The Heart of the Storm - (Growing to Greatness) by Sharon Mentyka (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A picture book biography, in our Growing to Greatness series, of WNBA Seattle Storm basketball player Sue Bird"--

Book Synopsis

"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

Review Quotes

"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

"Quite the force to be reckoned with, Sue Bird's determination and passion for basketball is inspiring to readers everywhere!"
--Library Mom

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

"Well organized and concise, the text highlights personal qualities and decisions that have helped Bird succeed. Rooney, whose illustration efforts include Kim Chaffee's Her Fearless Run (2019), illustrates the story with color and drama. A lively introduction to a basketball star."
--Booklist

"One of the most dominant WNBA players of all time is also known as a passionate activist and all-around good person. ... The Heart of the Storm tells the story of an energetic but shy girl who would go on to athletic fame.
--Seattle's Child

"We can't wait for this picture book bio about everyone's favorite Storm player."
--Tiny Beans

"Full of can-do spirit, this book is a great inspiration for the athlete in your life."-Brightly

Mentyka writes extremely well. She does a beautiful job of keeping things concise for a picture book and yet give wonderful details to expand on the story.--Kiss the Book

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.