Book Description

Paul Fisher¹s older brother has always been the football-playing hero of the family. But when the Fishers move to Tangerine, Florida, Paul enters a place where weird is normal. And suddenly the blind can see. TANGERINE as named a 1997 American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, an ALA Top-Ten Best Book, a Horn Book Fanfare Book, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, and an Edgar Award Nominee. ... Read more

Reviews (311)

Tangerine
Peter Pan
Genre = Contemporary/Realistic Fiction
Tangerine
Edward Bloor
6th - 8th grade

Paul Fisher is a 12 year old boy who has just recently moved with his family from Houston, TX to Tangerine,FL. The town is smaller then Houston and the people seem all the same. Paul's older brother Erik, the star football player, finds himself right at home in Tangerine because of the extreme passion for football in the area. Paul feels that his parents pay more attention to Erik than they do to him and his soccer career. Paul attempts to play for his school soccer team but because of his visual impairment, supposedly involving an incident where Paul stared at an eclipse, he is not able to play. When Paul sees the oppurtunity to go to a new school he jumps at it. When he starts befriending people at his new school, a downward spiral of unspeakable events begins to unfold. If you want to find out what happens to Paul and his family, read Tangerine by Edward Bloor.

I would recommend this book very much to anyone looking for a good story full of rich imagery. This story shows people how it is to be visually impaired and tells a great story all the while. **** out of ***** stars. Also this book can be used in the classroom too. It is a good way to teach description and metaphor to your students. Because of the great character building, you can also do a character analysis activity with it.

Tangerine
Tangerine, by Edward Bloor, is a novel that is not like any book I'v ever read. It tells the story of Paul Fisher, a seventh-grader who has just moved form Houston to Tangerine County, Florida. Paul is legally blind- he has to wear "Coke-bottle" glasses so that he can see. His parents tell people that Paul's eyes were damaged because he didn't listen and stared at a solar eclipse too long. Paul has always been overshadowed by his older brother Erik, placekicker extrodinare. He plays a part in the "Erik Fisher Football Dream"- but just what his part is remains to be seen.

When Paul moves to Tangerine, everything is different. Lightning knows where to strike. Schools get sucked up by sinkholes. People get killed- and no one really does anything about it. With the help of some friends, Paul sees the truth in things that other people seem blind to. Can Paul finally shake off the shadow of his older brother? In Tangerine, anything is possible.

Edward Bloor's first novel is well written and the plot keeps moving, keeping you constantly interested. I would reccommend it to any young adult looking for a good read.

Let down by the touted Tangerine. WARNING: SPOILERS!
I finally read this after having many people recommend it to me. I was pretty disappointed in the book for several reasons. One, I did not find the writing that great. I felt it needed to be edited, probably by 100 pages or so. There are so many repetitive passages, such as Paul trying to remember over and over how he became legally blind as a small child. Also, the plot wanders at many times, with too many quirks. Mud fires, lightning, and sinkholes all occur in this small town much too frequently, leading the reader to wonder, *WHY* would anyone ever move there?!

The main reason I was disappointed in the book, though, was the plot line with the older brother, Eric Fisher, the football star. Erik is a star football kicker with many dark secrets. In the end, he is exposed, Paul's parents express their regret, and life is good.

Having grown up with a violent sibling, I know that the family dynamic is never "cured" so easily. A lot of times, parents are aware of what their children are up to, but simply feel helpless. The Fisher family are all characterized as one-dimensional, and therefore, any problems and resolutions simply feel like a nice little tale, not reality.

My advice, avoid this well-intended but disasterous book.

The best book since "Holes"
Here's a blow by blow of my experiences while reading, "Tangerine". After twenty pages I said to myself, "Hm! The man can really write!". After fifty pages I said, "Wow! This book is as good as 'Holes'!". After one hundred and fifty pages I was fully engrossed. After two hundred and fifty pages I was bodily grabbing people off of the street, forcing copies into their hands while chanting something along the lines of, "One of the greatest kid's books ever written!", or words to that extent. Now that I've finished the book and given myself a little time to reflect I can clearly decide whether or not this initial euphoria was short lived or not. Ladies and gentlemen, I am more than a little pleased to report that I was right all along. "Tangerine" is one of the greatest children's books to be written in the last ten years. It is brilliant, socially conscious, filled to the brim with sympathetic (and uniquely unsympathetic) characters, and funny to boot.

Paul Fisher is moving again. His father is a civil engineer by trade, so Paul's a little used to picking up and leaving for the next town. In this particular case, the family's moving to Florida to live in a gated community. Once there, each member will be able to start doing what they enjoy best. His brother, Erik, will continue to wow everyone with his football skills, his father will continue to worship those skills and spend all his time with his eldest, his mother will join the community's neighborhood association, and Paul will join his school's soccer team. Paul's a goalie by training, and despite his eye troubles (he has almost zero peripheral vision due to a mysterious accident in his youth) he's the best. Not like anyone notices, of course. The rest of the family is too caught up in what Paul has wryly dubbed the Erik Fisher Football Dream. The fact that Erik is a seriously disturbed individual seems to go entirely unseen by Paul's parents and it becomes clear that when his brother's activities go from threatening to criminal, Paul's the only one who can come out with the truth. Along the way he has to battle lightning storms, sinkholes, underground fires, flash frosts, and angry neighborhood associations.

That's the plot in its barest form. As I've copied it down here, I haven't even begun to delve into the fact that Paul transfers himself from his local hoity-toity school in the suburbs to a far more rough and tumble public facility. He makes friends with the kids in that school, faces racism on the part of his old school chums, and begins to understand a little more about white privilege. What other school age novel deals with racism, classism, social consciousness, and environmental concerns and so well at that? The precarious nature of Paul's new home becomes clearer and clearer when expensive koi fish are eaten by the native ospreys, muck fires spring up regularly in the backyard, and termites start eating the houses. The more the humans attempt to bend nature to their will, the funnier the situations become. This would not be a bad book to pair with the similarly Florida set story, "Hoot".

