Beyond the Game: Pat Tillman

Beyond the Game is a nonfiction chapter book series about athletes who have stepped up beyond sports to make a difference in the world, from acclaimed author Andrew Maraniss and illustrator DeAndra Hodge. This is the story of NFL star Pat Tillman, who gave up his NFL career to enlist in the army.

In this chapter book biography by acclaimed author Andrew Maraniss, readers learn more about the life and work of Pat Tillman--an NFL player who left his career with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the army after 9/11, and ultimately was killed by friendly fire.

After 9/11, Pat Tillman felt it was his duty as an American to stand up for the country, even though he was a pro football player in the prime of his career. He was someone who matched his toughness on the field with a soft heart, someone who always stood up for the underdog, and someone who felt an obligation to do the right thing--not depend on other people to do it. And for all his actions, Tillman often questioned his role in the military and the war--revealing the depths of his integrity and the ethical way he lived his life.

Through his actions and his legacy, Pat Tillman has changed the world beyond sports.

Complete with black-and-white illustrations throughout, statistics, resources, and ways for kids to make a difference on their own--Beyond the Game is a giftable and inspirational series for every reader.

Author: Andrew Maraniss
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Published: 10/01/2024
Pages: 96
Binding Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780593526217
Audience: Ages 9-12

About the Author
New York Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss writes sports and history-related nonfiction, telling stories with a larger social message. Andrew is special projects director at the Vanderbilt University Athletic Department, where he manages the Sports & Society Initiative. You can visit Andrew Maraniss at AndrewMaraniss.com or follow him on Twitter @TruBlu24 and on Instagram @AMaraniss.

DeAndra Hodge is an illustrator and character designer based in Washington D.C. She graduated with a BA in Fine Art from the University of Montevallo.

She's also the illustrator of both the Kid Confident and the That Girl Lay Lay book series. She can be found online at DeAndraHodgeArt.com or follow her on Twitter @DeAndra_Hodge and Instagram @DeAndraHodge_.