Book Description
Whirlwind's story is, indeed, a history of black tennis in America. Almost every significant African-American player to emerge before the 1980s trained on his backyard court.
Customer Reviews:
An example of opeing your doors to others..........2007-07-17
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is one that every well-to-do African American should read. It details how those who had opened their doors to help others who couldn't afford to. How building and making available to those promising few kids something they could strive for. We need more like whirlwind today.
Remebering the Great Ones.......2006-04-06
This book was such a great breath of fresh air! It is so good to read about African-American accomplishments, but it is even better to find out how it began. We always hear about the tennis greats of today, like the Williams' sisters but what about those African-Americans who paved the way. Doug Smith did an excellent job of presenting Dr. Johnson's story. I loved it!
Writers Notes 2005 Book Award Winner.......2005-04-28
Among the common qualities of world-changing people, you'll find passion, discipline, and an unrelenting determination to succeed. Dr. Robert Walter Johnson is no exception. It wasn't enough for Johnson to be a legendary college running back-thus the nickname `Whirlwind'--and a practicing medical doctor. He took his backyard pastime of tennis and built doors for the African American community into an exclusionary sport, shepherding the early tennis careers of greats such as Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. Noted tennis writer Doug Smith delivers a gripping story of the life and times of this superb athlete, mentor, and visionary.
A fascinating and important sports book.......2004-12-24
"Whirlwind" portrays the triumphs and travails of an unsung pioneer for racial justice in the mostly white tennis world before and after Althea Gibson broke the color barrier in 1950.
Doug Smith, who attended the tennis program conducted by Dr. Robert Walter Johnson, chronicles how Arthur Ashe, Althea Gibson and other promising young African-American players learned lessons about ethics and etiquette as well as strokes and strategy. Dr. Johnson, while an altruist, was no saint, particularly in his family life, and his personal adventures and misadventures are part of what makes this biography so fascinating. Sports fans and history lovers will especially appreciate this poignant story. I highly recommend it.
Catch a whirlwind..........2004-11-26
for Christmas! Last-minute shoppers need to get this carefully crafted description of the life of a visionary, Dr. Robert Johnson. Smith makes the reader feel transported to a time when life was definitely not simpler for all and illustrates the struggles Johnson faced with clarity and personal admiration. As a lifelong sports fan, I was amazed that I hadn't heard more about Ashe's former coach. Can't wait for your next one!
Average customer rating:
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The Story of Stagecoach Mary Fields (Stories of the Forgotten West)
Robert H. Miller
Manufacturer: Silver Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
 People of Color
| Biographies
| People & Places
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1800s
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ASIN: 0382243900 |
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Story.......2000-04-27
The author profiles the life of Mary Fields, a freed slave who,as the first African American woman letter carrier, delivered theU.S. mail via stagecoach between Cascade, Montana, and St. Peter's Mission in the late 1800s. Although Miller cites no sources and relates this tale in a style more suited to folklore than to biography, he does present a picture of a strong, independent woman who never allowed others to take advantage of her. Hanna's lively colored pencil drawings bring the cigar-chomping, gun-slinging heroine to life and include many details of the Montana frontier. A useful addition to units on African Americans and U.S. history, or, pair it with Geis' The First Ride , another perspective on pioneer mail delivery. Kay Weisman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Average customer rating:
- Wow.
- Who Would've Thunk It?
- Thumbs up!
- Children will love hearing this story over and over
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Rough, Tough Charley
Verla Kay
Manufacturer: Tricycle Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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There's a Yak in My Bed
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A Crooked Kind of Perfect
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Orphan Train
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Homespun Sarah
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Diary of a Fly
ASIN: 1582461848 |
Book Description
Stagecoach driver Charley Parkhurst spoke few words but rode many miles. Throughout the West, folks trusted and respected Charley despite his crusty demeanor. After years on the road and even losing an eye, Charley retired, bought a house, and joined the Odd Fellows. But only in death was Charley's life-long secret revealed.
In their first collaboration, Verla Kay and Adam Gustavson share the inspiring story of a very able woman who lived life "as she would. Drove and voted, cause...he could."
Customer Reviews:
Wow........2007-10-19
I had heard of Charley Parkhurst, but would have thought a story about a stage driver who swears and spits, gets blinded by a horse, and dies of tongue cancer would be an unlikely choice for a children's book.
Wow! So beautifully done that if you don't know who Charley was, you'll be drawn in, and if you do, you won't find the foreshadowing obvious or cloying.
