Chip Shots and Slide-Rule Passes: World-Class Soccer Books
RSSJohn Peters, Curriculum Connections--School Library Journal
Though soccer has yet to catch on in this country in the way it has in the rest of the world, that doesn't mean that it isn't a popular sport--and likely to become even more so as the World Cup 2010 competition heats up this month.
That interest is certainly reflected in the rising flood of tales and informational titles being released. Here are some new and recent books (plus one or two classics) that are likely to score with young readers--and perhaps adults in need of quick refreshers on the game's rules and history.
History and Stars
ADAMSON, Heather. The Best of Pro Soccer. Capstone, 2010.
Gr 1-3--A quick look at great players, games, and moments in the sport's history, with exciting color photos aplenty.
Gr 1-3--A quick look at great players, games, and moments in the sport's history, with exciting color photos aplenty.
BROWN, Monica. Pele: King of Soccer/Pele: el rey de futbol. HarperCollins/Rayo, 2009.
Gr 2-4--Multicolored halos around the figures in Gutierrez's art crank up the energy in this sizzling account of the childhood and rise to fame of soccer's greatest player.
Gr 2-4--Multicolored halos around the figures in Gutierrez's art crank up the energy in this sizzling account of the childhood and rise to fame of soccer's greatest player.
CRISFIELD, Deborah. The Everything Kids' Soccer Book: Rules, Techniques, and More about Your Favorite Sport! Adams Media, 2009.
Gr 2-5--A primer for young players, this basic guide offers information and advice on topics from dribbling techniques to mental attitude. Includes plenty of cartoon illustrations, quizzes, and side commentary.
Gr 2-5--A primer for young players, this basic guide offers information and advice on topics from dribbling techniques to mental attitude. Includes plenty of cartoon illustrations, quizzes, and side commentary.
D'ARCY, Sean. Freestyle Soccer Tricks: Tricks, Flick-Ups, Catches. Firefly, 2008.
Gr 4-6--Young players looking to enhance their dribbling skills will find this no-frills set of color photos--with captions explaining techniques and common errors--a quick and useful guide.
Gr 4-6--Young players looking to enhance their dribbling skills will find this no-frills set of color photos--with captions explaining techniques and common errors--a quick and useful guide.
DIEHL, David. Goal! My Soccer Book. Lark, 2008.
PreS-K--Put your youngest students right out onto the pitch with this board book, which matches elementary vocabulary ("Goal" to "Yellow Card") to exciting, brightly colored graphics.
PreS-K--Put your youngest students right out onto the pitch with this board book, which matches elementary vocabulary ("Goal" to "Yellow Card") to exciting, brightly colored graphics.
FALK, Laine. Let's Talk Soccer. Children's Press, 2009.
Gr 1-2--Start newly independent readers with this very simple introduction to the game's rules, play, and a bit of its history. Illustrated with color photographs and portraits.
Gr 1-2--Start newly independent readers with this very simple introduction to the game's rules, play, and a bit of its history. Illustrated with color photographs and portraits.
GIFFORD, Clive. The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia. Kingfisher, 2010.
Gr 5-8--A concentrated dose of history, techniques, rules, stars, statistics, highlights, lowlights, and lingo that's as suitable for an overall view of the sport as it is for a quick reference.
Gr 5-8--A concentrated dose of history, techniques, rules, stars, statistics, highlights, lowlights, and lingo that's as suitable for an overall view of the sport as it is for a quick reference.
GIFFORD, Clive. Soccer Legends. Crabtree, 2009.
Gr 2-4--A gallery of greats from David Beckham to Zidane, enhanced by dramatic game photos.
Gr 2-4--A gallery of greats from David Beckham to Zidane, enhanced by dramatic game photos.
HORNBY, Hugh. Soccer. DK, 2010.
Gr 3-7--This new edition of the "Eyewitness" title presents eye-opening spreads on a huge range of related topics, from the game's earliest history to its latest stars, scandals, and stunning plays. Even younger fans will find the plethora of sharp photos depicting game action, memorabilia, and players irresistible.
