by Mundial ; illustrated by Damien Weighill ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2020
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
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by Timothy Tocher & illustrated by Stacy Curtis ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2011
“Bizarre” barely covers some of the wacky incidents Tocher gathers from baseball history. A trainer inserted a severed ear into “Sweet Lou” Johnson’s abdomen after a bus accident (for temporary safekeeping), and it was never removed. Mets outfielder Joe Christopher was able to move his cap around by wriggling his ears. Ineffective Giants hurler Cliff Melton tipped off batters to his pitches during his delivery because his ears were so big they blocked out the stands behind his head. And that’s just “All Ears,” the first of nine thematic “Innings,” each presented as a set of simply drawn cartoon panels threaded with terse commentary and the occasional punchline. Though a little knowledge of the game will make it easier to appreciate some of these feats and mishaps, even nonfans will wince at the account of a fan who was hit by a foul ball twice during the same at-bat, marvel at the achievements of one-handed pitcher Jim Abbott and laugh at the generally futile attempts to catch balls (or in one messy case, a grapefruit) dropped from the top of the Washington Monument, a passing stunt plane and other high points. An easy pitch, particularly to reluctant or inexpert readers. (Nonfiction browsing item. 9-11)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5813-5
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2011
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by Glenn Stout ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2011
In sports, just as in every other endeavor, women have had to struggle to be accepted, let alone recognized—same as it ever was. Stout profiles five women who pioneered their gender’s place in sports theretofore the exclusive preserve of males. It might have been nearly a century ago, as in the case of swimmer Gertrude Ederle, who swam the English Channel in 1926, and Louise Stokes and Tidye Pickett, America’s first African-American women in the Olympic games (in 1932 and in Berlin’s notorious 1936 venue). More recent pioneers include the jockey Julie Krone, who won the Belmont Stakes in 1993, and Danica Patrick, who won an Indy-car race in 2008. Stout tells their stories with bubbly enthusiasm, exploring the roots of their interest and ably conveying the joy they found in their respective endeavors. Despite the high level of their achievements, he draws them as natural talents, not as freaks of nature. There is much here of perseverance and courage, of training and sacrifice, but what Stout zeroes in on is a moment of triumph, whether it be a checkered flag or breaking the color barrier. Never patronizing, he captures both grit and glory in a fast-paced package that goes down easy even as it inspires. (Collective biography. 9-12)
Pub Date: April 4, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-547-41725-7
Page Count: 118
Publisher: Sandpiper
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2011
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