Reviews

Fun for sports fans who love statistics, the "Top 10 Sports Stars" series reports on outstanding players in baseball, football, and basketball. After a brief introduction explaining the team position and reviewing changes through the years, each volume focuses on all-time heroes of a sport. Running backs are often stars of a game--six of these ten backs are Pro Football Hall of Famers. From the NFL's earlier days comes Jim Brown, chosen in 1999 as Associated Press player of the century. Next in order are Pittsburgh hero Franco Harris (MVP of Super Bowl IX) and Cowboy Tony Dorsett (1976 Heisman Trophy--winner). Then comes the elegant Walter Payton, whose name adorns the NFL's Man of the Year Award, followed closely by Eric Dickerson (setting rushing records to become1983 Rookie of the Year), Emmitt Smith (all-time leading rusher), and speedy tactician Barry Sanders (Heisman Trophy--winner of 1988). While Steeler Jerome Bettis started playing football late, he became a top runner and helped his team to a Super Bowl win--in his hometown, Detroit. Curtis Martin's work ethic and rushing statistics make him, according to Wilner, an "almost certain future Hall of Fame member." Youngest and still playing is versatile LaDainian Tomlinson, a leader of his team and NFL's 2006 Man of the Year. With action photos and a statistics box to help, readers get a career overview of each record-holder, award-winner, or Hall-of-Famer--devoted fans can learn more from brief bibliographies and Internet addresses., Children's Literature