The Heart of the Storm: A Biography of Sue Bird by Mentyka, Sharon

"With dynamic illustrations and text full of can-do attitude, this exuberant picture book is a celebration of the hard work and practice it takes to become a top-tier athlete."
--A Mighty Girl

"[Sue Bird] is the W.N.B.A," said Crystal Langhorne, who converted 161 of Bird's passes into buckets. This picture book biography of Sue Bird follows her journey from an energetic yet shy young girl to one of the most versatile and inspirational athletes of our time and a leader whose legacy extends off the court.

As a little girl, Sue Bird couldn't stop moving. As soon as she could walk, she ran, jumped, or climbed instead. Sue love all kinds of sports as a child, but the rhythm, energy, and grace of basketball quickly won her heart. The Heart of the Storm follows Sue Bird's journey from her childhood, full of energy and determination, to becoming one of the most versatile, inspirational athletes of all time and a leader on and off the court.

From her championship high school team to two NCAA titles with the UConn Huskies to four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm and five Olympic gold medals, Sue Bird's grit, authenticity, and heart fuel her growing into greatness and accomplishing her dreams.

"An in-depth look at a modern sports role model, perfect for sports fans' shelves."
--School Library Journal

Author: Sharon Mentyka
Publisher: Little Bigfoot
Published: 03/01/2022
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.40w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781632172884
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/01/2022 pg. 122
Booklist 03/15/2022 pg. 60

About the Author
SHARON MENTYKA is a children's writer and teacher whose stories grow from small kernels of truth and explore common themes: fairness, transitions, and the complicated path to finding your own voice. Her middle-grade novel Chasing at the Surface was named the 2016 children's winner of the National Outdoor Book Award. She is the author of Think Smart, Be Fearless: A Biography of Bill Gates.

ELLEN ROONEY is an illustrator, designer, and artist from the state of Massachusetts, who currently lives in the southern Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. She loves graphic shapes, collage, printmaking, painting, drawing outdoors, and finding new ways to create texture and color. She is the illustrator of Her Fearless Run, Dusk Explorers, Grandmother School, and other books for children.