I was a little surprised at the psychopathic nature of Paul's brother. Having just finished reading Diana Wynne Jones's excellent, "Archer's Goon", which contains the most evil little sister in literature, I was amazed to find that my next book, "Tangerine", contains the world's worst elder brother. Erik and his brother have exactly one conversation in this entire novel. Beyond that, all we know of Erik comes from Paul's slowly clearing memories about the accident that damaged his sight and Erik's own actions. As Paul's parents strive to prove that they're a perfect family, things become worse and worse. I liked that Paul was as mature a kid as he was. Though he certainly says words and thoughts that are a little old for a seventh grader, you feel safe with him as your narrator. When he overreacts, you understand why. The same goes for when he doesn't react at all.

I'll skip telling you about the symbolism that also went into this tale. Needless to say, if you've a kid that needs to read a book that's rife with it, just pick this one out. I'm still amazed that this was Edward Bloor's first novel. The level of the writing is not only impressive, but also intense. This is the first book I've read (outside, I'll admit, of Harry Potter) that actually made me interested in sports. I loved reading about Paul's soccer games and how he compares them to football. Best of all are the characters in this tale. Even Paul's parents, horribly flawed but earnest, are at least trying to be good people. The book is, above all, honest. And I appreciated that.

The highest praise I can offer "Tangerine" is this: Long after I finished a chapter or two I would find myself puzzling over the multiple meanings and layers of the text. Whole sentences and ideas kept popping up to be reread and regurgitated. If you want a children's book that will make you think about a host of different ideas and points of view, read "Tangerine".

Tangerine
Sally Pickles
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Ficton
Title: Tangerine
Author: Edward Bloor
Publisher/ ISBN: Scholastic Inc. ISBN: 0-439-28603-4
Grade Level: grades 6th-8th
Gist: Paul is a twelve year old boy who has recently moved to Tangerine Florida. Paul lives wih his dad, mom , and older brother. Paul plays soccer and his brother Erik is a bug time football star. Paul enrolls in a new school and begins making new friends. Everthing seems to be going fine until a series of bad events begin to take place. If you want to know what happens to Paul and his family then read Tangerine. It is a great book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I would recommend this book because it is very realistic. It shows that anything can happen that you least expect. It is also scary and keeps you on the tip of your seat. All together it is a great book and I hope you read it.
Classroom Uses: You ould do many activities with this book some of the thigns could be; a sinkhole activity where you find out how a sinkhole works. Also, you could do a character analysis activity. This would help you if you were a teacher. ... Read more

Book Description

This new book addresses the number one concern of millions of parents and athletes, age 9-19 in baseball, basketball, football, soccer, rugby, field hockey and tennis: "How can I improve speed in short sprints for my sport?" Step-by-step instructions show you how to first locate your weaknesses, then eliminate them by completing just 30 specific easy-to-follow workouts. This must read and must do book produces amazing results with a program that will also work for you. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

From a parent and age group coach
Eleven of my age group soccer kids completed the 30 workouts in this book in ten weeks. After seeing the improvement in acceleration and speed, the other 8 team members and their parents are sorry they didn't join in. The 30 workouts alone are worth the price of the book. You don't need a sports science background. If you are looking for a "just do-it" approach that improves speed in short sprints, this book is for you. The book cuts to the chase. There is no need to dig out anything. Everything that is included is important and the program works.

Univ Prof., Track Coach, Author, Former NFL Speed Consultant
March 3, 2004

Reviewer: George R. Colfer, PhD.


After reading two mixed reviews from 2002 and 2004, I decided to read and review this book. Considering who the book was written for (i.e., young athletes), I would recommend it as a Resource and Guide for Speed Improvement. No book is ever perfect for all audiences regardless of size, length or type. When I see a title for "young athletes," I usually hold my breath as most imitate what works only for highly skilled athletes. The first thing I liked about the book was the introduction including "How to use the book" (pg. 11) and Chapter 1, which offers assessment to determine readiness for certain components of the workouts. Another example was regarding Plyometrics (pg. 90) where the author states a leg strength requirement and who by age level should avoid plyometrics, although I would rather see this at the beginning of the section as many youngsters "do" and don't read. Dr. Dintiman is very knowledgeable and also proven in the area of speed and running improvement. He has a much higher level book now in it's 3rd or 4th printing. Speed Improvement for Young Athletes is readable and follows a "how to do it" approach without a lot of "hype." My experience with speed is that it first requires self-motivation. There is a lot of material and equipment necessary which is why I think a youngster following this program would need the guidance of a coach, very knowledgeable parent or as part of a camp or clinic-type setting. The information and programs are proven to be effective with no doubt. Implementing them from reading about them may require some assistance as Dr. Dintiman mentions in the introduction (pg. 11-#1). Speed endurance is a relatively new term and is well covered in Chapter 7, but a more complete definition may be helpful. In the next edition, I would recommend updating some of the strength training photographs and I would find an index at the end to be very helpful. However, these do not detract from the content and program construction of the book (i.e., the 30 workouts), which achieves the author's purpose.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Dr. Dintiman, an international authority on speed improvement, has produced a much needed text which offers excellent instruction on how to improve sport specific sprinting speed. What makes this book unique is that it is the first text specifically geared to the young athlete. The concepts in the text are based on internationally accepted research and proven instructional methods. The assessment program offered by the author is finely tuned to specifically uncover the young athlete's strengths and weaknesses. This allows valuable training time to be focused on specific points of identified weaknesses. Speed Improvement For Young Athletes: How To Sprint Faster In Your Sport In 30 Workouts, is a must purchase for any coach, parent, or individual who desires to produce a faster and quicker young athlete.

