(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alexandra Badiu. Chaffee gets the ball rolling with a quick sketch of soccer icon Abby Wambach's childhood as the last-born in a competitive, seven-sibling-strong family. After riding the highs and lows of youth soccer league and high school soccer, Abby is noticed by college scouts and trains relentlessly to land a spot on the U.S. National Soccer Team. The fast-moving account of her subsequent historic career presents her as a team leader and class act on and off the field. A refrain -- "But Abby was tougher" -- emphasizes the pluck and mettle that helped her surmount defeats, self-doubt, and a major injury. In the vector-like illustrations, a color motif of coruscating pinks reconciles femininity and athleticism. Back matter includes a run-through of Wambach's professional milestones and a glossary of soccer terminology.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Ellen Rooney. This stirring picture-book biography introduces Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon with an official race number (having registered as "K. V. Switzer"). During the race, officials tried to block her path, but she evaded them and continued, determined to show that "women deserve to run too." Throughout the text, Chaffee repeats the sound of running feet ("Pat, Pat, Pat"), setting the pace and building momentum. Rooney's mixed-media collage illustrations add emotional depth and effectively use perspective. An author's note adds further biographical and historical details. Bib.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019