November 2024 saw the US and Australian release of the seventh book from East Terrace editor James Stafford: ‘Unbelievable Underdogs and Rebellious Role Models: Sporting Heroes Who Defied the Odds and Shocked the World‘.
Unbelievable Underdogs has already begun to receive praise from parents and educators for its accessibility and appeal to young male readers in particular, an age group that are often reluctant readers.
Since the book’s UK release in August 2024, Stafford has featured on several podcasts and media outlets.
In Unbelievable Underdogs and Rebellious Role Models, James Stafford takes readers on an emotional roller coaster through some of the greatest upsets and shocks in the history of world sport.
It features incredible true tales of athletes who have overcome everything from poverty, racism, injury, disability and even shark attacks to reach the top against all odds. Stories are taken from the world of football, basketball, baseball, surfing, athletics, running, rugby, ice hockey, American football, cycling, wheelchair racing, cricket, tennis, speed skating and boxing.
Packed with stunning illustrations by Tuan Nguyen that bring these epic stories and moments to life, this book will inspire, educate and entertain young readers and reveal the remarkable ability of humankind to prevail over seemingly insurmountable obstacles and challenges.
Readers will be thrilled by the stunning achievements of Leicester City (football), Jackie Robinson (baseball), Kurt Warner (American football), Tatyana McFadden (wheelchair track and field), Siya Kolisi (rugby), Caron Butler (basketball), Emil Zatopek (running), Emma Raducanu (tennis), Steve Bradbury (speed skating), Wilma Rudolph (athletics), Japan (rugby), Muggsy Bogues (basketball), Kathrine Switzer and Bobbi Gibb (marathon running), Bhagwat Chandrasekhar (cricket), Team USA (ice hockey), Bethany Hamilton (surfer), James J. Braddock (boxing), Jack Fleck (golf) and many more.
The book is published by Polaris Publishing, who also published Stafford’s ‘An Illustrated History of Rugby‘ trilogy.