Value
The book is very simple and tertiary. Lightly discusses a number of topics. Details related to form and execution are lacking for someone who claims to have their Doctorate. The illustration is worse than what I can create on my home computer. The real issue I have is that the author and the publisher are both deceptive in their practices. Although the book appears to be a significant volume...in fact, it is triple spaced text with 20-26 font all to increase the number of pages to appear as if the book is a significant volume. In addition, the basics for any book such as an Index are missing entirely. This book is a joke even if it was priced at $3-$4 it would not be worth the shipping & handling.

A Parent, Coach, and University Professor's Review
While focusing on several insignificant items, the reviewer for the "School Library Journal" missed an opportunity to fully appreciate an excellent book, concisely written with a practical approach, by the leading expert in the world. The favored work of the above reviewer,for the "School Library Journal," consists only of illustrated exercises with no workouts to follow, no specific information on training programs and little help to anyone, including young athletes, coaches, or parents. "Speed Improvement for Young Athletes" has more useful information on previously tested and proven techniques than anything ever written. It is a book that "gets to the point" and prescribes 30 specific workouts for age group athletes for all sports. This is not a research book and there is good reason to keep it clearly organized and understandable for the young athlete. "Speed Improvement for Young Athletes: How to Sprint Faster in Your Sport in 30 Workouts" is by far the best book on the market, and I highly recommend it for the young athlete who wants to move from the theory to actual practice and conditioning with effective gains in foot speed for their sport. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Big Kick
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a chance to be a millionare? The Million Dollar Kick by Dan Gutman is about a shy seventh grader named Wisper Nelson that enters a huge contest and gets a chance to kick a penalty shot past a professional goal keeper for 1000000 dollars! The only problem is,she hasn' t played soccer since she was 8. What is she to do? She decides to get training from a goalkeeper that plays high school soccer. She works extremely hard. When the big day comes something goes terribly wrong. will Whisper make the kick? Read and find out!

I think this is a spectacular book! I would recommend this book to anyone who is into sports. This book also has a lot of twists and turns so if you like surprises, this is the book for you!

the greatest book
in the book million dollar kick a girl plays soccer. she scored her own team and then she won a prize and gets to kick a million dollar kick. she had to score on her teacher. will she make it.

Another Kick!
Dan Gutman has done it again with "The Million Dollar Kick", a sequel to "The Million Dollar Shot".

I know Dan Gutman through e-mails, I once met him at my school two years ago in Oklahoma City.

The character in this book "Carmen Applegate" was the name of my librarian at my elementary school. Also, another small character "Dan Mills" is the librarian at my middle school. "Bobbie Frisk" is the name of a teacher in the same district, though I have to tell you I don't her.

Please try to read all of Dan Gutman's books, they are very good, and I am sure you will enjoy them.

And also go to [their website] and find out about Dan's books, do some cool activities, read some of his rejection letters for "Honus & Me", and a lot more cool stuff! ... Read more

Book Description

Are you among the millions of kids who live to play soccer?If you are, you'll love The Everything Kids' Soccer Book!Inside this exciting book, you'll find out how to excel at this hugely popular sport, with professional instruction on:
The complete rules of the game
Techniques for dribbling, trapping, and heading the ball
The arts of defense and goaltending
Winning techniques and drills
Tips on how to maintain possession of the ball

Soccer player and coach Deborah W. Crisfield gives you lots of advice on stretching, endurance building, and strength training.Along the way, she includes some amazing facts on the World Cup and American soccer stars, such as Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm, and offers dozens of puzzles and games.The Everything Kids' Soccer Book is definitely a GOAL! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lively and inspirational, Katie Couric's sophomore picture book, reunites Ellie McSnelly and Carriet O'Toole, friends from her successful first book, The Brand New Kid. Once again, Couric's tale deals with the aches and pains of growing up, and in The Blue Ribbon Day, she encourages kids to deal positively with disappointment. Carrie doesn't make the soccer team with Ellie, but with some reassuring words from mom, "We're all good at something, you'll have your time to shine," she makes a new start, and ends up placing first in the school science fair.

Told in fun, jazzy rhymes that help mitigate Carrie's disappointment and foretell a happy ending, Couric's snappy, upbeat text is perfectly matched by Caldecott winner Marjorie Priceman's vibrant illustrations. Charming, engaging, and brimming with positivity, parents and kids alike will enjoy this reassuring tale. Daphne Durham

Amazon.com's The Significant Seven
Katie Couric answers the seven questions we ask every author.

Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?

A: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers.

Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?

A: Encyclopedia Britannica
Any Motown compilation
To Kill a Mockingbird

Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?

A: I told my mom that I didn't break one of the bedposts of her four-post bed during a pillow fight with my brother, but I eventually fessed up because the guilt was killing me!!!.

Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.

A: In the morning, on a patio with lots of flowers and birds chirping. A comfortable wicker chair. Sunshine, low humidity and a great cup of coffee.

Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?

A: "Perky no more."

Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?

A: Thomas Jefferson or Eleanor Roosevelt

Q: If you could have one superpower what would it be?

A: The power to cure serious illnesses.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

Mia Hamm and How She Started
I would recommend this book not only to people who love soccer, but to everyone who enjoys a true story about a great athlete and role model. The story of Mia Hamm is basically about how she was introduced to soccer and how she follows her dream to be the best women's soccer player in the world.

The book is really better than it looks like!
On teh field with Mia Hamm by Matt Christopher was a very goodbook. I didn't have a very good idea who Mia Hamm really was though.The only thing I know is a professional soccer player. I aw the book and it looked pretty interesting. I'm about a quarter of the way through the book and I'm liking it so far. Usually I don't read books , let alone a whole book.

