Books in Amazing Athletes series

Maria Sharapova won the Wimbledon tennis championship when she was just 17 years old. When she won the French Open eight years later, Maria became the tenth woman in history to complete a career Grand Slam by winning all four major tennis tournaments. She also won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Maria's movie-star looks have helped make her one of the most popular sports figures in the world. But she's proven time after time that she's more than just a pretty face. Learn more about this stylish star at the top of her game.

After breaking records and winning awards in college basketball, Brittney Griner was the first pick in the 2013 WNBA draft. She joined the Phoenix Mercury. In her first game, Brittney showed the league her skills by dunking twice. Brittney's height makes her a talented center. She's a force on defense too. Fans love to watch her block shots and grab rebounds. Follow Brittney's story from her early years learning basketball in Houston, Texas, to her electrifying rookie season in the WNBA.

Los Angeles Clippers superstar Blake Griffin is a mighty force with a basketball in his hands. No one in the National Basketball Association (NBA) dunks the ball more often or with as much power. His older brother Taylor drew most of the attention on the court growing up. But by the time the two starred together at the University of Oklahoma, it was clear that Blake was something special. Learn more about the big man and his thunderous dunks.

Running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings didn't waste any time proving that he belonged in the National Football League (NFL). During his first season in 2007, Adrian set the all-time NFL record for most rushing yards in a game with 296. He went on to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he hasn't slowed down since. In 2010 Adrian led the Vikings to the National Football Conference championship game. Follow this amazing runner from his humble beginnings to the top of the football world.

Boxer Manny Pacquiao has won multiple world championships and is the only fighter in the sport's history to win titles in eight different weight classes. When Manny fought Floyd Mayweather in 2015, many people called it the fight of the century. But Manny is much more than just a boxer. He is also a musician and an actor, and he has even played professional basketball. In 2010, Manny became a congressman in the Philippines. Learn more about the Filipino fighter who has taken the boxing world by storm.

Carly Patterson electrified American audiences with her performance at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Displyaing amazing poise, this sixteen-year-old helped the U.S. women's gymnastics team win the silver medal in the team competition and she also won an individual silver in her best apparatis, the balance beam. But Carly's biggest moment came when she beat out some of the world's top gymnasts to win gold in the all-around competition. Read about the best female gymnast at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings didn't waste any time proving that he belonged in the National Football League (NFL). During his first season in 2007, Adrian set the all-time NFL record for most rushing yards in a game with 296. He went on to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he hasn't slowed down since. In 2010 Adrian led the Vikings to the National Football Conference championship game. Follow this amazing runner from his humble beginnings to the top of the football world.

In 2015, racehorse American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and finally the Belmont Stakes to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. The three-year-old horse with the misspelled name thrilled racing fans with his powerful and graceful running. As the 12th Triple Crown winner in history and the first in 37 years, American Pharoah joined an elite group of champions. Read all about the life of a legendary racehorse.

Roger Federer may be the finest tennis player ever to set foot on a court. His steady confidence, quiet power, and graceful ground strokes have made him a tough opponent as well as a pleasure to watch. Born in Switzerland, he wowed the junior tennis world, becoming Swiss junior champion at age 12. In 2001, he started his rise to the top of the professional ranks. By 2003, Roger was ranked number one in the world and has never looked back. With twelve career Grand Slam titles, he has only Pete Sampras’s record of fourteen to beat. The tennis world is watching!

Kyrie Irving was a National Basketball Association (NBA) star before he played a game in the league. Kyrie was the first pick in the 2011 NBA draft, and Cleveland Cavaliers fans were anxious to see what the high-flying guard could do. Kyrie was ready for all the attention. He scored almost twenty points per game for the Cavs and was named NBA Rookie of the Year. In 2014, Kyrie won the Most Valuable Player award at the NBA All-Star Game. Read more about one of the NBA's best players.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby has been dominating the ice for most of his life. He learned to skate when he was three, and by age seven, his talent had captured the attention of newspaper reporters. In 2005, he was the number one pick in the NHL draft. Since then he has broken multiple scoring records in the pro league. Called the best in the league by his peers and fans, Sidney knows there’s more to success than just skill. As captain for the Penguins, Sidney has to work hard and be a good leader. Learn more about the incredible life of one of the NHL’s best players.

Elected to six consecutive Pro Bowls, Brian Urlacher defines the linebacker position. As captain of the Chicago Bears' defense, Urlacher flies around the football field, searching for the next person to tackle. His quickness and strength have made him a force for quarterbacks and receivers offenses to avoid at all costs. During his career, Urlacher has logged more than 700 solo tackles and nearly 40 sacks. He's picked off 17 passes and batted down more than 50 more. Learn how this hard-working and talented athlete has become a fan favorite.