Larry Bird: The Boy from French Lick

Larry Bird is one of the most accomplished basketball players in American History, but he doesnt hold any big secrets to the game or any super human talent. His keys to his success have always been practice, persistence, and belief in himself. Most books about famous athletes focus on the career of the person as a professional athlete. This story focuses only on Larry Birds life BEFORE he became the star of the Boston Celtics. This is the story of his childhood.Meticulously researched, Francine Rich crafts the important details of Larry Birds early life into a powerful, true story of one boys determination to play the best game of basketball he could play. From the age of thirteen, Larry Bird possessed a single-minded approach to his game: practice the basics. Rich weaves the words of Larry Birds childhood experiences in such a way that even the youngest basketball player will be inspired to play with a passion.Award-winning illustrator, Robert Casilla, has painted the characters of Larry Birds world with stunning accuracy. Casillas portrayal of French Lick, Indiana and the people who influenced Bird in the 1970s provide an unforgettable portrait of a boy growing up in a place that he will always call home.