Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler - or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps - literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers. Maria Lia Malandrino is an illustrator based in Torino, Italy. She grew up reading fantasy books and comics, knowing that fictional universes are often just as real and powerful as our own world. In her free time, Maria likes playing strategy and role-playing games or being outdoors--rowing on the river that flows through her hometown or hiking with her young family and dog.