This book is the best!
This book is by far the best i've ever read. It has great pictures and has lots of info on Mia. I think she is the best player i've ever seen. So this book was very interesting. If you love to play soccer, and enjoy watching and learning about Mia , this is THE perfect book! Once you start reading it, you won't stop reading until you've finished! SO GET OUT THERE,GET OFF YOUR BUTT, AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER, AND READ! ... Read more

Book Description

Free Mia Hamm photo inside!

Mia loves playing soccer. That is, until she has trouble scoring a goal when her team is about to lose. Before she can lose, she quits. Fed up with her attitude, Mia's brothers and sisters will not let her play with them anymore. Will Mia learn that beinga team player is more important than winning or losing the game?

This wonderful and motivating story from America's soccer champion shows kids that:

Winners Never Quit!

Book Description

Soccer is fun - let's play!

Find all the basics in this lively guide.

• The markings on a soccer field
• What soccer players wear
• The positions, from forward to goalkeeper
• The excitement of pasing a ball
• The thrill of making a goal

All these and more are included, with a useful glossary at the end.

Reviews (4)

The Perfect Introduction
Whether a child, parent, or first time coach with no prior knowledge, this book is the perfect introduction to children's soccer. Add your league specifics and develop technically as you go. A first, must read.

Very helpful and easy to understand.
I am the first time coach of a second grade boys soccer team. This book was very easy to understand for the kids as well as myself. For kids that are relatively new to the game it explains positions, the different kinds of kicks and the all around basics of soccer without getting too technical. It has been a great aid for our team.

An excellent guide for beginning players and new coaches
This book provides a brief introduction to soccer, at the right level of detail for those new to the game. My 11-year-old son found the summary of the rules and strategies quite helpful. As a new coach, I was glad to have a compact volume that included most of what I needed to know. There are other books that provide more detail on the game and more exercises and drills for soccer players -- but this is the ideal "first book" for someone just learning about the game. I recommend it highly.

Great writer, great book, great guy
Brooks Clark is a superb journalist and former Sports Illustrated staffer who has been blessed with two kids--both girls. His book is not only a great coaching primer for many of us who have come to the sport in our later years, but even better, it's serves as a roadmap for how parents can instill a love of participatory sports in their youngsters, boys or girls! Kudos to Mr. Clark. How about a follow up book on the basics of basketball? ... Read more

Amazon.com

As the world watched Brandi Chastain set up for her penalty kick, Michelle Akers lay on a training table beneath the Rose Bowl recovering from her efforts in the Women's World Cup final. She had been given two liters of fluid intravenously but was still woozy and it didn't register, at first, that Chastain had scored and the U.S. team had won. At her insistence, the doctor removed her IVs and she staggered out onto the field to join the celebration. As she stood in the center of the field, the capacity crowd began chanting "Aaa-kers! Aaa-kers! Aaa-kers!"

U.S. Women's Team coach Tony DiCicco calls Akers "the best women who's ever played the game." Her fellow 1999 Women's World Cup champions describe her as "a true warrior" and "the heart and soul of this team." In The Game and the Glory, Akers tells the story of her life both on and off the field, and the faith and determination that keep her going--despite a troubled home life, countless injuries, and her battle against CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome). Akers's candor is refreshing; she doesn't paint herself as an angel or take a holier-than-thou attitude. Her Christian faith, simply put, is what allows her to succeed. An inspirational book. --Sunny Delaney ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Best Book EVER!!!
I play select and I alway enjoy reading books on awsome soccer players. When my friend told me about this book I jumped at the oppertunity to read yet another soccer book. I read it and couldnt put it down. As a Catholic I diffently could relate and found it pretty cool we share the same faith.
It was a very good and inspiring book! IM GONNA BE THE NEXT MICHELLE AKERS SO WATCH OUT AMERICA CUZ HERE I COME!!!

A True Inspiration
Michelle Akers writes a truly inspirational story. As you read The Game and the Glory you feel as if you know Michelle personally. The book is easy to relate to because she tells her story on such a personal level. We see Michelle grow through her relationships, her spirituality, her CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and of course soccer.
Michelle is honest about the carefree wonders of childhood. She tells about two of her childhood dreams: One of being the next Mean Joe Green of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the other dream of being an Olympian. Although, for Michelle, childhood is not always carefree dreams. When she is only in the sixth grade, she struggles to understand the reason behind her parents' divorce. Ironically, even Michelle herself cannot believe when she goes through her own divorce. Michelle, with the guidance of a few friends and through her struggles, finds a relationship that will help her cope with all of her problems.
As a child Michelle always found mass to be boring and going to church on Sunday was never something to look forward to. It is not until Michelle is in high school, with the guidance of a teacher, that she truly finds a relationship with God. However, she gets distracted from this newfound relationship quite soon. After her divorce, Michelle realizes that there is something missing from her life: God. She turns to God at this point in her life, and this time she holds on to what she has found. Michelle promotes her Christianity in a way that no one else has ever done. She founds an organization called the Soccer Outreach International. An organization to promote Christianity in sports especially soccer. Michelle did not only turn to God for answers about relationships and soccer, but also about her CFIDS.
Not long after her World Cup experience in 1991, Michelle begins to suffer from CFIDS. However, Michelle is not diagnosed with CFIDS until 1994. From 1991 to 1994 she did not know exactly what was causing her to feel always fatigued and never well. Michelle has done what no other athlete that competes at the level she competes at has done. She played while suffering with CFIDS. This truly shows her unstoppable compassion for the game.
Michelle played many sports as a child, but soccer was her first true love. When she was only nine years old she attended a soccer camp. During the soccer camp she competed in a juggling contest to see who could juggle for the longest. Michelle stayed out at the field juggling for hours without once loosing control of her ball. The camp director stayed and counted her 5,392 touches, which shattered the previous record set by boy who went on to play collegiate soccer at Duke. This is only one of the amazing stories about Michelle and soccer. Through soccer Michelle has traveled to many countries around the world and established lifelong friendships. She is an original member of the first United States Women's National Soccer Team of 1985. With the National Team she has won many individual awards and is a 1991 World Cup Champion, a 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist, and 1999 World Cup Champion. Michelle admits that God has carried her through it all and without Him she would have never accomplished everything that she has.
It is amazing to think of how great a person she is and how truly human she is. Michelle has accomplished so much for women's soccer. She opened up a new door for girls around the U.S. by using her position as the best women's soccer player to promote the sport. She is one of the reasons that women's soccer become an official Olympic sport. Michelle is a role model to many not only as a world class soccer player but also through her display of Christianity in her every action. In reading her story I have learned that sometimes you just have to "show up" and let God take care of the rest.

