Who Was Jim Thorpe?

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Learn about the incredible legacy of the first Native American athlete and Olympian to earn a gold medal for the United States in this exciting addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling series.

While most athletes excel in just one sport, Jim Thorpe was different. Born in Oklahoma in 1887, he played both professional football and baseball, and ran track and field. Jim was not only a sports icon but also a trailblazer. Raised as part of the Sac and Fox tribal nation, he was the first Native American person to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States. 

And although his personal life was not always as successful as his career, Jim remains one of the greatest athletes in American history.

Series Overview: The #1 New York Times Best-Selling series of illustrated biographies for young readers includes artists, athletes, scientists, and world leaders.

About the Author

James Buckley Jr. has written more than 50 books for kids, including Who Is Tom Brady? and Who Is Pelé?

Author Residence: Santa Barbara, California

 Stephen Marchesi is an illustrator now residing in Ocean Beach, San Diego. A graduate of the High School of Art and Design (New York City), he earned his BFA degree in Communications Design from Pratt Institute (Brooklyn). After working as an assisant art director in an advertising agency he became a freelance illustrator in the children’s book field. His paintings and drawings have appeared on over 500 book covers, posters, record and cd covers. He just recently completed his 72nd picture book.

Illustrator Residence:San Diego, CA