Gr 3-7--This new edition of the "Eyewitness" title presents eye-opening spreads on a huge range of related topics, from the game's earliest history to its latest stars, scandals, and stunning plays. Even younger fans will find the plethora of sharp photos depicting game action, memorabilia, and players irresistible.
HYDE, Natalie. Soccer Science. Crabtree, 2009.
Gr 4-6--Fans looking for a quick update on how science and technology have affected all aspects of the game from its basic gear to recommended exercise regimens will get the scoop here. For confirmed enthusiasts, Madeline P. Goodstein's Goal! Science Projects with Soccer (Enslow, 2009) takes the next step, offering hands-on experience with relevant physics, chemistry, and math activities.
Gr 4-6--Fans looking for a quick update on how science and technology have affected all aspects of the game from its basic gear to recommended exercise regimens will get the scoop here. For confirmed enthusiasts, Madeline P. Goodstein's Goal! Science Projects with Soccer (Enslow, 2009) takes the next step, offering hands-on experience with relevant physics, chemistry, and math activities.
MURPHY, Patricia J. Let's Play Soccer. DK, 2008.
Gr 1-2--Fledgling readers join young Erik at his first practice session, learning how to warm up, play safely, and develop essential skills in this easy and engaging introduction. Illustrated with color photographs.
Gr 1-2--Fledgling readers join young Erik at his first practice session, learning how to warm up, play safely, and develop essential skills in this easy and engaging introduction. Illustrated with color photographs.
PELE. For the Love of Soccer. Illus by Frank Morrison. Disney/Hyperion, 2010.
Gr 1-3--In his first book for children Pele briefly recaps his childhood and early career--but it's Morrison's illustrations on facing pages of the star and a youngster playing soccer with utterly infectious joy and abandon that really distinguish this outstanding picture book.
Gr 1-3--In his first book for children Pele briefly recaps his childhood and early career--but it's Morrison's illustrations on facing pages of the star and a youngster playing soccer with utterly infectious joy and abandon that really distinguish this outstanding picture book.
ROSELIUS, J. Chris. David Beckham, Gifted and Giving Soccer Star. Enslow, 2010.
Gr 4-7--This up-to-date account of the sport's best known (in the United States) active player covers the highlights and the lowlights of his life--on and off the field.
Gr 4-7--This up-to-date account of the sport's best known (in the United States) active player covers the highlights and the lowlights of his life--on and off the field.
STEWART, Mark. Goal! The Fire and Fury of Soccer's Greatest Moment. Millbrook, 2010.
Gr 5-7--Stewart wraps a history of the game, bizarre incidents, record-setting achievements, and portraits of some of the game's greatest players around absorbing, high-tension accounts of 10 renowned goals.
Gr 5-7--Stewart wraps a history of the game, bizarre incidents, record-setting achievements, and portraits of some of the game's greatest players around absorbing, high-tension accounts of 10 renowned goals.
Fiction on the Pitch
BLOOR, Edward. Tangerine. Harcourt, Brace. 1997.
Gr 6-8--Trying to hide the fact that he's legally blind, Paul earns his way onto his new middle school's competitive soccer team in this classic, multilayered Florida gothic.
Gr 6-8--Trying to hide the fact that he's legally blind, Paul earns his way onto his new middle school's competitive soccer team in this classic, multilayered Florida gothic.
CHRISTOPHER, Matt. Soccer Scoop. Little, Brown, 1998.
Gr 3-5--Formulaic as they are, Christopher's tales are still the standard against which sports fiction for young readers is measured. Here in his customary mix of exciting sports action and off-the-field tribulations, the author delivers a tale of a bossy goalie who tries hard to find out who's behind a series of mocking cartoons that have begun to appear in the school newspaper.
