Hockey Then to Wow! from Sports Illustrated Kids

Hockey Then to Wow! 
From Sports Illustrated Kids
September 2017
80 pages
Hardcover
Nonfiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Hockey: Then to WOW! shows readers how the cool sport has evolved from the early days of its 19th century origins to the game as it is today. Using NHL action photographs, illustrations, stories, and trivia, the book is a journey through time both for hockey fans and those new to the game. Kids will learn how basic equipment has changed from a ball to a puck and how the evolution of game strategy has transformed the sport, players, and equipment. Players throughout history are stacked up against each other in every position so fans can dream up the perfect fantasy team with Wayne Gretzky playing alongside Patrick Roy and Stan Mikita. A fun-filled section of the book explores everything fan culture-from the best ice rinks, to the iconic hockey sweater and the hockey haircut along with key aspects of the toughest sport around.

Sports Illustrated has created some beautiful books about the history of baseball, football and now hockey! It is filled with facts about the rules, equipment, uniforms, players and more!

The text is accompanied by incredible photographs, charts, stats, graphs, diagrams and tables. 

This book, and the others in the series would make great gifts for sports fans! 

See what others have to say about this book.

Mom Read It

Hockey Book Reviews

Booking Mama

My First Book of Soccer by Sports Illustrated Kids

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

My first Book of Soccer: A Rookie Book-Mostly Everything Explained About the Game
by Sports Illustrated Kids
Published May, 2017
48 Pages
Hardcove
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
The ref blows the whistle, the striker approaches for kickoff, feet fly-a soccer match is underway! With a fun mix of Sports Illustrated action photography, simple text, a full glossary of terms, and awesome graphics, My First Book of Soccer introduces readers to the world's favorite game. Kids (and probably a few adults, too) will learn how the clock counts "up" and never stops, what an offside means, what's up with those yellow cards, and how kicks become a gooooaaaallll!
Illustrated "rookie" characters appears on every page, guiding the reader moment by moment, and helping to make My First Book of Soccer an ideal shared reading experience between parents and their little rookies before, during, and after the game.

My Thoughts
It's that time of year again. The time where families pack up their kids and their camp chairs and meet at the soccer field. In my town just about EVERY kid plays recreational soccer starting from age 5. I remember my daughter's team just running around in circles or everyone trying to get the ball as the learned how to play this popular sport. This book could help young players learn the ins and outs of soccer. 

This is the 4th book in the Rookie Book series by Sports Illustrated Kids. Like the others, it provides a simple introduction to the terms, moves and rules of the sport. Each page is big and colorful with real photos of players and some cartoon images of a little boy and girl learning to play. Both male and female players, with different racial backgrounds, are represented. 

The sturdy pages will standup to rereadings and little hands. I would highly recommend My first Book of Soccer for budding soccer enthusiasts. 

See what others have to say about this book. 
Mom Read It
Little BIG Reads
Kid Lit Frenzy

The Football Fanbook: Everything You Need to Become a Gridiron Know-it-All

The Football Fanbook: Everything You Need to Become a Gridiron Know-it-All

by Gary Gramling

Published August 2017

by Sports Illustrated

Nonfiction

192 pages 

Hardcover

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

So you're a football fan and now you want to take your passion for the game to the next level? The Football Fanbook from Sports Illustrated Kids is just what you need. A key addition to every young sports fanatic's library, The Football Fanbook is filled with fun trivia and unique lingo to impress friends, illustrated behind-the-skills how-to's, important game-winning strategies, and much more. Readers will sound like experts in no time.

My Thoughts

Are you ready for some football? It is preseason time and my husband has been watching games, analyzing stats are reading updates on his favorite team. Boy was I able to impress him with some things I learned from this book. And thanks to the "Talk the Talk" section, I am able to actually keep up during the games!

The Football Fanbook is a great resource about the popular fall pastime. It is organized into 7 chapters with topics such as Think Like a Coach, Obscure Facts, and Know These Numbers to name a few. It is filled with trivia facts, stats and lingo for fans or those just wanting to learn more. 

Here are a few interesting facts I learned:

*In an average football game there are only around 11 minutes of action?

*The huddle was invented by Paul Hubbard, a deaf quarterback.

*The University of Phoenix stadium has a grass field that is rolled out of the stadium between games to grow in a natural environment. 

*Former Viking, Fred Cox, invented the Nerf football. 
Cool right?!

Information is accompanied by photographs, captions, and infograms. There is even a diagram showing the reader how to throw a perfect spiral pass, but I did not try it. 

