Heroic Heart: An Illustrated Biography of Joe Delaney
by Frank Murphy (Author) Anastasia Magloire Williams (Illustrator)
A moving illustrated biography of the late Joe Delaney, an NFL star in the making who valued helping others above all else
On the football field, Joe Delaney possessed all the qualities of a great running back. He was fast with keen instincts, a burst of red and gold as he sprinted toward the end zone for the Kansas City Chiefs. Off the field, he embodied the qualities of a great person: generous, hard-working, humble, and honest. Helping people was simply second nature to Joe.
In 1983, on a summer's day in Louisiana, Joe Delaney gave his life trying to save three children from drowning in a pond. While others stood by, Joe didn't hesitate before rushing into the water, though he was not a strong swimmer himself. Now, football fans of all teams honor his legacy as an extraordinarily brave young man who cared fiercely for his community.
Written with the support of the Delaney family, Heroic Heart is a lushly illustrated, lyrical story of selflessness and courage. Adults and children alike will learn about the remarkable life of this compassionate NFL star.
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Publishers Weekly
Via brief free-verse poems, this fact-forward picture book biography from Murphy and Gordon highlights the career and legacy of American football running back Joe Delaney (1958–1983). Moving quickly through his birth and childhood, the creators next detail Delaney’s first loves (“running./ Then running with a football”) and desire to play pro football. His siblings, recognizing his talent, took on his chores to allow him time to train. Spreads run beat by beat through his marriage, college football, pro career, and dedication to family and community before delving into his death trying to save three boys from drowning in a pond, then lingering on the aftermath of that event and the way his “heroic heart lives on.” In panels and full spreads, fine-lined portraiture from Magloire Williams highlights moments and people in Joe’s life. Back matter includes information about Delaney and a creator’s note. Ages 6–12. (Oct.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission
JNF018010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JNF042000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Poetry | General
JNF009000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Boys & Men
JNF007100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Sports & Recreation
JNF053200 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Values & Virtues
JNF054050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Sports & Recreation | Football
JNF024080 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Health & Daily Living | Safety
JNF069000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Diversity & Multicultural
Heroes
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Health & Daily Living /
Football players
Running backs (Football)
Kansas City Chiefs (Football team)
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Sports & Recreation / F
Delaney, Joe
Drowning victims