Gr 3-5--Formulaic as they are, Christopher's tales are still the standard against which sports fiction for young readers is measured. Here in his customary mix of exciting sports action and off-the-field tribulations, the author delivers a tale of a bossy goalie who tries hard to find out who's behind a series of mocking cartoons that have begun to appear in the school newspaper.
COY, John. Eyes on the Goal. Feiwel & Friends, 2010.
Gr 4-6--Assigned to different squads at the beginning of summer soccer camp, four close friends get together for the final match in this lively entry in the "4 For 4" series. Coy folds ghosts, girls, and plenty of snappy banter into a fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable read.
Gr 4-6--Assigned to different squads at the beginning of summer soccer camp, four close friends get together for the final match in this lively entry in the "4 For 4" series. Coy folds ghosts, girls, and plenty of snappy banter into a fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable read.
HAMM, Mia. Winners Never Quit. Illus. by Carol Thompson. HarperCollins, 2004.
K-Gr 2--Used to playing well, young Mia quits when she goes through a slump--but a spell on the sidelines brings her to the realization that she loves playing more than she hates losing. In this possibly autobiographical episode soccer great Hamm takes readers through an epiphany that every budding athlete should experience. Thompson's energetic illustrations nicely reflect the text's quick pacing and upbeat tone.
K-Gr 2--Used to playing well, young Mia quits when she goes through a slump--but a spell on the sidelines brings her to the realization that she loves playing more than she hates losing. In this possibly autobiographical episode soccer great Hamm takes readers through an epiphany that every budding athlete should experience. Thompson's energetic illustrations nicely reflect the text's quick pacing and upbeat tone.
HICKS, Betty. Goof-Off Goalie. Roaring Brook, 2008.
Gr 2-4--Another adventure in teamwork with the "Gym Shorts" crew. Goose is positive that he's the best choice for goalie, but can he convince the coach of that? Not if he can't keep his mind on the game! Fortunately, he has friends Henry, Rocky, Rita, and Jazz to help him adjust his attitude and sharpen his skills.
Gr 2-4--Another adventure in teamwork with the "Gym Shorts" crew. Goose is positive that he's the best choice for goalie, but can he convince the coach of that? Not if he can't keep his mind on the game! Fortunately, he has friends Henry, Rocky, Rita, and Jazz to help him adjust his attitude and sharpen his skills.
JAVAHERBIN, Mina. Goal! Illus by A.G. Ford. Candlewick, 2010.
Gr 2-4--"The streets are not safe here," notes young Ajani--but he and his friends dare to play "football" on the deserted streets of their South African township anyway, because "When we play,/the sound/of our kicks/on the ball/is music." Illustrated with expertly painted scenes of youngsters with unusually expressive faces and bodies, this deeply felt celebration of the sport will impact readers everywhere.
Gr 2-4--"The streets are not safe here," notes young Ajani--but he and his friends dare to play "football" on the deserted streets of their South African township anyway, because "When we play,/the sound/of our kicks/on the ball/is music." Illustrated with expertly painted scenes of youngsters with unusually expressive faces and bodies, this deeply felt celebration of the sport will impact readers everywhere.
KOLAR, Bob. Big Kicks. Candlewick, 2008.
K-Gr 2--Biggie Bear knows far more about jazz and postage stamps than he does about sports--but he lets himself be dragged out onto the pitch when the local soccer team suddenly needs another player. The results are hilarious and Biggie ends up a hero in this brief, brightly illustrated romp.
K-Gr 2--Biggie Bear knows far more about jazz and postage stamps than he does about sports--but he lets himself be dragged out onto the pitch when the local soccer team suddenly needs another player. The results are hilarious and Biggie ends up a hero in this brief, brightly illustrated romp.
MONTALBANO, Andrea. Breakaway. Philomel, 2010.
Gr 5-8--Soccer means the world to young LJ--so when her hot temper earns her suspension from the team at the worst possible time, she's forced into a reappraisal of her attitude. An engrossing tale, with strong characters and plenty of unusually vivid sports action.