Michelle is awesome, and her faith is unsurpassed
I know I would love this book even if the writing sucked, which it doesn't...it's beatiful. Still, I'm bias. Michelle has been my role model as a soccer player for years, and I've always her respected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. I'm Catholic. I think Michelle's faith is wonderful, after all she has been through. And the fact that she is grateful for her suffering makes her, in my eyes, a true follower of Jesus.

You will enjoy the thoughts of this excellent (tough as nails) soccer player, and Christian who inspires many others who share her faith. Go USA!

PS. Since this book was written, Michelle has retired.

And I'm not even a soccer fan!
This is a great book for a young girl because it feels like Michelle is talking to you. I felt like I was her best friend, because I could relate to her family situation, and like her, I'm a tomboy. I don't care for soccer, but now I have a giant Michelle Akers poster hanging in my room, and I feel like I know her well even though I've never seen her play. I recommend this to any girl, ages 8-15.

Excellent! From tears to cheers, this book has it all.
The Game and the Glory is an outstanding book. The life of Michelle Akers is an incredible story of courage and faith. This autobiography shares intimate details of Michelle's life which allow you to feel the passion, the pain, the glory, and the love this special person has shared with so many. It was a pleasure to read and very gripping, you'll have a hard time putting it down.

By reading this book you will clearly understand what makes an athlete - WORLD CLASS. You'll experience the training process, the playing field, the locker room, the awards ceremonies as well as the pain of CFIDS, multiple injuries, and some of her hard life experiences. There are many great players in the world but it takes something special to make it to the top. Michelle has that something and you'll be inspired when you experience her story first hand. She not only made it to the top but stayed!

I also listened to the tapes which are read by Michelle (mainly) and it was just like she was riding along in my truck, sharing her life with me. The passion alone took me from tears to cheers - I HIGHLY recommend you read this one! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (11)

Wilma Unlimited
Wilma Rudolph was never expected to live past her first birthday, but she did. That wouldn't be the only thing she would have to overcome in her challenging life. Wilma was always a sickly child growing up. Her brothers and sisters would get sick, but she would get it twice as bad. By the time Wilma was five, her family found out that she had polio. The doctors had her wear a special steel brace, and told her that she would never walk again. Growing up she would watch children playing basketball, and wished she could some day play as well. One day she decided she was going to learn to walk without her brace. So, she did just that. Her and her mother worked and worked at strengthening her leg. Finally she was able to play with the other children. She helped lead her high school basketball team to the state championship, in which they lost. She caught the eye of the Tennessee State track coach. He couldn't believe how fast she was. Wilma ended up being the first person in her family to attend and finish college. Later on, Wilma went on to win an astonishing three gold metals in the Summer Olympics of 1960. I found this book to be very rewarding. I think it would help kids that have a lot of tough challenges in life. It would also help inspire anyone that would happen to read it. I had always heard of Wilma Rudolph when I was growing up, but I never knew how inpirational her life really was, until now!

An inspiring story of the woman who surprised the world.
This is a wonderful true story of one woman's accomplishments. Wilma Rudolph was a bouncy child who ran everywhere as soon as she could walk. When she contracted polio and scarlet fever at the same time, the doctor said she would never walk again. But Wilma had a mother who rode the bus with her 50 miles each way twice a week, to the nearest hospital that would treat black patients. She had 21 brothers and sisters to help her exercise and practice until she could walk, first with a brace, then (finally) all on her own. Wilma had watched the other children play for years, and she wanted to play basketball as soon as she could. Wilma's long legs, strength, and determination helped her to lead her high school basketball team to the state championships, where she caught the attention of a track and field coach who offered her a college scholarship. In 1960, Wilma made the US Olympic track and field team. She wasn't expected to win any events, but it was an honor for her just to compete. And then Wilma amazed everyone. She won her first gold medal when she flew past everyone in the 100 meter race -- and then won another in the 200 -- and then she won another gold when she anchored the 4 by 100 meter relay. Wilma Rudolph did what no one else had done before, and she earned the richly deserved title of fastest woman in the world. Her story is proof that strength can overcome almost any disadvantages

Running just as fast as she can
Inspirational stories fill hundreds of picture books every year. Most are simply awful. They either tell tales that are loose plots barely supported by facts or they paste together a slapdash concoction of truth and fiction with as little thought as possible. The truly beautiful bio-picture books out there are as rare as hummingbirds in autumn. So it was with great joy that I located "Wilma Unlimited" and found it to be not only inspirational but also a darned good read. Written by Kathleen Krull (the woman who could make long dead musicians fascinating in "Lives of the Musicians" and bring Cesar Chavez to life in the recent "Harvesting Hope") and illustrated by David Diaz the book is the best possible way to introduce kids to one of the world's greatest athletes.