I humbly opine that the cryptic rhyme is superior to that of Shaw, although I very much enjoy the Sheep in a Jeep series.
The first day I had this book in my hands I read it out loud to 50 fourth graders (a group who normally consider themselves way too old for read alouds) and it was one of the best received books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I will now search for everything written by Verla Kay.
Who Would've Thunk It?.......2007-07-08
A picture book with a surprise twist even this grownup couldn't guess? You bet! I loved ROUGH, TOUGH CHARLEY! Verla Kay wrote an exciting biography on a lesser known character in history without ever letting on regarding the surprise at the end of the story. And Adam Gustavon's illustrations ROCK!!! It's exciting, rough, tough, and everything in between! I highly recommend this book for all families to enjoy together! MY kids LOVED it!!!
Thumbs up!.......2007-06-24
Verla Kay did a great job of entertaining and informing in Rough, Tough Charley. In a quick cryptic rhyme read I was finished with this book and smiling. I am not a historical fan but I am glad that I have added this book to my collection. She has made history fun. And the ending....I didn't expect. Clever, very clever!
Children will love hearing this story over and over.......2007-05-01
In the old west, Orphan Charley lived and worked in stables from a very young age while carefully hiding a potentially life-changing secret. Though he was gruff and unusual, he was also punctual and in high demand as a stagecoach driver. Late in life, Charley ran a stage stop, voted in elections and joined a lodge. It wasn't until his death that it was discovered that Charley was really a woman.
Based on a true story, Rough, Tough Charley is a unique children's book to be treasured. Verla Kay's "cryptic rhyme" is reminiscent of Nancy E. Shaw of Sheep in a Jeep fame and Kay's folksy style will appeal to fans of Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books (Winters), yet she blends the styles to create something nearly exotic with flawless cadence. The illustrations perfectly complement the text to fashion a children's book for the ages. This author has won many awards for her work.
My three children give it six thumbs up. This mama agrees.
Armchair Interviews says: Both boys and girls will love the story of Charley who lived a life unlimited by gender in a time when gender mastered what a person could be.
Book Description
Frontier Classics resurrect long out-of-print gems of frontier history. Antiquarian and rare book dealers have previously been the only source for these books, providing first editions for premium prices. Now, these books are available in affordable, quality paperback editions, with new historical introductions written by leading experts in the field.
Fincelius G. Burnett was born in Missouri in 1844, and had a long, thrilling career on the upper Plains and northern Rockies, initially battling Indians and later befriending them. His days as an army sutler at Forts Phil Kearny and C. F. Smith on the "Bloody Bozeman" Trail coincided with the infamous Fetterman Massacre. He later formed a lasting friendship with Washakie, the famous Shoshone chief, and Sacajawea, of Lewis and Clark fame.
Customer Reviews:
Finn Burnett.......2006-01-14
This is a reprint edition of the 1937 first edition, published by the Arthur H. Clark Company. It tells the life of Fincelius G. Burnett, better known as Finn, who became a much-traveled frontiersman and Indian fighter and later a true friend of the peoples he skirmished so often with.
Finn left his home state of Missouri for the West in an attempt to avoid getting drafted into the Union army. He became a teamster on the 1865 Connor Powder River expedition, witnessing the hanging of Oglala chiefs Two Face and Black Foot at Ft. Laramie, which set off a rash of white-Sioux hostilities. The expedition reached the Powder River country of Wyoming, where Ft. Connor (later Reno) was established. He participated in a number of skirmishes with the Sioux, usually as a member of Frank North's Pawnee Scouts throughout the summer and fall of 1865. In 1866 he helped build Ft. Kearny on the Bozeman Trail, and was there during the Fetterman massacre (he was on the detail that retrieved the dead bodies). He participated in the Hayfield Fight near Ft. C.F. Smith in 1867, and then changed hats from Indian fighter to gold miner during the South Pass gold rush. It was during this time that he forged a friendship with the Shoshone chief Washakie, becoming the agricultural agent at Ft. Washakie; it was also here that he befriended Sacajawea, the famous woman who was with Lewis and Clark (some dispute this was the same Sacajawea). He settled on a ranch west of Lander, WY, a gift from Washakie, and died at the age of 90 in 1934.
