Books in Amazing Athletes series

Who would have thought that a poor kid from Rosebud, Texas, would grow up to break National Football League (NFL) records and earn the Most Valuable Player title? Success didn’t come easily to San Diego Chargers’ running back LaDainian Tomlinson. But despite injury and personal loss, he’s risen in the NFL ranks to become one of the most popular players of the game. LT helped turn his team into a dominating force in the league. Learn why his teammates call this determined and powerful player “Superman without the Cape.”

Although she's just 4 feet, 11 inches tall, Gabby Douglas made a larger-than-life impact on the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Gabby dominated the gymnastics all-around competition with her flawless execution and amazingly high flips, winning gold by a landslide. In early 2012, this pint-sized powerhouse was ready to quit gymnastics for good, but she kept going. Competing at the Olympics at just sixteen years old, she became the best female gymnast in the world. Read about this incredible athlete's journey from Virginia Beach to London gold.

LeBron James was a famous athlete as a teenager. His high school basketball games often aired on national TV. When LeBron started playing for his home-state Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association (NBA), he showed the world that he could be one of the all-time greats. After moving on to the Miami Heat, LeBron has won two NBA championships and was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player both times. Learn more about LeBron's incredible journey.

Usain Bolt has been the fastest runner in the world since the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Back then, the Jamaican sprinter won gold medals and set world records in three running events. In 2012, Usain set out to prove that he is still the world's fastest person during the Olympic Games in London, England. Once again, Usain took home three gold medals and set another world record. Learn more about Usain's journey from his childhood in western Jamaica to the top of the sports world.

When Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin entered the NHL for the 2005-2006 season, he didn’t waste any time. He immediately became one of the game’s best players. Alex scored 52 goals during his rookie season, and he hasn’t slowed down since. In 2007-2008 Alex scored 65 goals, the most in the NHL in more than a decade. But Alex and his teammates have an even bigger goal in mind―winning the Stanley Cup. Learn more about Alex’s amazing journey from his birthplace in Moscow, Russia, to the top of the NHL.

When Alex Morgan was eight years old, she dreamed of becoming an Olympian. In 2012, that dream came true when she helped the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) win the soccer gold medal at the Olympic Games in London, England. In 2015, Alex and her USWNT teammates beat Japan in the championship match to win the World Cup. Alex is also an author, a model, and much more. Read all about Alex's life and her path to soccer stardom.

Pitchers feel nervous when Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard steps to the plate. When he hits a baseball, it often flies over the outfield fence. Ryan proved that he was one of the game's best players when he led his team to victory in the 2008 World Series. In 2011, he helped the Phillies to the best record in Major League Baseball. Find out more about Ryan's amazing journey.

Picked first in the 2001 draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Josh Hamilton wowed his fans and teammates with his pitching speed and hitting record. But by 2004, injuries and a drug problem knocked Josh off his team and out of the minor leagues. After two years, Josh returned to baseball healthy and clean. As the star centerfielder for the Texas Rangers, he shocked the world with his record-breaking performance in the 2008 Home Run Derby. Learn how Josh overcame obstacles to achieve his big-league dreams.

Kevin Love knows how to win basketball games. He led the UCLA Bruins to the NCAA Final Four in 2007-2008. Then the 6'10" forward went pro, joining the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2008-2009 season. In 2010, Kevin scored 31 points and grabbed 31 rebounds in one game. No NBA player had so many points and rebounds in a single game in 30 years. Follow one of basketball's most talented players from his childhood in Oregon to NBA stardom.