Gr 5-8--Soccer means the world to young LJ--so when her hot temper earns her suspension from the team at the worst possible time, she's forced into a reappraisal of her attitude. An engrossing tale, with strong characters and plenty of unusually vivid sports action.
O'DONNELL, Liam. Soccer Sabotage. Illus. by Mike Deas. Orca, 2009.
Gr 4-6--When the Lions' coach suffers a suspicious accident just before the National Championships, young Nadia not only has to take charge of the team but gets involved in an investigation. This exciting entry in the "Graphic Guide Adventures" series combines sports action, a suspenseful mystery, and even some instruction for players.
Gr 4-6--When the Lions' coach suffers a suspicious accident just before the National Championships, young Nadia not only has to take charge of the team but gets involved in an investigation. This exciting entry in the "Graphic Guide Adventures" series combines sports action, a suspenseful mystery, and even some instruction for players.
RODRIGUEZ, Edel. Sergio Saves the Game! Little Brown, 2009.
Gr 1-3--A soccer legend in his own mind but a complete disaster out on the pitch, Sergio the penguin redeems himself when he gets a tryout as goalie. Stylized, tinted illustrations of a portly penguin that gives new meaning to the word "clumsy" add to the hilarity of this brief, tongue-in-cheek tale.
Gr 1-3--A soccer legend in his own mind but a complete disaster out on the pitch, Sergio the penguin redeems himself when he gets a tryout as goalie. Stylized, tinted illustrations of a portly penguin that gives new meaning to the word "clumsy" add to the hilarity of this brief, tongue-in-cheek tale.
SHAHAN, Sherry. That's Not How You Play Soccer, Daddy! Peachtree, 2007.
Gr 1-3--It's all about winning, winning, winning to young Mikey--which is why he's so frustrated when his teammates, and even his own father, get distracted, bend rules, and fool around. Lighthearted illustrations underscore Mikey's eventual realization that having fun just might be more important than being a champion.
Gr 1-3--It's all about winning, winning, winning to young Mikey--which is why he's so frustrated when his teammates, and even his own father, get distracted, bend rules, and fool around. Lighthearted illustrations underscore Mikey's eventual realization that having fun just might be more important than being a champion.
SIMON, Francesca. Horrid Henry and the Soccer Fiend. Sourcebooks, 2009.
Gr 2-3--Horrid Henry thinks he's a better player than Moody Margaret--but when he's forced to prove it, will he put his foot on the ball, or in his mouth? One of four episodes in the annals of this truly horrid anti-hero.
Gr 2-3--Horrid Henry thinks he's a better player than Moody Margaret--but when he's forced to prove it, will he put his foot on the ball, or in his mouth? One of four episodes in the annals of this truly horrid anti-hero.
WENINGER, Brigitte. Davy, Soccer Star! NorthSouth, 2008.
K-Gr 2--The chance of winning a real soccer ball motivates Davy and his bunny sibs to form a team and take on the scary Bad Badgers. Weninger's soft-focus illustrations of huge-eared rabbits will charm young audiences.
K-Gr 2--The chance of winning a real soccer ball motivates Davy and his bunny sibs to form a team and take on the scary Bad Badgers. Weninger's soft-focus illustrations of huge-eared rabbits will charm young audiences.
WHEELER, Lisa. Dino-Soccer. Illus by Barry Gottt. Carolrhoda, 2009.
Gr 1-3--It's prehistoric pandemonium when the vegetarian Grazers square off against the carnivorous Biters before stands filled with cheering dinos. Wheeler's fast and furious verse finds a perfect counterpart in Gott's richly colored scenes of jersey-clad creatures battling furiously for the ball--right down to the suspenseful final moments.
Gr 1-3--It's prehistoric pandemonium when the vegetarian Grazers square off against the carnivorous Biters before stands filled with cheering dinos. Wheeler's fast and furious verse finds a perfect counterpart in Gott's richly colored scenes of jersey-clad creatures battling furiously for the ball--right down to the suspenseful final moments.
