(3) 4-6 This soccer resource focuses on the history and evolution of the sport's rules, its roots in soccer-like games worldwide, the spread of modern soccer internationally, and its growing popularity in North America. Throughout the book, contributing author Geiger--a real-life professional referee--offers insights and commentary. A handful of superstar players are profiled, and vivid, well-chosen stock photographs grab attention. Reading list. Ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 National Geographic: Everything series. With Shalise Manza Young. A scrapbook-style layering of crisp, glossy photographs pulls readers into this browsable book. Starting with the question "What Is a Sport?", the volume moves to an accessible and entertaining collection of facts, figures, and history on a wide variety of sports, all presented in brief text boxes. Participatory features include activities, quizzes, and an "interactive glossary." Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 RecordBooks series. These readable, if slight, volumes chronicle the histories of some of Canada's legendary athletes, from boxer George Chuvalo to multi-sport talent Lionel Conacher. Fighting presents the underdog-wins-gold story of Canada's 2006 Paralympic sledge hockey team. With their small trim size, short chapters, and smattering of black-and-white photographs, these accessible books may draw reluctant-reader sports fans. Glos., ind. Review covers these RecordBooks titles: Big Train, Fearless, Fighting for Gold, and Tough Guys.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan