From: Tom Hurlburt <tsh>
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 17:54:07 -0600

Ginny Moore Kruse wrote: Here are a few things I look at when evaluating sports biographies for children:

-- Source notes should be included. It usually tells quite a bit about the amount of research an author has put into their work. Some of the finest biographies include interviews with the subject, and/or their associates. If the author has garnered information from other written sources, noting them serves as a nice bibliographic tool for readers who want to research the subject further.

-- How much material is included about the subject in his/her pre and post (if applicable) sports careers. This helps put the person in context, makes the book more personal, plus children like to see what their "heroes" did in their youth.

-- I, like Lisa, like to see an index and bibliography.

-- Currency in regard to those athletes that are still active in their sports. While being totally up-to?te is impossible, being a season or two behind is not acceptable.

-- Accuracy. Incorrect information will be noticed by young sports fans.

-- A true account of a real person will not read like a fan letter. Pointing out problems the athlete may have experience humanizes the subject. Keeping superlatives to a reasonable level seems very difficult for authors who write in this area.

-- Just like every other book, a sports biography should be well written.
Received on Mon 18 Jan 1999 05:54:07 PM CST