Born in 1940 to a family of twenty-one people (nineteen siblings, no less), Wilma Rudolph was initially a sickly child. Though she was energetic enough, she often caught every disease imaginable. At the age of five, Wilma's left leg twisted inward and it was clear that she'd come down with polio. Still, Wilma was a determined child and she consistently exercised her unruly leg to get stronger. After continual practice, she was finally able to walk free of the leg brace that had weighed her down. At twelve the brace was put away for good and Wilma started participating in sports. She led her high school basketball team to the finals, catching the eye of a college coach. Before you knew it, Wilma was recruited into the Tennessee State University's track-and-field team on a full ride scholarship. In 1960 she competed in the Olympic Games in Rome. The book sets this part up beautifully. Wilma arrived with a twisted ankle into a place filled with television cameras (the first time they ever filmed the Olympics), the place "shimmering heat", and her competition consisting of runners who had run faster races than she ever had. Then Wilma proceeds to win one... two... three gold medals! The last medal is especially dramatic, hinging on the moment when Wilma drops her baton and STILL beats the other runners in the 400-meter relay. The last double page spread in this book shows Wilma standing, "tall and still, like a queen", earning the last of her three medals. It's a truly proud moment for all who have the privilege to experience it once again in picture book form.

Krull has a way with words. I'm not saying that Wilma Rudolph's life is dull. Far from it. But in the hands of a lesser author this story could easily have been bogged down in all the wrong moments. This author knows which moments should be given full glory. The moment when Wilma removes her brace and walks proudly into church will banish from your mind that similar pseudo-inspirational moment in "Forrest Gump". Wilma's struggle at the Olympics through pain and skepticism puts the reader through the same strains. You yearn for this woman to beat them and beat 'em she does. Then, best of all, come the illustrations of David Diaz. This is my first Diaz experience, though I suspect that I'll read many more of his books as the days go on. Diaz has accompanied his illustrations in this tale with sepia toned photographs. The book's endpapers display the outlines of footprints in the dirt. The title page is an evocative view of ivy climbing a raw wooden fence. Behind his colorful illustrations, each background photograph refers to the corresponding scene obliquely. When Wilma and her mother take the bus to the hospital, the photograph is a close-up of a wheel. When she packs away her leg brace, it's shredded packing paper. A great relief it is indeed that the colored illustrations are worthy of their sepia compatriots. Though these pictures may appear blunt at first, they are filled with the most delicate of designs. I loved watching the character of Wilma as she aged. As she grows in confidence, her posture improves and back stiffens until, by the last shot, she is standing taller than all the women around her. Than all the women in the world.

"Wilma Unlimited" should be known to everyone living in American today. This is inspirational without being either annoying or faux-patriotic. It's an actual honest-to-goodness amazing story. The book is beautiful and its story is worthy of its packaging. I challenge you to read it and not shake your head at least once in amazement. It's just that good.

such a fantastic book!
i am a reading specialist in Washington, DC and chose this book b/c i love David Diaz and because, like wilma, my children have many obstacles in their lives. i simply can not finish this book without nearly crying in front of my class. i've read it so many times, but the suspenseful writing and triumphant ending never get tiring. it is a truly wonderful story and wonderfully told and illustrated by this duo.

An inspirational story
This is a biography about Wilma Rudolph. Wilma was not expected to live past the age of five. Wilma was always sick growing up. Her brothers and sisters would get sick, but she would get it twice as bad. By the time Wilma was five, her family found out that she had polio. The doctors had her wear a special steel brace, and told her that she would never walk again. Growing up she would watch children playing basketball, and wished she could some day play as well. One day Wilma was determined to walk without her brace and she walked into church with everyone watching her. Finally she was able to play with the other children. She helped lead her high school basketball team to the state championship, in which they lost. She caught the eye of the Tennessee State track coach. Later on, Wilma went on to win three gold metals in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
I really enjoyed this book because of the inspiration in the story. I think that a child reading this book would get a lot out of it. The illustrations for this book are very unique and beautiful. They flow very well with the story and really help to bring the emotion out in the book.
This is a perfect example of a book where the author is telling the reader that they can do anything they out their minds to. It is a book that I am sure will inspire many children and help them to believe in themselves. ... Read more

Book Description

Author Brad Herzog brings his well-received prose and soccer knowledge together with Melanie Rose's charming and realistic illustrations to detail every facet of the game.Each letter has a simple rhyme for young readers.

"J is for the Jerseys that soccer players wear. But often in the World Cup, opponents tend to share. In a gesture of respect after a game ends, They simply swap their jerseys as if they are old friends."

For older readers the expository text gives specific details about goaltending, referees, the World Cup, and many other aspects."K is for Kick" follows the wildly popular "Z is for Zamboini: A Hockey Alphabet." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An alphabet book for fans of soccer, both young and old
I have to think the idea reader for "K is for Kick: A Soccer Alphabet" is going to be the parent who is having trouble waiting for their kid to be old enough to go out on the soccer field and kick the ball around, let along trying to help the kid learn to read. Author Brad Herzog admittedly creates a two-tier format that has one part targeted on young readers learning the alphabet and the other for more advanced readers who are clearly soccer fans. But I have to think that if a kid is learning his alphabet than the idea that "C is for clubs everywhere" and gives examples of Italy's A.C. Milan and Santos in Brazil, that they probably have little idea as to where to find Italy and Brazil on the map. There are references to age appropriate aspects of the game, such as kicking and youth soccer, but then "N" stands for not only the University of North Carolina's dynasty in women's soccer but number 19, the number that UNC retired in honor of Mia Hamm.