Here is a trailer of some of the football lingo readers will learn.

I would recommend this book for fans in 4th grade and up. 

See what others have to say about this book:
Books Babies and Bows
A Rup Life
Mom Always Finds Out

Enter the giveaway! I would like to thank Sports Illustrated and Blue Slip Media for sponsoring a giveaway to one lucky reader!
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Ouside Shot by Fred Bowen

Ouside Shot 
by Fred Bowen
Published March, 2017
Peachtree Publishers
144 Pages
Advanced readers copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Eighth-grader Richie Mallon has always known he was a shooter, but will his amazing shooting talent be enough to keep him on the team? Outside Shot tells the story of eighth-grade basketball player Richie Mallon, who is known as the shooter, the one on the team who scores most of the baskets. He has practiced every day at his driveway hoop, perfecting his technique. Richie never plays any other roles on the court; he lets his teammates do the assisting and rebounding. Richie makes the team under a tough new coach, but he's not a starter. Then when his shooting skills go into a slump, he must find a way to become a more well-rounded player. Author Fred Bowen continues his Sport Story Series with full court, play-by-play action thats sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats!

My Thoughts
Richie starts out quite sure of himself at the beginning of the book since he has a reputation of being able to make shots consistently. He and his best friend Bryce are certain that they will both be starters on the 8th grade team. But, when he tries out for a new coach, he makes the team, but he is not first string.  
Richie is stunned and sets out to prove his worth to the coach. He is very concerned about his stats, most specifically, points scored and percentage of shots made. When he hits a dry spell, Richie grows more and more stressed. He starts to befriend one of the managers who keeps the stats and she suggests that he try to also get more assists and rebounds and perhaps his shot will return. But who would he be is he weren't "the shooter"? 

Richie learns some valuable lessons in this story and many middle graders will enjoy it. It's length, font size and readability make it quite manageable for many in grades 3-5.  

Visit Fred Bowen's website 

See what others have to say about this book. 
Boys and Literacy
4th Grade Reading

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-My First Book of Hockey: A Rookie Book and Giveaway!

 My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

My First Book of Hockey 

Published by Sports Illustrated Kids

September 2016

Ages 3-8

48 Pages

Goodreads Summary

The puck drops, skates flash, and sticks fly-a hockey game is underway! With a fun mix of Sports Illustrated action photography, simple text, a full glossary of terms, and cool graphics, My First Book of Hockey introduces readers to the basics. Kids (and maybe a few adults, too!) will learn how power plays work, how the three-period game flows, what a hat trick is, what's up with the referee's crease, and more.

An illustrated "rookie" character appears on every page, guiding the reader moment by moment, and helping to make My First Book of Hockey an ideal shared reading experience between parents and their young rookies before, during, and after the game.

My Thoughts

I have to admit, I don't watch a lot of hockey. However, I have been to my local hockey team games and wondered about several things. What is "icing"? What makes a "power play"? And what the heck is "off sides"? 

Well Sports Illustrated Kids has answered these questions and more in their latest addition to the Rookie Book series, My First Book of Hockey. I have written about this series before here. It is a wonderful series that teaches youngest fans about their favorite sports. Previously, they have published My First Book of Baseball and My First Book of Football. 

This book explains the basic elements of the game in simplistic terms with accompanying actual photographs of NHL players. The solid, bold colored backgrounds behind the photos and white text will allow little ones to focus on the information presented. 

Thick, sturdy pages will stand up to the most enthusiastic readers. 

This book is great for any young sports fan! With the holidays coming up, the series would make a wonderful gift. 

See what others have to say about this book.

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Daddy Mojo

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Hey, Coach by Linda Ashman

Hey, Coach 
by Linda Ashman
Illustrated by Kim Smith
Published August 2016 
Sterling Children's Books
32 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
GOAL! This sprightly rhyming picture book captures all the fun and energy of very young children having a blast on the soccer field. Over the course of their first season, the players progress from unsure newcomers to enthusiastic good sports who love the game—and even score! The humor and the real-kid voices will have readers rooting for this spirited and determined team.

