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
Not a complete biography of a painter but a noteworthy study of his most famous genre.
A handsome exploration of an artist’s love affair with ballet.
Rubin returns to a much-loved topic almost two decades after her earlier Degas and the Dance (2002). She describes the artist’s preference for painting in a studio as opposed to his fellow impressionists, who loved the outdoor light. How he observed the ballerinas of the Paris Opera Ballet and how he posed them are carefully explained. Rubin also pays particular attention to the various media that Degas employed, from oils to pastels to chalk. She includes information about his failing eyesight and the sculptures he created late in life. A profusion of reproductions, many full-page and all full-color (except when the originals are not), showcases the beautiful attention to detail that Degas cared about so deeply. His dancers are caught in the moment as they adjust their costumes, rehearse, or execute a step, and thoughtful captioning provides helpful interpretation. While ballet lovers will enjoy this glimpse into a 19th-century world (one painting includes Jules Perrot, a noted choreographer), art students will learn much from the exploration of techniques that Degas employed. The inclusion of two glossaries, of art terms and of ballet terms, highlights the book’s balance.
Not a complete biography of a painter but a noteworthy study of his most famous genre. (author’s note, notes, where to see artworks by Degas, bibliography) (Biography. 9-12)Pub Date: April 16, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4197-2843-3
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: Feb. 5, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2019
For football nerds who wonder about the “Madden” behind their favorite video game.
“Doink!” A biography of sports icon and train lover John Madden, who, at his core, is still just a big fan himself.
“Madden NFL” is not John Madden’s sole accomplishment, and many of its contemporary players may wonder about their beloved video game’s namesake. This middle-grade biography follows Madden from his childhood days playing sports in empty lots through college play and a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, ending in injury. The real legacy unfolds through his tenure as one of the youngest coaches in NFL history (for the Oakland Raiders) and as an accessible broadcaster with an unforgettable role in a beer commercial. Journalistic writing blends with narrative elements as Madden is described as a curious, empathetic sports lover who loved winning and still loves the game. The only named woman in the book is Madden’s wife, Virginia Fields, who, like Madden, is white; race in the NFL is only briefly discussed. Along with the development of Madden’s career, readers gain a crash course in other familiar names, the history of the NFL, and the world of sports broadcasting. Via Madden’s unconventional career, kids who are sports fans can discover that there are paths to greatness beyond scoring as an athlete. This play-by-play biography, peppered with quotes and stats, will delight enthusiasts.
For football nerds who wonder about the “Madden” behind their favorite video game. (index, author’s note, photos) (Biography. 10-12)Pub Date: July 30, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-63565-246-8
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: April 13, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2019
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