In addition to examining the history and lore of soccer from A for a game played "all over the world" to Z for the French soccer star "Zinedine Zindane," Herzog provides detailed sidebars on each topic that supply lots of details that adult readers who are soccer fans can appreciate. This may well be one of the most impractical alphabet books I have come across, but that seems a small matter given the love of the game that infuses the entire volume. The result is one of the few alphabet books that young readers may actually enjoy more as they grow older and can read the details provided in the small print. The illustrations by Melanie Ross-Popp are energetic enough and older readers will appreciate her liberty in showing Brandi Chastain (under L for "ladies"). This is one of a series of alphabet books from Sleeping Bear Press that includes "A is for America: An American Alphabet," "M is for Maple: A Canadian Alphabet," "M is for Majestic: A National Park Alphabet," "P is for Pilgrim: A Thanksgiving Alphabet," and "Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphebet." Of course, I am waiting for the Baseball Alphabet book (H is for Home Run?). ... Read more

Book Description

It's the day of the big game, and Froggy is ready.His soccer team is playing the Wild Things for the City Cup. All Froggy has to do is remember the rule: "Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! BUT DON'T USE YOUR HANDS!"But Froggy's busy doing cartwheels and picking daisies.Uh oh, Froggy! Here comes the ball! Budding soccer players and Froggy's many fans will welcome Froggy's latest hilarious adventure. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Froggy Plays Soccer
I would recommend this book if your child likes soccer or if you are hoping your child will like soccer, otherwise not such a great book.... I thought it was cute but definitely something a child who likes soccer can only appreciate

Just mailing it in at this point
The original "Froggy Gets Dressed" book was extremely clever. But this book is the weakest brand extension since Lego clothing. It includes the basic Froggy elements (sound effects starting with z, authority figures yelling "FRROOGGYY", and our noble protagonist turning more red than green) but you have to wonder when the most original part of the story is Froggy picking his nose. Of course, if your child likes Froggy and likes soccer they will love the book, but I wish the authors had put a bit more effort into it.

Cute!
An adorable book. Froggy books are great...if you like the others this is a must have; especially if you knwo someone who loves soccer!

ATTENTION SOCCER MOMS!
My four-year-old son loves all of the Froggy books! And when he signed up to play soccer, we read this book every night for the entire season. He chants "Head it, boot it, knee it, shoot it . . . " before every game or practice. We are now buying a copy for the team to autograph and give to the coach. Every soccer mom should get this book! (As well as the other Froggy books!)

Fabulous, fun, and very Froggy!
He's back! A really fun and exciting book for soccer fans...Froggy and his gang of friends are good sports, and have a lot of fun while becoming champions of good attitude, and their league. A great book for parents too, it highlights the fun that should be team competition...and, of course, it's very funny... ... Read more

Book Description

The South Orange River (S.O.R.) School is big on sports and famous for not losing a game all season. That all changes when the school insists that some seventh-grader non-jocks form a soccer team. The new team is sure that losing their first game 32-0 will put an end to their athletic adventure, but no such luck. their parents insist they try harder. The whole school cheers them on, and the finally score...for the other team. And only the eleven members of the S.O.R. Losers team know the secret of their outstanding "success."

Reviews (7)

S.O.R. LOSER REVIEW
This book S.O.R. Losers by Avi was about a school that is really big on sports and famous for not losing a single game all season. That all changes when some seventh grader non-jocks form a soccer team. Their new team is terrible. Their parents and the school cheer them on and insist that they do better. The crowd's cheers really helped them do a lot better than they were doing.
I would recommend this book because it shows how much people have confidence within themselves. Why I would also recommend this book is because it was written by Avi, he is a great guy and writes great books.

SOR Review
Title; S.O.R. Loser
By: Aaron
Have you ever been forced to playa sport? If so S.O. R Loser by Avi is the perfect book for you. A young man named Sitrow loves school but hates sports. he has to see his way through playing soccer. The kid named Sitrow was going to pick a sport for the school team but he missed baseball, basketball, tennis and football. The only thing is left is soccer. The only thing he hates about the school rules are that you must play one sport a year. His coach Mr. Lesster (also the social studies the teachers) push the team through their unlucky year.
Their parents are behind them all the way.
They had practice a couple days later. They really needed help. They could not even score on their own goal. When Sitrow gets home he starts complaining at dinner about how stupid that soccer is. The parents don't care they think that some exercise is good for the smart young man. The next day when he enters his 8th period which is Social Studies and which Mr. Lesster is the teacher. Mr. lesster announces that they are going out side to practice soccer.
They had a practice, a week from that day and their 1st game and it was bad 32-0. The coach was mad but he knew that it was only the first game. The next 4 games they lost. Now he whole school was cheering for them to win. The principal was telling them that the soccer team never lost. Will they keep losing or will the come back and be victorious.

S.O.R. Losers
This book is about 7th grade boys who were modern misfits. They went to a school where sports ruled, but they didn't like sports, knew they weren't good and didn't care. They were all forced to join the same soccer team and play other schools. Read about their losing streak and their battle with the school. Full of sardonic witticisms.

This is an exellent book!!!!!
I think you should read this book. This book is very humorous. The author does an exellent job with advetives. I reccomend this book and anything else by Betsy Byars!

Soccer Losers
I think that this book is a good book for the soccer players that aren't very good at soccer but actually plays soccer. I don't think people that are losers should get too worked up on how their playing. This is a good book, I really enjoyed reading this book. I think people who like sports but don't think that they are good should read this book and see how these soccer players act an how they play. ... Read more

Book Description

After living in a series of far-flung countries-and finding more than his share of trouble along the way-Zeke Armstrong thought he would finally lead the life of a normal thirteen-year-old when he moved to Dallas and joined the Sundogs soccer team.Instead, he goes to the Lone Star Invitational tournament and soon find himself in the middle of another adventure when someone tries to take his coach out the game-permanently.Will Zeke solve the mystery and help his team win the playoff, or will he ber the next victim? ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Apple Computer gave us an heir to the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew
My wife and I always check out the books we give our boys (ages 8 and 10).We grew up on the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, and we loved the pleasure those books brought us.Until recently, we'd been unable to find anything new on the market in the way of great mystery/adventure fiction.You know what I mean - pure, unadulterated, fast-paced fun.There are a lot of books out there about kids with "issues", which is fine - they're certainly needed. But if alot of the kids today are anything like my wife and I were when we were young, then there's a need for a modern Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew.

