Strong as Sandow by Don Tate - OPTIONAL

Tate, Don Strong as Sandow: How Eugen Sandow Became the Strongest Man on Earth.  PICTURE BOOK.  Charlesbridge, 2017.  $18.

Eugen Sandow was born Frederich Muller, a sickly, weak boy who almost didn’t survive childhood.  Survive he did, though, and he became obsessed with becoming stronger. Before he was twenty, he became not only strong, but also a great showman, moving swiftly to the heights of fame throughout Europe and even in the Unoted States.  When he became older, he found other ways to fan the flames of fame, including creating the first body building competition.

To the modern person, the name Sandow means nothing.  Even the author of this book admits that much of his history remains unclear.  The story, however, is a fascinating read, especially as a look at a time before airplanes, television, and the Internet.  The back matter includes a few simple exercises and a long bibliography, including links to Sandow’s own published works.  Where this would fit into a child’s interests or into a teacher’s curriculum is a little more difficult.

EL – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher