'The Heart of the Storm: A Biography of Sue Bird' by Sharon Mentyka with illustrations by Ellen Rooney is a picture book biography about the Seattle Storm legend.

In this book, I learned why Sue Bird wears the number 10 and why she wears her hair in a particular style on game day. I learned that she loved other sports like soccer, but basketball became her main love. There are all the accolades and trophies and proof that she is the Greatest Of All Time.

The book is great, but some pages seemed overly wordy for young readers. The illustrations are also really great, and I recommend this inspiring story.

An adorable little biography! I think kids will love this and am purchasing for my library collection.

This motivational biography of Sue Bird, a most accomplished women's professional basketball player, is a great read for children. The splashes of colorful pages of pictures of Sue and her teammates in action will keep the readers turning those pages with eager interest. Added lure is to discover which is Sue's T-shirt number. I believe that young readers will be inspired by this story especially if they themselves are lovers of anything sports' orientated.

From young, Sue Bird tried many sports but found her passion and niche in basketball. Despite challenges and setbacks, Sue persevered, setting her sights on the WNBA and the Olympics. As this book is termed, "Growing Greatness," I imagine Sue's story would instill the idea that it takes time to grow great at what one wishes to achieve in life. Time, effort, mindset, patience and persistance combine to create a more positive potential cornucopia of dreams come true, as they did for Sue.

The Addenda at book's end reveal Sue Bird's accomplishments and awards and a timeline of women's professional basketball opportunities intertwined with Sue's highlights over the years. They are followed by a useful glossary of basketball terminology. Besides basketball, it's been notated that Sue has zeal for other things such as for the Black and LGBTQ1A+ communities' causes.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

January 2022

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary copy given by NetGalley and the publisher.

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I am here for such inspirational stories, specially young girls who live up to their dreams despite challenges.

The artwork is powerful; the writing motivational and the presentation is perfect showcasing so many things in such a short storybook.

I wouldn't have known about this sports personality if it weren't for this advance reading copy. Thank you, Sasquatch Books, so much!