During the 1938 season, something happened to Lou. He couldn�t hit or field the ball, and he started falling down. A year later, Lou benched himself �for the good of the team.� A few weeks later, on his thirty-sixth birthday, Lou found out what was wrong. He was suffering from a deadly disease of the central nervous system, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Although he could no longer play, Lou suited up and joined his teammates for every game. He was so beloved that July 4, 1939 was designated Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium. After being honored by fans, celebrities, and teammates, Lou walked slowly to the bank of microphones on the field. Through his tears he thanked his family, friends, and fans, and stated: �I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.�
He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in December, 1939, and the Yankees retired his number, four. He worked with the New York City Parole Commission, inspiring former prisoners to make something of their lives. He died on June 2, 1941, when he was only 37 years old.
The setting for the story is clearly established, both through the text and the artwork. The author describes historical events that were contemporary with Lou Gehrig�s birth, and the art depicts the setting in muted colors, in a somewhat primitive style. The author also includes an informative note about the history of theYankee uniform on the title page of the book.
The non-fiction subject matter is accurately portrayed with a satisfying mix of facts and human interest. Lou Gehrig�s positive outlook, his indomitable spirit, and his determination to wring the most out of every day of his life are the themes of this book. In the same way that Lou Gehrig lived his life, the tragic disease he suffered never overshadows the positive message of the story. �Lou didn�t complain about his terrible illness. Instead he spoke of his many blessings and of the future.�
The artist adds emotion and energy to the story through the medium of stylized acrylic paintings that are reminiscent of the era. �Reminiscent of WPA art with its rounded shapes and potent energy, these pictures project a zest for life on and off the playing field.� (Kirkus Reviews, 1997).
Although this is a picture story book, the author never "dumbs down" the vocabulary, and includes medical and technical terms appropriately. The book is appropriate for all ages, with art and subject matter that appeal to a wide range of children. Publisher�s Weekly (April 9, 2001) praised the book as �a gracious tribute to a stalwart, modest and tirelessly optimistic man.�
Awards for Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man
Garden State Children�s Book Award
Sequoyah Book Award (Nominee)
Related Web Sites
Lou Gehrig Official Website: http://www.lougehrig.com/
David Adler�s Website: http://www.davidaadler.com/
Terry Widener�s Art: http://www.new-work.com/twthumb.htm
Sources
Manasse, Michelle. 2004. New Illustrators - Terry Widener. Available from http://www.new-work.com/tw13.htm. Accessed 19 September 2004.
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 20 September 2004.
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY