An Insider's Guide to Softball

Gr 5–8—These readable overviews make good use of photos, graphics, and inserts to introduce the rules and history of each game, along with playing tips. Basketball skills such as pivoting and playing defense are clearly and concisely explained through text and photos. There's also focus on fitness and inclusiveness. Girls and young women are shown playing and working out; an inset titled "Anyone Can Play Football" (in Football) notes that female teams now play at all levels. Volleyball includes a brief mention of athletes in wheelchairs competing at a sports camp, as well as a photo. Baseball offers a short discussion of steroids usage and its impact on the game, while Soccer notes Pele's impact on the sport's popularity. These are well-written, attractively designed books, and it's especially nice to see coverage of softball and volleyball.