Hans Hetrick

In pro hockey today, it's good to be a stathead. Coaches use stats to decide which players should be on the ice, when to reshuffle the lines, and how defend against each opponent. Players use stats to train and prepare and to get an edge after the puck is dropped. And sports reporters rely on data to describe the games. Today's hockey fans, who always want to be in the know, get more out of the action by joining the ranks of the statheads.

In pro hockey today, it's good to be a stathead. Coaches use stats to decide which players should be on the ice, when to reshuffle the lines, and how defend against each opponent. Players use stats to train and prepare and to get an edge after the puck is dropped. And sports reporters rely on data to describe the games. Today's hockey fans, who always want to be in the know, get more out of the action by joining the ranks of the statheads.

When Althea Gibson broke the color line in 1950 to become the first African American to play in a national tennis tournament in the United States, she inspired hope. Young readers will delight in reading about Gibson and athletes like her in Real Heroes of Sport: Breaking Barriers.

When major league baseball slugger Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's long-admired career home run record, he inspired respect. Young readers will delight in reading about Aaron and athletes like him in Real Heroes of Sport: Heroes Under Pressure.

When Althea Gibson broke the color line in 1950 to become the first African American to play in a national tennis tournament in the United States, she inspired hope. Young readers will delight in reading about Gibson and athletes like her in Real Heroes of Sport: Breaking Barriers.

Peyton Manning's pursuit of Brett Favre's record for career passing yards fascinated football fans, as did Tom Brady's effort to surpass Manning's mark for touchdowns thrown in a single season. Get more of those stories and other tales of pro football's greatest records and the players who have held, chased, and broken them.

Henry Aaron's pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record captivated the baseball world. So did Cal Ripken's effort to outlast Lou Gehrig's ironman streak and Rickey Henderson's attempt to swipe Lou Brock's stolen-base throne. Here are pro baseball's greatest records and the stories of the players who have held, chased, and broken them.

In the 1960s the Rolling Stones took rock and roll music by storm. They haven't stopped moving since. Follow these raucous rockers from their early days all the way to the big time. Primary source quotes, sidebars, and vivid photos help put this legendary band in the spotlight.

The best pro football player in the world today is quarterback Peyton Manning. Who is the brother of quarterback Eli Manning. Who led a last-minute drive to win the Super Bowl, as did Joe Montana. Who threw 55 career touchdown passes to wide receiver Jerry Rice. Who was a Super Bowl MVP, as was quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Who called his own plays, as did the quarterback who won the first-ever Super Bowl, Bart Starr. It seems the stars of today are more closely connected to each other and to the pioneers of the game than you might think.

Game-winning home runs. Touchdowns that clinch a team's victory. How do the pros do it? It takes pro athletes years of hard work to hone the skills of their sport. With clear, professional advice and instructions on key skills from each sport, this set is great for aspiring athletes. Produced in partnership with SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS.

There's more to baseball than slamming big home runs. Pro players use many skills to help their teams on the field, such as throwing curveballs, stealing bases, and turning double plays. Follow the advice inside to play baseball like a pro