Beebe's account of Burnett's life is robust and (to use a term that would've been perfectly acceptable back in 1937 when the book was published) "manly." It's straightforward and concerned with getting the facts right and allowing them to speak for themselves. Anyone interested in affairs of the High Plains West, especially during the 1860s-80s, should find this book worthwhile.
Recommended for students of American frontier history.......2003-04-08
Biographer Robert Beebe David provides the reader with a straightforwardly narrated account in Finn Burnett, Frontiersman, the biography of an extraordinary pioneer of the American frontier. In the upper Plains and northern Rockies, Finn Burnett was at first a staunch battler against Indians, but later befriended them, including famous individuals such as Washakie, the Shoshone chief, and Sacajawea, known for her role in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Part of the Stackpole Books "Frontier Classics Series", Finn Burnett, Frontiersman is very highly recommended reading for students of American frontier history.
Average customer rating:
- A great American life
- Confessions from an Ex Packer Head Coach
- Great book, Great man, Great family
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Simply Devine : Memoirs of a Hall of Fame Coach (Missouri Edition)
Dan Devine
Manufacturer: Sports Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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A Fire to Win: The Life and Times of Woody Hayes
ASIN: 1582612048 |
Book Description
Dan Devine: Memoirs of a Hall of Fame Coach is the autobiography of the former University of Missouri and Notre Dame head football coach. As head coach at Arizona State, Devine accumulated a 27-3-1 record. From 1958 to 1970, he guided Missouri to a 93-37-7 mark. Devine also served as head coach and general manager of the Green Bay Packers. Inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1985, Devine led his 1977 Notre Dame squad to the national championship with an 11-1 record. College football fans everywhere will be interested in reading this insightful story.
Customer Reviews:
A great American life.......2006-02-19
I picked up this book because I'm a Notre Dame fan and wanted some insight into the six season tenure of Coach Dan Devine. Not knowing much about his accomplishments in life I found his story to be an inspiring tale involving youthful hardships and exciting success due to hard work. At the college level, wherever he went, great things happened. Then when the NFL came calling he found himself struggling. This reminded me of his successor at Notre Dame, Gerry Faust, who himself had great success at one level (in his case, high school) only to find that success out of reach at the next level.
But Coach Devine takes us on his jounrey into the Army Air Corps, college, and his years at Arizona State, Missouri, and Notre Dame. He talks too briefly for my taste on decisions such as switching the Fighting Irish to green jerseys in 1977.
Nevertheless, I breezed through the book in no time because it was an enjoyable account of his life, which was certainly worthy of being published.
Confessions from an Ex Packer Head Coach.......2003-05-24
Devine finally confesses that he leaked a untrue story to Time Magazine and SI about how a crazed Packer fan had killed his dog. The real story was that he lived in rural Wisconsin and allowed his dog run loose. The dog was known to have been killing farm neighbor's ducks. He was warned several times and then one morning when the dog was attempting to kill more ducks the farmer shot the dog (not hanged, not skewered). In his confession he admits it was HIS FAULT for allowing the dog to continue to roam unsupervised.
You can't doubt his coaching success, but to allow this story to continue on for decades before coming clean sure leaves plenty of doubt about his character. As a former Notre Dame Alum and born and raised Packer fan, I still think he was one hell of a college coach. This is a very good book and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of college football. I am glad that he ultimately came clean on that ugly story that tarnished the residents of Green Bay and the neighboring farm communities.
Great book, Great man, Great family.......2000-12-28
This is a great book of a great man who managed to coach and raise a wonderful family with the help of a wonderful wife. There should be more families like this.
Average customer rating:
- High School History
- Living Legend Indeed
- If you like Texas High School Football, BUY IT and READ IT
- Coach of the Century, Gordon Wood
- A Great Coach and a Great Man
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Coach of the Century, an Autobiography
John Carver , and
Gordon Wood
Manufacturer: Hard Times Cattle Company Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
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ASIN: 0966357922 |
Book Description
An autobiography by legendary Brownwood coach Gordon Wood. An inspirational tale about a dirt poor farm boy who never played a down of football in high school and how he became the winningest football coach of all time. Coach Wood's first head coaching job was at Rule High School in 1940. His coaching journey included stops at Roscoe, Seminole, Winters, Stamford and Victoria before he landed at Brownwood High in 1960. Gordon Wood's coaching record includes nine state football championships and three hundred and ninety-six victories. This is the life story of the winningest football coach in history - an exhilarating read, full of humor, love and perseverance. When you read Coach Wood's autobiography, you'd better get ready for some football! Suitable for readers of all ages.