We'd all but given up on finding anything like that, until I noticed a teaser on an uncle/nephew mystery writing team in last week's Apple eNews email from Apple Computer.I checked out the full story on Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot on Apple.com's Pro site.I was intrigued.I ordered both books in the Zeke Armstrong series.I read both Red Card and Green Streak in a single day (when I should have been making sales calls).They blew me away.They took me back to my youth.I gave the books to my wife.She stayed up until 3 AM reading them.They blew her away.They took her back to her youth.We gave them to our boys.They devoured them.For the past two days, all they've been able to talk about is Zeke and Pow Wow, Zeke and Pow Wow, Zeke and Pow Wow.My wife and I have never seen them so excited about books.

At last!In Zeke Armstrong, we have a worthy successor to the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Thanks to Apple Computer for bringing him to our attention.

Cool mystery novel
I read this book after Mr. Hale spoke at our library last year.Even if you don't like soccer, you'll still love Red Card. It has action and adventure, and it's a really good mystery.I didn't figure it out until the end...

Agatha Award winner !
Okay, I got into the Zeke Armstrong Mystery series backward.I read Green Streak first.I loved it.My ten year old son loved it.I ordered Red Card and received it yesterday morning. Like with Green Streak, once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.I had it finished by the time my son came home from school. He picked it up and kept reading until HE finished it. We both understand why this book won the Agatha Award, and we expect Green Streak to win even more awards.Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot have definitely got something going with the Zeke Armstrong Mystery series.

Wonderful, a great find!
Mr. Hale came to our school to tell us about this book.I reccomend it to anybody who likes mysteries.I don't really like soccer, but I still give this book two thumbs up

Hang on for This Fun Ride
Zeke Armstrong is playing in a soccer tournament with his team, the Dallas Sundogs.Things are going well, until his coach gets thrown out of a game for loosing his temper with a ref.The next morning, Zeke discovers that the coach has just been shot.After he's rushed to the hospital, another attempt is made on his life.It has to be one of the team's fathers, but whom?The police think they have their man, but Zeke is convinced they're wrong.Can he make the other parents believe him and save his coach's life?

I'll read a good mystery aimed at any age group, and I loved this one.The main character is lots of fun.I'm not a big sports fan, but the descriptions of the soccer games held my interest and were easy to follow.In fact, a book that could have been awash in characters did such a good job of introducing them that I had no trouble keeping everyone straight.And the climax had me turning pages as fast as possible to find out what how everything would end.

This is an entertaining debut that left me wanting more.I recommend this book to anyone of any age looking for a good mystery. ... Read more

Book Description

"Renny and Bryce play on opposite soccer teams battling for the championship.Until recently, the soft-spoken but talented Renny warmed the bench while another player took the field.But now that player's out with an injury and Renny's been given the chance to show what he can do.And no one is more surprised at Renny's playing ability than his opponent, the hot-dogging, one-man team, Bryce.Bryce was sure Renny would be a pushover, but Renny, who had admired Bryce's showmanship, proves that solid teamwork is often hard to beat.And in the end, both boys come off the field a little wiser." ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Soccer Duel Masterpiece!
This book helps me really relate to my life. I am the left striker, my parents are divorced, but unlike the story it's my mom who usually can't make it to the games because she is blind so she can't drive. It's hard because when I move from house-to-house I have to move equipment too. This situation makes me feel bad because at my dad's house I have two stepsisters and a stepmom and my dad has to drive them everywhere and it sometimes make him feel like a taxi driver! This book is a real situation story and it is probably my favorite book in the series, though I also suggest Soccer Scoop! Ned Donovan.

Soccer Duel
Soccer Duel is a one-of-it's kind book. Compelling, fun to read, and fun to read about the battle for friendship as well as the championship trophy. Renny Harding started as a third string person but was put in when the first string broke his ankle and the second string was away that weekend. He was able to prove to people that he wasn't just a lowly third string player but a higher first string. Bryce McCormack has been the best all his life but when Renny comes in and beats his team he refuses to believe that he had met his match. He then trys to figure out Renny's technique by being nice to him which Renny takes as a friendship opportunity and that makes Bryce do some things that could ruin Renny's soccer career, permanently!

Soccer Duel
Renny joined a soccer team but he was third-string so he watied till his coach let him play then he showed how good he was and became first-string. I agree with the auther about the book. My favorite part waswhen Renny did a bicical move. I liked it because the author discribed it very well. I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes soccer because this book is based on soccer. I tought it was really good.

This book is pure soccer
I think that Soccer Duel is a very good book. It has a lot of soccer details, and also a good plot and good characters that you can relate to if you are a serious athlete. I can relate to Renny because I play striker for my team, i just moved, and my parents are divorced also. For anyone who wants a page turner, read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Strawberry Shortcake and her pals are playing a friendly game of soccer. But feelings get hurt when Angel Cake cares more about winning than about having fun. In the end, Angel learns that friends are much more important than winning a game-and that being a bad sport is no fun!

Illustrated by Ken Edwards. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Mia Hamm : Striking Superstar (soccer's new wave)
This book was so great! It helped me to better understand soccer. I learned a lot of neat stuff in reading this book. Mia tells about playing striker, and gives tips for beginers. She explains how she came to be a super striker as well.If you are a person who wants to improve your game, a new one to the sport, or just a Mia Hamm fan you will truely love this book! ... Read more