We yearn for heroes. We do not mind if they are exotic, but we thrill when they are "our own." Therefore, this book should have wide readership among Jewish youngsters looking for role models among the sports stars of the world.

Some names are familiar: Hank Greenberg, Sandy Koufax, Shawn Green in baseball; and Dolph Hayes (an oldie but goodie) in basketball. The Oympians include Kerri Strug in gymnastics, Sasha Cohen in ice skating, and Mark Spitz and Lenny Krazelburg in swimming. There are dozens of other top ranked Jewish athletes in these sports as well as boxing, football, wrestling, hockey, soccer, and tennis.

Reading their biographies will be a treat for girls and boys of any faith. Did you know that a both an Australian Open and a Wimbledon singles title were won in 1950 by Dick Savitt? That the 1969 Italian Open was won by Julie Heldman, a feat that placed her Number 2 in the U.S.? That Sid Luckman "is considered one of the most influential quarterbacks to ever play football" during his career in the 1940s? With lots of photos and a statistics section in the back, this book will be a welcome addition to homes and libraries.