Customer Reviews:
High School History.......2003-11-26
This book was a little personal for me as I was born and grew up in Stamford. I knew several football players who played for Gordon Wood, and they all spoke highly of him. After reading the book, I can see why. If you follow high school football, you probably get bogged down in all the muck that really doesn't mean a thing. Coach Wood cuts through all of this and only concentrates on what matters. It's easy to see the reason for his success, and I imagine if he was to come back to coaching we'd see even more. The thing that makes this book unique is that all age groups can benefit by reading it, from the interested adult to the current high school football player. Coach Wood's players wanted to win and did whatever it took to achieve that goal.
Living Legend Indeed.......2003-10-17
My wife purchased this book a few years ago here in Brownwood, TX, Gordon Wood's home town. Gordon signed it and I kept meaning to read it. Mission accomplished this year. WOW. I've been in Brownwood over 20 years and was lucky enough to watch "The Coach" in action several times. I only wish I had gotten to see more of his playoff games.
This truly explains the reasons Coach Wood was so sucessful.
I never knew he had also won state championships in track and golf. The man knows how to win and have fun at the same time. He is quick to acknowledge his assistant coaches also.
The football stadium named after him in Brownwood was recently renovated with a bronze statue of Coach prominently displayed out front. Truly fitting tribute for what he means to this community. He put Brownwood on the map.
If you love high school football, this is the book.
If you like Texas High School Football, BUY IT and READ IT.......2002-12-18
"Coach of the Century" follows Gordon Wood's remarkable career from a small West Texas school to Brownwood, where he won 7 State Championships (Wood won 2 additional State Championships at other schools). Wood doesn't get bogged down in his childhood days. He talks about football.
If you enjoy high school football in the Great State of Texas and have always admired what Wood accomplished at Brownwood, this is a great read.
Coach of the Century, Gordon Wood.......2002-03-07
Great story of the winningest high school football coach of all times. Most seasons are prefaced with a brief historical background to provide the setting. Wood's memories concerning his dealings with opposing coaches (for example, Wood accuses John Clark's Plano Wildcats of "cheating" Brownwood out of a state title game by unethically swapping suspiciously-edited game films, and he discusses the psychology of determining locations for playoff games) go way beyond the facts reported in newspapers or viewed by fans in the stands. On the book's last page, Coach Wood published his home phone number and encouraged readers to call to meet him. I hope to do so!
A Great Coach and a Great Man.......2002-02-15
Even if you don't like High School football, you have to love Coach Gordon Wood. He's a "man's man" who grew up tough, but displays a great deal of respect for his family, his assistant coaches, and his players. This combination has led to one of the most successful winning records in the game. Coach Wood doesn't cut any corners on his opinions. No "politically correct" stuff here. What you do get is a great look inside what is "right" about the game. One of the most impressive aspects of Coach Wood's career isn't his win/loss record - but rather the significant accomplishments that his players went on to achieve in the business, political and sports worlds. That speaks volumes about the impact that a Great Coach and a Great Man had on some young boys in Brownwood Texas. I wish my son could play for Coach Gordon Wood.
Book Description
John W. Heisman (1869-1936) was a man of many faces whose public image has suffered from a diffused, enigmatic, and mostly misunderstood private personality. Since his death the popular reception of the memorial trophy named in his honor has also obscured his identity. In singling out his many innovative contributions to the development of intercollegiate football, this book attempts to present a true picture of Heisman as both man and coach. Because he coached at schools throughout the country during some of the most eventful years in our history, Heisman's life relates to significant political, economic, and social developments that impacted on American society as well as sports. However, this book is much more than the story of John Heisman's 36-year coaching career. It is also the story of how an indigenous American public ritual--the Big Game---came about and how college football evolved into the complex, problematic, and highly structured big business that it is today.
Average customer rating:
- Compelling insight into the world of a Fightin' Irish coach
- Not Good - Not Bad - But Why Did They Lose So Big??
- Great man, Great school, Great story
- The Golden Dream -- I was there
- It represents what's good in sports today
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The Golden Dream
Gerry Faust , and
Steve Love
Manufacturer: Sagamore Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Irish
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Gerry Faust's Tales from the Notre Dame Sideline
ASIN: 1571671188 |
Book Description
Gerry Faust won more hearts than games. He came to Notre Dame as the mythical high school coach from Cincinnati's Moeller High School, such a perfect fit for Notre Dame that it seemed almost too good to be true. It was. Faust admits his mistakes, which include the manner in which he put together his first coaching staff, changing Notre Dame's offense, even feeling sorry for himself. He explains how he could beat Southern Cal, but not Air Force and Purdue.
