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(4)
4-6
Total Sports series.
These volumes provide broad overviews of the histories, notable teams and coaches, rivalries, star players, etc., of the title sports; most (not Football) include mention of both men's and women's teams. The texts are easy to read if occasionally vague or overgeneralized. Informative sidebars and copious stock photos enhance the presentations for sports fans. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Total Sports titles: Total Lacrosse, Total Basketball, Total Baseball, Total Hockey, Total Soccer, Total Gymnastics, Total Volleyball, and Total Football.
(4)
4-6
Make Me the Best Athlete series.
Each of five or six brief chapters (e.g., "Sprint like Usain Bolt" in Track) in these slim volumes focuses on a different outstanding athlete in a particular sport, and provides a few tidbits about his or her skills. Bulleted fact boxes explicate techniques; a "Drill Down!" feature suggests ways readers can improve their own performance, but some necessary supervision isn't suggested. Color photographs appear throughout. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Make Me the Best Athlete titles: Make Me the Best Volleyball Player, Make Me the Best Basketball Player, Make Me the Best Baseball Player, Make Me the Best Hockey Player, Make Me the Best Soccer Player, Make Me the Best Football Player, Make Me the Best Lacrosse Player, and Make Me the Best at Track and Field.
(3)
4-6
CrimeBiters! series.
Illustrated by
Adam Stower.
Jimmy's crime-fighting vampire dog, Abby (My Dog Is Better Than Your Dog), is sent to obedience class. Meanwhile, Jimmy has joined the lacrosse team, which is straining his friendships in the CrimeBiters club. When frequent injuries mysteriously start plaguing the lacrosse team, Abby returns to her former ways to investigate. A solid mix of mystery, humor, and hijinks, with appealing cartoonlike illustrations.
216 pp.
| Holiday
| October, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-3648-4$16.95
(4)
4-6
Thirteen-year-old agent Clayton (Clayton Stone, At Your Service) goes undercover at an elite private school to protect the president's son from an unknown threat. While there, Clayton must also face his former school in a lacrosse match, outsmart a conniving student politician, and help a secretive classmate face his past. While some spy-novel tropes remain, this sequel exceeds its predecessor with greater character depth.
(4)
4-6
Jake Maddox Sports Stories series.
Illustrated by
Aburtov.
Black-and-white full-page illustrations accompany these hi-lo stories involving talented athletes in lacrosse (Laser) and track and field (Shot). The message-laden texts highlight the importance of fair play and focus to achieve team victory and accomplish personal goals. The engaging, action-packed stories should appeal to sports enthusiasts. Each book is supplemented by background on the sport, discussion questions, and writing prompts. Glos. Review covers these Jake Maddox Sports Stories titles: Lacrosse Laser and Second Shot.
346 pp.
| HarperCollins/Tegen
| March, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-229548-4$17.99
(3)
YA
What if the accident never happened and she wasn't covered in scars? That's the question Fiona Doyle struggles with. Then readers meet Fi, the answer to the "what if?". The alternating dual narrative is a glimpse at the other side, where the grass isn't always greener. (Or is it?) An emotional story of acceptance and loss, and learning to love who you are.
116 pp.
| Norwood
| January, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59953-355-1$25.57 New ed. (2006, Little)
(4)
4-6
New Matt Christopher Sports Library series.
[Lacrosse; other by=text by]Overcoming obstacles, dealing with family issues, and learning about teamwork are common themes in these popular, formulaic sports-centered titles. Characters include too-small-for-quarterback Boots (Tackle), new-to-the-baseball-team Chico (Flyhawk), and embarrassed-about-his-overweight-lacrosse-playing brother Garry (Face-Off). These editions are sturdily bound and feature large type. Review covers these New Matt Christopher Sports Library titles: Baseball Flyhawk, Lacrosse Face-Off, Power Pitcher, Shoot for the Hoop, The Team That Couldn't Lose, and Tough to Tackle.
(4)
4-6
Sports Stories series.
Each fast-paced book uses a specific sport to center its protagonist. In Dogs, Noah battles a rock-climbing rival and preoccupied dad. In Man, Michael must overcome his small size to contribute to the lacrosse team. In Goals, Vicky tackles the challenges of a new school and soccer team. While the stories are formulaic, the accessible texts are sparked by engaging characters. Glos. Review covers these Sports Stories titles: Rock Dogs, Trading Goals, and Man-to-Man.
231 pp.
| Simon
| July, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4169-2438-8$15.99
(4)
4-6
While helping set up the school book fair, sports-loving (and book-hating) Trip is knocked unconscious by a shelf of falling books. Each chapter whirls Trip through various genres of literature; finally he awakens back in school. The meandering tale is overly long, but Trip's dreams are appropriately weird and humorous.