Sean Jensen

For more than a decade, Brian Urlacher was the face of the Chicago Bears--one of the NFL's most storied franchises. An eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker, Urlacher established himself as one of the league's preeminent defenders with his athleticism, intelligence and ferocity. He is widely expected to gain entrance into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he is eligible in a few years which is not bad for an athlete from Lovington, New Mexico, where his coaches did not even see college potential in him until his junior year of high school. The Middle School Rules of Brian Urlacher features the real-life childhood stories and exploits of young Brian Urlacher and illustrate how they shaped him into the world-class athlete he became. The first of The Middle School Rules series, these books not only entertain, but also inspire greatness in the next generation by highlighting the importance of being your best, overcoming adversity, and reaching your dreams through discipline and hard work.

"Before she starred in the WNBA and graced magazine covers, she had to survive middle school." Skylar Diggins is a basketball phenomenon, receiving her first letter of interest from a respected college coach when she was in fifth grade. A four-time All-American, Skylar finished her career at Notre Dame owning or co-owning 32 game, season, or school records. In the WNBA, Skylar is already a two-time All-Star and won the league's Most Improved award in 2014. Off the court, she oversees a program that highlights the academic achievement of youth who have overcome challenges. Skylar has also been on ESPN and MTV, and was featured in Sports Illustrated, Vogue, and Self magazines. The Middle School Rules of Skylar Diggins highlights Skylar's defining childhood memories of growing up in a diverse middleclass family. Learn how she dealt with bullying, struggled to fit in at school, and excelled in basketball despite never being the tallest, strongest, or fastest player. Read personal life lessons that helped Skylar become the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year and one of the most decorated collegiate basketball players.

Tervetuloa Pohjoismaiden suurimpaan verkkokirjakauppaan! Adlibris kannattaa sananvapautta, ja haluamme edistää kirjallisuuden ja tiedon saatavuutta.

Over a dozen seasons, Charles Tillman established himself as the greatest cornerback in the storied history of the Chicago Bears. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Tillman has been distinguished as one of the NFL's most opportunistic defensive backs, intercepting 36 passes and forcing 42 fumbles--the most in the league since his rookie year in 2003. In fact, he popularized the "Peanut Punch," a nod to his childhood nickname and a tribute to his knack for jarring a football from the grasp of an offensive player. But even more than his acclaim on the field, Tillman is highly regarded off the field. With his father serving in the United States Army, Tillman attended 11 different schools domestically and internationally. Lightly recruited out of Copperas Cove High School in Texas, Tillman was offered a single Division 1-A scholarship, but he shined at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and was selected by the Bears in the second round of the NFL Draft. In 2005, Tillman and his wife Jackie established the Cornerstone Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and opportunities to children in need. Tillman was a 2012 finalist for the NFL Players Association's Byron White Man of the Year award, and he was the 2013 winner of the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which "recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence." The Middle School Rules of Charles Tillman will feature the defining childhood stories of a young, well-traveled boy nicknamed "Peanut," who had to deal with racism, adapt to constant relocation, and endure the divorce of his parents. Inspired by faith and family, Tillman persevered and carved out an indelible mark both on and off the field.

Before he earned a Super Bowl ring and started a foundation, he had to survive middle school. Thomas Morstead entered his 12th NFL season with the New Orleans Saints, distinguishing himself as one of the league's top punters. In Super Bowl XLIV, he executed an onside kick that the Saints recovered and parlayed into a touchdown to take a 13-10 lead. The Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts to win the Super Bowl. In 2014, Thomas and his wife Lauren started 'What You Give Will Grow', a foundation committed to improving the lives of those in need, with a strong focus on children and cancer initiatives, in New Orleans and the Gulf South communities. 'The Middle School Rules of Thomas Morstead' shares how Thomas learned about his cultural roots, handled being bullied for his appearance, and dealt with the disappointment of not making the high school varsity soccer team. Inspired by many, including his parents, Thomas pushes himself in every area of his life and boldly chases his dreams.

Before he became a first-round draft pick in the NFL, he had to survive middle school. Over one million boys play high school football every year. About 6.5% become collegiate players. Of those, only 1.5% reach the NFL. Those odds were daunting for a young Vontae Davis who endured many challenges as his parents battled addiction. At age 11, Vontae and his siblings faced living in separate foster homes, but Grandma Adaline refused to allow it--adopting and raising all seven children despite financial difficulties. With some guidance from his older brother Vernon (two-time Pro Bowl tight end) Vontae earned a college football scholarship, and after three years entered the NFL. The Middle School Rules of Vontae Davis features Vontae's defining childhood stories and lessons learned growing up in a rough Washington D. C. neighborhood. Young readers will see how Vontae thrived with the support of those around him--none more important than his grandmother. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Vontae was named an NFL Players Association Community MVP during the 2015 season.

Skylar Diggins is a basketball phenomenon, receiving her first letter of interest from a respected college coach when she was in fifth grade. She is an icon: signing as the first female client of Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports, serving as the face of Nike's Women's Basketball Collection, and establishing herself as a must-follow on social media platforms such as Instagram (931,000 followers) and Twitter (604,000 followers). The Middle School Rules of Skylar Diggins features Skylar's defining childhood stories and lessons about growing up in a diverse middle-class family. Young readers will learn how Skylar dealt with bullying, struggled to fit in at school, and figured out how to excel in basketball despite never being the tallest, strongest, or fastest player. Skylar shares personal anecdotes that helped her become the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year and one of the most decorated collegiate basketball players.

For more than a decade, Brian Urlacher was the face of the Chicago Bears - one of the NFL's most storied franchises. An eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker, Urlacher established himself as one of the league's pre-eminent defenders with his athleticism, intelligence and ferocity. He's widely expected to gain entrance into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he's eligible in a few years, which is not bad for an athlete from Lovington, New Mexico, where his coaches didn't even see college potential in him until his junior year of high school. Middle School Rules of Brian Urlacher features the real-life childhood stories and exploits of young Brian Urlacher and illustrate how they shaped him into the world-class athlete he became. Inspired by the popularity of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, these books will appeal to those same readers but will be laced with stories that will not only entertain but inspire greatness in the next generation by highlighting the importance of being your best, overcoming adversity, and reaching your dreams through discipline and hard work. The final chapter is told in the first person by Brian: what advice he'd pass on to his young readers given his adolescent experience.