Books in Amazing Athletes series

Odell Beckham Jr.―New York Giants wide receiver―shocks National Football League (NFL) fans with his incredible catches. In a 2014 game versus the Dallas Cowboys, Odell made a one-handed touchdown reception that earned his game jersey a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But he is more than just a showman on the field. Odell was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2014, and his performance only improved in 2015. Learn more about Odell's journey to stardom.

Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano is one of baseball's biggest superstars. In 2009, Robinson helped the New York Yankees win the World Series. He has won the Silver Slugger award as the top-hitting second baseman in the American League an incredible five times and has also been voted to the All-Star Game six times. Robinson joined the Seattle Mariners in 2014, and he continues to be one of the smoothest-swinging and most popular athletes in the sport. Learn more about the life of this baseball marvel.

As the best player on a San Antonio Spurs team that has won four NBA championships, Tim Duncan is one of the most successful basketball players of all time. At 6'11", Tim dominates opponents with his size. He is also one of the smartest players in the game and can beat the other team with his brain. Born and raised on the Caribbean island of St. Croix, Tim ruled in college before bringing his game to the NBA. Learn more about one of basketball's biggest stars.

In his first year of professional basketball, Chris Paul led all NBA players in steals and was named Rookie of the Year. The New Orleans Hornets' point guard is a huge star, but basketball has not always been easy for Chris. As a freshman in high school he stood just five feet tall and spent most of his team's games on the bench. But through hard work Chris soon became one of the world's best basketball players. Follow Chris's rise from his high school team's bench to the top of the NBA.

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.

In 2013, New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera announced he would retire after playing 19 seasons in the major leagues. Recruited in 1990 at the age of twenty, Mariano racked up many astounding pitching records over the next two decades. In 2011, he closed out a game against the Minnesota Twins for the 602nd save of his career, making him the top closer in history. When the game ended, Mariano's fans stayed to cheer his career accomplishments. Follow Mariano's inspiring story from Puerto Caimito, Panama, to the mound at Yankee Stadium.

LeSean "Shady" McCoy of the Buffalo Bills is one of the brightest stars in the NFL. While playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, the fleet-footed running back led the league in rushing yards in 2013, and he finished third in 2014. Few people realize that LeSean's football career almost ended in high school when he had a serious ankle injury. He recovered and went on to star at the University of Pittsburgh before taking the NFL by force. Learn more about the life of one of the NFL's most elusive players.

James “Bubba” Stewart is one of the fastest men in Supercross motorcycle racing. He has dominated dirt tracks ever since he was in elementary school. But James didn’t become a great racer overnight. He practiced every day in his own backyard, from age 3 on. Through this experience, he developed the skills that helped him win the World Supercross title in his first full season of competition in 2006. His courage, strength, and skill make him almost impossible to beat.