Customer Reviews:
Compelling insight into the world of a Fightin' Irish coach.......2006-02-19
Gerry Faust was a man equally passionate about his faith as he was about football. Although he might not appreciate it, in reading the book I found myself reminded of Jimmy Carter. Both were honorable and honest men who came from humble beginnings and landed the greatest jobs in the country, only to find themselves a bit overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of the positions they held.
In this book, Coach Faust presents an honest account of the good times and bad, and provides insight into some of the decisions he made and lessons he learned. He and his co-author also offer the views from others who have a different take on certain situations. The result is a fascinating and balanced account of being at the center of America's most storied college football program. For those who are familiar with Notre Dame, you will also enjoy reading Coach Faust's accounts of his time on campus and his relationships with many of the players, recruits, and the university's administration, specifically Fr. Hesburgh and Fr. Joyce.
Not Good - Not Bad - But Why Did They Lose So Big??.......2005-09-13
An interesting read for a Notre Dame fan; but never a plausibe explanation for why Notre Dame lost so big under Faust (who seemed like a good guy....just way overmatched for that job). The last 30 years or so seems to show one thing about ND football, they hire the right coach (Ara, Devine, Holtz.....now Weiss??) and they win big. They hire the wrong coach (Faust, Davies, etc.) and they lose big.
Faust obviously loves the school (feels like he loves the school more than he loves football) which is great for an administrator, but not for the head coach of the team.
Great man, Great school, Great story.......2004-05-17
I met Coach Faust at ND, where he signed my copy. I attended the University of Notre Dame during his first two years, and I remember defeating LSU and being ranked #1.
Coach is a great human being who was given the opportunity of a lifetime. He was not overly successful, but how many get their life-long dream?
Easy and fun to read and a great learning experience.
The Golden Dream -- I was there.......2003-09-26
I was at ND for Coach Faust's first two years. I remember his first game win against LSU and being ranked #1. I also recall his inspirational talks in that raspy voice of his.
Yes, he did NOT have a great won loss record. But he won some huge games and put a lot of points on the board. (Contrast with Ty Willingham's recent results.) He also recruited many of the players who were part of the 1988 championship.
Classy man, inspirational coach and someone whom I will always hold in high regard -- I really enjoyed the book.
Jeff, ND Class of 1982.
It represents what's good in sports today.......1999-03-27
Gerry Faust represents what is good in sports today. No he did not have great teams at Notre Dame but he is a true role-model for both coaches and athletes. The good natured stories kept you from putting the book down. He truly cares about people. That is what I loved about the book. If more coaches had this approach we would not have cheating, scandels, and a me approach. The book gives the reader confidence that there are good people, not only in sports, but in the world today. You do not have to be into sports in order to appreciate this book. I recommend it to all people of all ages. It will make you feel good!
Product Description
In this collection of interviews, baseball players, coaches, and managers speak candidly about their most memorable moments and experiences in baseball's big leagues. Their recollections of the former big leaguers often come from their early years spent learning the game, their first time stepping on the field as a big leaguer, their first strikeout as a pitcher, or their first hit as a batter--to the more disappointing moments such as a first trade, a World Series loss, or a release signaling the end of a career. Bob Friend, Bobby Thomson, Johnny Pesky, Jim Kaat, Frank Malzone, Dale Berra, Larry Bowa, Gil McDougald, Gene Garber, Billy Sample, Nellie Briles, Jon Matlack, Catfish Hunter, Fred Patek, Vern Law, Clem Labine, Virgil Trucks, Frank Tanana, Jimmy Greengrass, Bill Virdon, Sparky Anderson, Dick Williams, Hector Lopez, and Ralph Houk are the interviewees.
Books:
- Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?: What It Takes To Be An Authentic Leader
- World Civilizations : Their History and Their Culture
- 7: The Mickey Mantle Novel
- A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire)
- A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
- Adobe Camera Raw for Digital Photographers Only (For Only)
- Applied Calculus
- Big Bucks the Benoit Way: Secrets from America's First Family of Whitetail Hunting
- Brooklyn Remembered: The 1955 Days of the Dodgers
- By George: The Autobiography of George Foreman
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