PALM DESERT, Calif., Nov. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palm Desert-based Back Story Publishing has released its inaugural book entitled “Hard to Heart: How Boxer Tim Bradley Won Championships and Respect,” a biography geared to middle grade readers about five-time World Champion boxer (retired) Timothy Bradley, Jr authored by award-winning journalist and former Los Angeles Times sports editor Bill Dwyre.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/050f4715-28b7-403b-9167-4f47d6111411
Tim Bradley perfectly fit Dwyre’s vision of a subject for a book that talked to young people. From being a combative African American child growing up in Palm Springs, CA, to channeling his love of boxing into a successful career, and from being down to his last $11 before he won his first world title, to becoming what he is today: a five-time World Champion boxer in two weight classes (retired), an ESPN boxing commentator; a volunteer football coach at a local high school; a board member for an underprivileged youth football program; father to five busy children with wife Monica; and a businessman working alongside Monica who owns a healthy options quick service restaurant. He and Monica also manage/mentor two up-and-coming Southern California boxers: Edgar Alfredo Martinez and Dominic Serna, Jr.
“I never expected to have a bio written about me,” said Bradley. “It’s a double thrill that one has been and that it’s for young people. I believe in reading, education and pursuing your dreams, and I hope the lessons I learned the hard way, and that Bill talked about in the book, will help other kids find a smoother path.”
Newly launched Back Story Publishing is the brainchild of Dwyre who envisioned a company that would produce books about athletes who contribute to their sport and their community, and who have a compelling personal story demonstrating success over life’s challenges and set-backs. Dwyre hoped that kids – who spend much of their time on electronic devices using their thumbs – would be inspired to pick up a book and read.
As part of the launch of “Hard to Heart,” Back Story Publishing and Tim and Monica Bradley made a $5,000 contribution to the library at Amelia Earhart Elementary School of International Studies in Indio, CA, and each of the students received a copy of the book.
Back Story Publishing develops and prints two categories of books: (1) middle-grade books that encourage reading through stories about athletes who demonstrate success after overcoming life challenges; and (2) books by or about sports/sports figures and sports anthologies targeting adult readers. The next book for Back Story Publishing is a memoir from baseball star Ron Fairly with New York Times bestselling author Steve Springer entitled “Fairly at Bat.” Fairly spent 20 years in major league baseball – six teams, four World Series, two All-Star games – followed by 27 years as an MLB broadcaster. The company is also preparing a compilation of stories from and about the University of Notre Dame.
Contact information:
Jan Fambro
310.308.6770
jfambro@backstorypublishing.com