(4) K-3 Sports Illustrated Kids: Superstar Athletes series. Each book kicks off with an important game (2006 NBA finals in Wade; 2008's Super Bowl XLII in Manning) then looks back at the star player's early life and career. Some quotes from the players and many photos throughout add interest to the sometimes-sketchy texts (e.g., Scheff doesn't explain why, during the 2004 NFL draft, "Manning was unhappy. He didn't want to play for the Chargers"). Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Sports Illustrated Kids: Superstar Athletes titles: Dwayne Wade and Eli Manning.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) K-3 Sports Stars Who Care series. These books touch on the philanthropic efforts of the title sports stars, in some cases greatly padded by biographical information and career stats (Albert Pujols started a foundation for kids with Down syndrome, which his daughter has, making his efforts seem more personal). Beyond the do-gooder hook there's nothing much new, but reluctant readers will appreciate the accessible writing style and sports photographs. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Sports Stars Who Care titles: Derek Jeter, Lionel Messi, Tim Tebow, Dwight Howard, Shaun White, Eli Manning, and [Albert Pujols.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Playmakers series. These volumes provide brief profiles of football and basketball standouts. The choppy texts focus on each player's biggest games and impressive statistical accomplishments, while also touching on his background and personal life, such as Lin's time at Harvard, Tebow's strong Christian beliefs, the Manning family's football legacy, and Durant's 3.0 college GPA. Color photographs capture the athletic action. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Playmakers titles: Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin, Kevin Durant, and Eli Manning.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Super Bowl Superstars series. This volume recounts quarterback Manning's 2012 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. After a brief look at Manning's football-family upbringing and rising career, the book moves swiftly to the Super Bowl rematch (from 2008) with play-by-play details containing little analysis. The consistent book design presents plenty of crisp photographs to recapture the excitement for Giants fans (only). Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Super Bowl Superstars series. These volumes begin with brief biographies of the titular Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks. The texts then shift to the big game, showing how each quarterback led his team to victory. Other key players are briefly highlighted. Analysis is slight; the clear action photographs are what might attract football fans. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Super Bowl Superstars titles: Eli Manning and the New York Giants, Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers, and Troy Aikman and the Dallas Cowboys.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan