediatric hospitals and health facilities. Packed with colorful photographs and Star Stats, this book shows readers how this sports star is making a difference behind the wheel and out in the community.