HOF Launches Children Educational Book Series

The Rodale’s Children’s Book & Education Series have teamed up with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to kick-off a series of books geared to educate the younger generation on life skills.  
 
The partnership was announced during the Hall’s annual State of the Hall, at this year’s Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls. President and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, David Baker made the announcement in front of nearly 120 Gold Jackets, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the Hall’s Board of Directors, dignitaries of Johnson Controls as well as other key sponsors and supporters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
 
The book series was inspired by the "A Game for Life" holographic exhibit at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The books will be written by an array of sports writers and will include timelines, charts, and photographs from the Hall of Fame's archives.
 
While the target market is aimed at a younger audience, the books are intended to appeal to football fans of all ages. They will give you an in-depth look at the lives of each player, what motivated them to play, and the challenges they faced— including poverty, racism, education, athletic and physical limitations, and injury—along the way.
 
“We are thrilled to partner with Rodale Kids to publish these timely yet timeless books that align with the Hall of Fame’s important mission to honor the heroes of the game, preserve its history, promote its values, and celebrate excellence everywhere,” David Baker, President and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said in a statement. “Football and reading should be a powerful combination of entertainment and empowerment, to instill a lifelong love for both.”

The first three titles will feature Super Bowl XLII champion and 2001 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Michael Strahan of the New York Giants; Super Bowl XI champion coach, broadcaster, and video game franchise founder John Madden of the Oakland Raiders; and three-time Super Bowl champion and 1996 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Troy Aikman of the Dallas Cowboys. All three men are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

“The addition of the Game for Life series to the new and growing Rodale Kids list helps further our offerings of inspiring, motivating reads,” said Gail Gonzales, v-p of publishing at Rodale. “We are excited, this early on in our publishing program, to bring such a huge brand to Rodale.”