Babe Ruth

George Herman Ruth Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1895. A rebellious child, he was eventually sent to a reformatory boarding school where he never quite learned the discipline his parents hoped for, but he did learn something that changed his life: baseball. Later known as Babe Ruth, he became one of the most infamous, talented, influential, and iconic figures in baseball. Signed as a pitcher to the Boston Red Sox, he was then traded to the Yankees, where he ushered in one of the most thrilling eras in baseball history. Ruth was an exciting player, sending home runs over the wall to help the Yankees win four World Series. In 1927, he hit 60 home runs during the regular season, a record that stood until Roger Maris broke it in 1961. Babe Ruth chronicles Ruth's life from a young boy in Baltimore to an American hero, one filled at times with tragedy and chaos as well as glory.

Tracy Brown Collins received her master's degree in European cultural history from the University of Amsterdam and has more than 12 years' experience in the publishing industry. She has written and edited several nonfiction books for young adults, as well as teacher and student guides for various educational publishers. She lives in the Netherlands.