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

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

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

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

Book Description

All-American Girls

Join the winning team

Score the winning goal with superstar Mia Hamm. Chart the plays and take to the field with co-captain Julie Foudy. Go for the gold with the champs -- Michelle Akers, Carla Overbook, Kristine Lilly, and the rest of the stellar 1999 World Cup team! Read all about our favorite players in the first authorized book on the members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team.

Find the latest stats, action-packed photos, bios, and advice from the hottest stars in professional sports today. Follow these all-American girls from their earlest days in soccer to their record-breaking careers, with Q&As, and personal info you won't find anyplace else. It's all here, in the book that's a must-have for every soccer fan! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An inside look at true American Girls
This book is fantastic. It gives an inside look at each player to pass through the National team program for an extended period of time. Includes player interviews and a sort of "rap"sheet for each player, like their most embaressing soccer moment, their favorite number, and other interesting facts. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Womens National team. Don't Miss it!!

All The Secrets Of The US Team Come Out
If you are a fan of any player on the US womens team and wonder what they do in there life (Yes they do have a life out side of soccer)this is the book for you. Your brothers picking on you saing girls cant play sports. Will now you can prove him wrong. Hand him this book tell him to read the first page, it will make him think twice before he makes fun of womens soccer again. This book has each player tell about there life in and out of soccer. They tell of all the interesting hobbies they have and some of am even rat on there team mates. If you buy this book and dont enjoy reading it you are not a true womens soccer fan.

The Best Book in the WORLD!!!!!
If u don't have this book, u must buy it because i never liked soccer untill my friend bought me it. I was hooked. I read it 5 times that is how good it was. Please buy the book. If u don't, you are missing out....... BIG time.

interesting book
This book will give you the facts and inside scoop of the wonderful ladies. Some of the stories the team tells are hilaroius. It's not the best book I've read but it's great for young girls to see how they got to the highest level.

Great way to learn what makes the USA women players tick
It's a fun read. You can jump in anywhere and learn how the players approach the game. I like the pictures of the players when they were kids. The childhood story about Lori Farr stealing the ball from her own team player, who was playing slow, and scoring cracked me up!!! Niffty price- for a lot of entertainment. ... Read more

Book Description

Mia Hamm has always worked hard to reach her goals. From a young age she loved soccer. She played well. When she was 15, she became the youngest player to join the Women's National Soccer Team. She holds many records. One includes the world's leading goal scorer. Mia has done much to promote the game of soccer in the United States. ... 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

Budding soccer stars--follow these training secrets that will amaze your teammates and baffle your opponents. Skills and fitness regimes of the professionals are your models. Start with the basics of how to strike the ball correctly. Then back it up with proper fitness and training, including stamina, strength, and stretching techniques. Master ball skills such as juggling, step over, drag back, Cruyff turn, feint, stop start, nutmeg, and round the corner. Practice set plays like the long throw, free kick, flick up and volley, banana kick, passed free kick, and whipped in corner. Learn champion passing, including wall, scissors, chest, swerve, back heel, and chipped pass, as well as finishing techniques from chipping and volleying to overhead and scissors kicks, as well as diving headers, scoops, glancing headers, and power shooting. Finally, formulate team strategies, from midfield diamond to man-to-man marking, so you and your friends can have a true championship season! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Women in Track and Field
I enjoyed this book but did find it somewhat juenille in context.It covers many famous women runners from Wilma Rudolph to Flo Jo and also gives a good history of how women got started in track and field and the barriers they had to overcome.I would like to see a book of this type expanded with more information and history behind some of these great athletes.When I finished this book I donated it to my son's junior high school library. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Jesse Owens Overcame Discrimination and Nazism
Tom Streissguth's book gives a brief biography of Jesse Owens from his childhood days in Alabama in the early 1900s to the 1984 Olympic ceremonies memorial service honoring him. Owens attended Ohio State University where he excelled at track. After university he qualified for the 1936 Summer Olympic in Berlin, Germany. In Germany Owens was subjected to the racist ideals of Adolf Hitler. Hitler dramatically undermined the four gold medals Owen won solely because Owen was an African-American. But when Owens returned home to the United States he continued to be discriminated against purely because of his skin color.

Jesse Owens set the world record for the long jump and won four gold medals in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He truly is an American hero. Yet, he also conquered many other battles regarding racism and discrimination. Tom Streissguth's book is a multicultural book because it exemplifies an African-American man and the hardships he had to overcome to succeed in a society that judged him by his race. The photos illustrate Owens accomplishments. The book is free of negative stereotypes and describes the importance of accepting all people regardless of any difference they may have. ... Read more

Book Description

Spiral bound scrapbook ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Flo Jo and the Funny Suits
(3 elementary students: ...): It's a very interesting book. It tells about Flo Jo's one-legged suits and her unique personal style. It inspires people never to give up on something you love a lot. There were times when Flo Jo was worried she wouldn't be able to compete, but somehow she perservered through the difficult times. In this book you will find out that Flo Jo made many new world records in running. (We don't understand how she could sign autographs with her six-inch long fingernails!!) Flo Jo wasn't allowed to run in the hand off relay because her fingernails were too long. In the end, the the coaches let her keep them (the second time). We would recommend this book for people who are looking for a good biography and love running. We think the reading level for this book is appropriate for grades 3 and up, or as a Read Aloud for grades 2 and up. ... Read more

Book Description

While Americans are avid about football and baseball, statistics actually show that more people play soccer. Cities participate in statewide competitions, enormous crowds watch the U.S. vie for the World Cup, and what parent doesn't know about early morning soccer practice?

"Soccer Skills" has everything the young soccer player needs to move his or her game forward. This fully illustrated step-by-step guide covers all aspects of the game, from historical background and soccer jargon to basic ball control and defensive and offensive strategies. Everything a player needs to know to play his or her best game is included: - Pre-season and pre-match preparation - Ball control - Passing skills - Running with the ball - Free kicks, corners, bending the ball - Hitting the back of the net - Controlling the ball on the head - Shadowing and tackling - Goalkeeping - Warming up and cooling down

Training drills used by the game's top professionals are presented with sequential photographs and detailed explanations. At-a-glance tips help players solve problems with their own game.

From the skills necessary to play at any level to the strategic tips for winning, "Soccer Skills" is essential for anyone playing - or hoping to play - the international sport of soccer. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a great book for teen soccer coach
This book is very good for coaches. It got excellent progressive drills to get a team to function like a well oiled machine for attacking and mid field play. I think the strong point for this book is the way it builds up a young team to attack the near post with sharp passes, strong midfield controll drills, etc. The drills for bringing in the backs for attacking play is decent. While the style is very Euro, the drills will sharpen any team to dominate the midfield. very good coaching book among the many out there. ... Read more