My Thoughts
Youth soccer is VERY big in my town. Children starting at age 4 to middle school can play. There is a huge bank of fields dedicated to soccer where flocks of parents and relatives gather to watch their little ones play. This book brought that whole experience back for me. My daughter played soccer for many years. This book depicts coaching youth soccer so perfectly. The kids run every which way, they all want the ball and they all have ailments and boo boos. The coach is encouraging and patient and the parents watch the chaos from the sidelines in any kind of weather. 
Then, something miraculous happens near the end of the season-the children start to play as a team (sort of). They all improve in some way and look forward to the next year. 
The story is told with simple rhyming text scattered about the pages in a variety of colors and sizes. The culturally diverse characters are adorable, each with a unique look. I like how common worries are presented such as uniform issues, falling down or not knowing how to play, creating an opportunity for discussion. 
I can also see this book used in the classroom as a metaphor for teamwork and personal goals. 

I would recommend Hey, Coach! for Preschool-grade 2. 
It would also make a fabulous gift for any youth coach!

See what others have to say about this book:

The Book Wars

Visit Linda Ashman's Website

Visit Kim smith's Website

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still by Karlin Gray

 

 My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

Since we are all watching the Olympics this week, I thought it would be a good idea to share a book about a very important Olympian.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Nadia: the Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still 

by Karlin Gray

Published June 2016

HMH Books for Young Children

40 Pages

Personal Copy

Goodreads Summary
Nadia Comaneci was a feisty and fearless little girl who went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games, where she received an unprecedented seven perfect scores in gymnastics. But as readers will see in this first-ever illustrated picture book about Nadia’s journey to Olympic gold, the road from small-town girl to world-class athlete was full of many imperfect moments.       

Expert illustrations that capture the energy and fluidity of Nadia's exuberant gymnastic routines and referential back matter round out this inspirational story of determination and overcoming adversity. A perfect 10.

My Thoughts
I have to admit, I may be a little bit biased because I am a huge fan of Nadia's. I am old enough that I remember watching the Olympics and, as a young gymnast, being in awe of her skills. I even went as Nadia Comaneci that Halloween! I was thrilled when I saw that someone had written a picture book biography about her. 
It is exciting that another generation of kids may know her through this book. I really enjoyed it. I think the illustrations are just perfect and would recommend it for all elementary grades and especially for kids who can't sit still.

Resources

Check out the About.com site

Here is a video of Nadia's 1976 routines.

See what others have to say about this book:

Publishers Weekly

TIME for Kids

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Three New Sports-Themed Books from National Geographic Kids

Don't you just LOVE the Olympics? Well, kids do too. Help keep the excitement for sports going with these three new titles from National Geographic Kids.

National Geographic Kids

Funny Fill-In: My Gold Medal Adventure

Published May, 2016

National Geographic Children's Books

48 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

This fun fill-in activity book takes the reader through the Olympic experience from the beginning to the closing ceremony. Kids fill in the list of parts of speech or word categories and then insert them into the passage (like Mad Libs). They can play with a friend or fold the page to play alone. Each fill-in is accompanied by a silly illustrated page in full color. My family and I enjoyed doing some of these while we were on vacation recently. I can't wait to share them with my students.

National Geographic Kids-Everything Sports

by Eric Zweig

With Sports Reporter Shalise Manza Young

Published March, 2016

National Geographic Children's Books

64 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Become an expert on sports, just in time for the 2016 Olympics! From archery to zip lining this book covers EVERYTHING about the world's favorite team and individual sports. With stunning visuals and energetic, impactful design, readers won't stop until they've learned everything there is to know about the history, rules and regs, training, and practice of dozens of athletic pursuits. Includes popular sports such as baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and quirkier sports such as fencing, curling, and table tennis.

My Thoughts

Most people know that Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete. But did you know that the oldest professional hockey player to play a game is Gordie Howe at the age of 52? 

We love baseball here in the US, but the top five sports worldwide are soccer, cricket, basketball, field hockey and tennis based on worldwide viewers. This book is perfect for any sports or trivia buff. It is jam-packed with facts, stats and amazing photos. It would make a great addition to any classroom or school library for grades 3+.

Weird But True! Sports: 300 Wacky Facts About Awesome Athletes

Published May, 2016

National Geographic Children's Books

208 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

I think the title explains this book perfectly. Every page is filled with interesting facts about sports, but you don't need to be a sports fan to appreciate it. I am not particularly interested in sports, but I really enjoyed this book. 

Here are a few facts I learned:

*America's first female Olympic champion completed against her own mother-and won! (pg. 9)

*The olympic torch has been to space. (pg. 62)

*Rock climbers often have thicker finger bones than other people. (pg.95)

*The average life span of an NBA basket is about 10,000 bounces (pg. 126)

Readers will also learn facts about sports and games they have never heard of like octopus wrestling, joggling and falconry just to name a few. 

