Well-written text and brilliantly composed art highlight the poignancy and triumph in Aaron's story. This rousing tribute should resonate with a wide audience.
--School Library Journal (starred review)
A multi-layered treat. On one level it is an account of one of the most amazing hitters to ever play baseball, but it is also a valiant story of hope, resilience, perseverance, and love. The author paints a rich history lesson cloaked in sports.
--Library Media Connection (starred review)
Tavares' vibrant artwork brings viewers into dingy dugouts, on cramped buses, and into the dust of the diamond as Aaron works his way into history.
--Booklist
Lyrical yet hard-hitting narrative... Close-up portraits of Aaron on and off the field dominate Tavares's watercolor, ink, and pencil art.
--Publishers Weekly (web exclusive)
The author illustrates his powerful words with extraordinary, heroic images: Muscular watercolor, ink and pencil pictures put readers right in the scene.
--Kirkus Reviews
Tavares' vibrant artwork brings viewers into dingy dugouts, on cramped busses, and into the dust of the diamond as Aaron works his way into history. . . . The home-run record may have been stolen, but books like this ensure that Aaron's legacy remains intact.
--Booklist
Memorable images of a memorable man.
--Chicago Tribune
Zachary's Ball is a children's classic. Now Henry Aaron's Dream is a masterpiece of a children's book.
--Peter Gammons, Hall of Fame baseball reporter
A compelling biography of Aaron's early years, from sandlot days, to the Negro Leagues, to his debut with the Milwaukee Braves; a nicely done homage to an all-time great.
--Pittsburghlive.com (Tribune-Review)
Tavares' soft, warm illustrations capture the heart and silent determination of Aaron's story in a way that's accessible to readers of all ages.
--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Although Hank Aaron is a popular subject for young readers, this book highlights his moving story with outstanding illustrations and includes an author's note, a page of stats and a bibliography.
--Chicago Sun Times
Tavares's illustrations - in watercolour, ink and pencil - capture the warmth and support of the black community, and the determination of figures like Robinson and Aaron to transcend racial stereotypes. The result is a picture book not only well suited to history classes, but an inspiration to children of all backgrounds to do the best they can and to follow their dreams.
--Montreal Gazette.com
Tavares' color illustrations are as clear, exciting, and moving as his prose.
--San Francisco Chronicle
"When I set out to write about Henry Aaron, I expected to focus on his historic quest to break Major League Baseball's all-time home-run record. But in researching his life, I found that the most fascinating part of Henry Aaron's story took place before he ever set foot on a big-league baseball field -- back when he was a skinny kid who held his bat the wrong way; but who never gave up his dream, even when it seemed impossible."
Matt Tavares lives in Ogunquit, Maine.