I Was a Teenage Professional Wrestler

by Ted Lewin

Ted Lewin, 1994 Caldecott Honor Medal winner, was, in his earlier years, on the pro wrestling tour.

128 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before he became a Caldecott Honor Award winner, illustrator Ted Lewin moonlighted as a professional wrestler in the early to mid 1950s to put himself through art school.

[Joey Goller · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in middle school my obsession with pro wrestling really set in. I found this book in the library and must have checked it out 2-3 times a year. It was the only thing they had in a time before every wrestler had a book and a podcast.
The author has somewhat of a unique perspective as it wasn't something they really aspired to do and the timeframe of the 1950s is again before wrestlers really opened up.
Would like to see an extended version someday as this clocks in at just over 100 pages.

[Jason Presley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on the Lewin brothers, written and illustrated by Ted Lewin, the artist of the family. While clearly aimed at a middle school audience, it is still a very straightforward, and intelligently written wrestling autobiography. Ted details his experiences, first as a wrestling fan, and then as a young wrestler, working his way through art school in the 1950s. His art instruction definitely paid off as the sketches and paintings of various wrestlers are outstanding.

[Mrmarvin2000 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend.

[Andy Pham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good because it shows how he went through a life of a pro wrestler. I would recommend this book to kids that have a dream and want to learn how to get through life of sports.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intended for young adult readers, this is a light but well-written and engaging insider's account of professional wrestling from an era when it was much closer to its carnival sideshow roots.

[Jason Barrett]

Really cool story/perspective of a forgotten time in the business, in a territory not often talked about (Buffalo). Would love to find a place to purchase some of his prints of his paintings. Don't see anywhere online you can buy them.