Definitely a GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL.
A 360-degree look at the world of soccer.
Mundial presents readers with a trivia-heavy smorgasbord of lingo, history, statistics, and symbols from the world of soccer. Most double-page spreads take on a different topic or focus of the game while a few topics stretch across several pages. The arrangement may be slightly haphazard for chronological readers, but for soccer fans who are content to open and browse, this book should be an enjoyable read. Weighill’s cartoon illustrations are bright, inviting, and slightly goofy, but they should be applauded for their inclusivity, as a range of racial and gender presentations can be found throughout the book. The text does its best to remind readers that women’s soccer is just as exciting and important as the men’s game, and even those steeped in the game may learn something they didn’t already know about some of the women’s teams and their impressive histories. Be prepared for some follow-up questions about the Dick, Kerr Ladies and their North American tour. The book also does a commendable job highlighting international tournaments beyond the World Cup, giving fans something to research in their off seasons. It’s unfortunate that only three women make the list of the greatest soccer players of all time (out of 11), but the book’s focus throughout may soften this blow. Overall, a worthy title for any sports section and a title that will be appreciated by both die-hard and novice fans alike.
Definitely a GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL. (index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: May 5, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7112-4910-3
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
Best suited for quick hits or casual browsing but unusually broad in scope and cast.
Tributes to 101 women who made names for themselves in sports or other athletic endeavors.
Grouped in chapters but really arranged arbitrarily, the gallery begins about a century ago with figure skater Sonja Henie and swimmer Gertrude Ederle and continues (while growing more nationally and racially diverse) up to teenage pitcher Mo’ne Davis. In between it highlights select achievements of women in sports from bowling (Marion Ladewig) to roller derby (Anne Calvello) and mixed martial arts (Ronda Rousey). “Firsts” for women, such as climbing Mount Everest (Junko Tabei), also receive nods, as do athletes who overcame childhood disabilities (Wilma Rudolph) or excelled at the Paralympic Games. Each entry focuses on career highlights and comes with a color action photo. Many also feature a quote or “Wow Factor” inset trumpeting some signal feat. The abbreviated narratives frequently leave out “women’s” as a qualifier for other significant information, so that readers who don’t know what a basketball “dunk” is may be unimpressed that Cheryl Miller made two and will come away with the impression that Kathrine Switzer won the New York Marathon outright in 1974 (she was the first woman but came in 59th overall). Still, younger readers looking for athletic role models will find plenty to choose from.
Best suited for quick hits or casual browsing but unusually broad in scope and cast. (Collective biography. 9-11)Pub Date: June 5, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-68330-073-1
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Sports Illustrated Books
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Paddle past this one; hike instead.
A guide to canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding for kids.
The emphasis on fun in the subtitle says a lot about how useful this guide will be to newbie paddlers. The opening sets up a first-world versus third-world dichotomy that may seem patronizing. While the guide does solidly cover the parts and uses of each watercraft, the descriptions are wishy-washy, and the pictures don’t always match. For example, “A kayak has a deck that covers the top of the boat” appears opposite a photo of two children on sit-on-top kayaks. Some advice offered here is solid, including using dry bags for gear, cleaning boats of all water plants, and wearing PFDs. Some is superficial: Several paddling strokes are mentioned, but only one is shown. And some is not good. A float plan is important, but taping it to a car window might lead to theft, and packing nose plugs in case of capsizing suggests that paddlers will have time to don them before tipping over. Companion guide Hiking is the stronger title that will provide readers with the knowledge they need to truly get out in the wild. Recommendations about clothing, shoes, and gear are balanced with reality: “If sneakers are all you’ve got, go for it.” Other excellent advice includes not relying on a cellphone, drinking only water from home (nothing is said about found berries and plants), and using trail etiquette. Both books include ideas for places to hike and paddle, emphasizing state and national parks. Neither teaches kids anything about using the embedded compass (“Take a class!”), exposing it as a mere gimmick.
Paddle past this one; hike instead. (table of contents, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: June 15, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-63322-530-5
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Walter Foster Jr.
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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