Power Football: The Greatest Running Backs

From School Library Journal Gr 4 Up-Sullivan's lively writing, the concise three- to four-page biographies, and the excellent color photographs will draw readers to this book. It is great for browsing and for finding quick information and personal tidbits about 18 famous 20th-century running backs. Only two men profiled, Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis, are currently playing. All but four are already in the Hall of Fame. Arguments can and will be made about who was omitted and why those included deserve to be called "the greatest." The author tried to choose players who attracted football fans and the general public. He doesn't hide O. J. Simpson's trials, or Eric Dickerson being thought of by many fans and teammates as just in the sport for personal glory and money. Each biographical sketch includes interesting personality traits that helped make the player successful. Quotes from fellow players, coaches, and sportswriters add interest to the stories. While it's unfortunate that there is no bibliography or index, the book will circulate for a long time to come.