All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It!

by Curtis Granderson, Fourth-Graders Across the State of Michigan (Illustrator)

Curtis Granderson grew up on the south side of Chicago. He loved sports and was determined to become a successful athlete. But perhaps because both of his parents were teachers, he had an even stronger desire to succeed in the classroom. He loved learning for its own sake, and from an early age, the importance of education. Now an established Major League Baseball star, Curtis has not forgotten the lessons he learned growing up. These are lessons not only about the importance of education, but also about working hard to attain goals; lessons about character, integrity, and personal responsibility. In his book All You Can Be , Granderson shares these valuable lessons with his young fans. He has also invited fourth graders from across the state of Michigan to submit artwork that exemplifies their own goals, the best of which has been culled here to illustrate the themes of the book. This is not just a book for aspiring athletes, it is a book for any young dreamer about how he or she can develop the character to help them succeed, whether they want to be the next president of the United States, the best teacher in the country, or even the center fielder for the Detroit Tigers.

Genres: Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[DeAndrea]

All You Can Be” is a book that is written by Curtis Granderson. Granderson’s book gives lessons from his personal experiences which can pull children in to listen to the advice he gives. I believe that “All You Can Be” is such an inspirational book for any and everyone. I really enjoyed how the chapters are arranged by "inning" as well as the drawings in the book by youth that shows their interpretations of the chapters. I believe the purpose of this book is to show children to never give up, follow the right people, be confident in yourself, etc. I would recommend this book to be read by everyone.

[Cheryle]

YES! A book by a sports star that truly is a role model. An avid Detroit Tiger fan, I choose Curtis as "my Tiger" for so many reasons, most recently the gracious way he greeted, spoke with, and signed books at Borders for hundreds of his fans of all ages. This wonderful book is written in such a way that it can be used at multiple levels. Set up by chapters as innings, it presents a way to "win the game" of life, using Granderson's personal photos and anecdotes. This college graduate and son of two Chicago public school teachers delivers a strong education message. Bravo to Curtis for including the awkward school picture with glasses and really addressing issues that all kids confront. This book will kick off my school year in eighth grade--an inning a week. I love the Michigan student art that illustrates the book and the fact that Curtis donates all sales to his non-profit benefiting sports programs for kids from underprivileged neighborhoods. Moment of the night, Granderson exiting the hidden Borders elevator and high fiving the eight-year-old who was worriedly wearing the Cabrera jersey. I told him I knew Granderson was a team player. My review--"Curtis Granderson--That's my Tiger!"

[Michelle]

This athelete shows everyone how to be a great contribution to the community ... Thanks Curtis!

[Tony Francis]

this book is about the New York Yankee's player Curtis Granderson. It is about his life and how you should follow your dreams.