I expect not to see Weird But True-Sports on the shelf for long after book-talking it to my 4th graders. 

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

Game Changer: John Mclendon and the Secret Game

by John Coy

Illustrated by Randy DuBurke

Published 2015

Carolrhoda Books

32 Pages

Nonfiction Picture Book

Copy obtained from public library

Goodreads Summary

When they piled into cars and drove through Durham, North Carolina, the members of the Duke University Medical School basketball team only knew that they were going somewhere to play basketball. They didn't know whom they would play against. But when they came face to face with their opponents, they quickly realized this secret game was going to make history. 

Discover the true story of how in 1944, Coach John McLendon orchestrated a secret game between the best players from a white college and his team from the North Carolina College of Negroes. At a time of widespread segregation and rampant racism, this illegal gathering changed the sport of basketball forever.

My Thoughts

I love reading about bits of history that are not widely known. Coach Mclendon believed that basketball could change prejudices. The Duke University players had to cover their heads and block car windows so they could not be seen. Since this was during racial segregation, it was illegal for these two teams to play each other. At first, they didn't even want to touch each other. By then end? Well, you won't get any spoilers from me. 

The font looks like the story was written on an old typewriter and many of the pages have a light blue background giving it an "older" feel. 

The story is inspirational and completely relevant today. 

I think it would make a great read aloud for grades 3-6 near the beginning of the school year to spark discussion about differences and prejudices. 

See what others have to say about this book:

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The Horn Book

Bookpage

Publishers Weekly

Visit the author's webpage.

My First Book of Baseball: A Rookie Book

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing 
website.

My First Book of Baseball: A Rookie Book
by Beth Bulger and Mark Bechtel
Illustrated by Bill Hinds
Published April, 2016
Sports Illustrated
48 Pages
Hardcover
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
My First Book of Baseball, the second Rookie Book from Sports Illustrated Kids, coaches young kids through the game of baseball with a visual retelling of an actual MLB game--from the first pitch to the game winning hit! Strikes, outs, steals, foul balls, home runs and more are all explained using a fun mix of Sports Illustrated action photography, simple text with engaging graphics, and a full glossary of essential baseball terms and phrases. An illustrated rookie player character also appears on every page, providing fun facts to help the next generation of fans better understand the game. Perfect for beginning readers, My First Book of Baseball is meant to be a shared reading experience between parents and their young minor league rookies before, during, and after the ball game. 

My Thoughts
 I read the first book in this series, My First Book of Football several months ago and really enjoyed it. This series of books about sports is great for the youngest sports fans. 
In this First Book of Baseball, readers learn about baseball terminology such as: innings, diamond, runs, offense, defense, fly ball, foul ball, outs, balls and strikes to name a few.
It teaches some of the rules of baseball such as after a pitcher throws four "balls" the batter gets to go to first base and tagging a runner with the ball, or glove with the ball, before he gets to base is an out.
The pages are big and have a solid colored background. The pages are sturdy enough for the littlest readers to turn again and again. There is a combination of actual photographs of professional baseball players, graphics and a cute little illustrated boy that is learning about the sport. The font is large and the text is simplistic. 

I would recommend this book, and series, to any budding young sports fan.  

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-My First Book of Football: A Rookie Book

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

My First Book of Football: A Rookie Book 
by The Editors of Sports Illustrated for Kids
Published August 2015 by Sports Illustrated
48 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher.

Goodreads Summary

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS kicks off the football season with a brand-new series to help young readers learn the rules, plays, and basics about popular sports. In the first Rookie Book, My First Book of Football, an illustrated rookie player character introduces the next generation of fans to the world of football and guides kids through a visual retelling of an actual NFL game--from the nail-biting coin toss to the exhilarating winning touchdown.

Simple text with engaging action photography and a glossary of essential football terms throughout, including punt, tackle, kickoff, end zone and more, reinforce the message on each page with humor and fun. A perfect book for beginning readers, My First Book of Football is meant to be a shared reading experience between parents and their young football rookies before, during, and after game day.

My Thoughts

This book does a great job of introducing young readers to the sport of football. It discusses specific football vocabulary such as downs, penalties, and field goals, in context. The pages are big and have a nice solid-colored background. The illustrations include photographs of real NFL players and an adorable little illustrated football guy that visits each page. I can see young readers reading this one over and over again and having it handy while watching their favorite team.

This book would make a nice addition to the library of any budding football fan. I would recommend it for ages 3-6.