The Horn Book Guide

SPORTS

McClafferty, Carla Killough

Fourth Down and Inches: Concussions and Football's Make-or-Break Moment

96 pp. | Carolrhoda | September, 2013 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4677-1067-1 $20.95

(2) YA McClafferty's informative and useful book focuses on football to discuss the serious but historically trivialized condition of concussion. Starting with football's beginnings, McClafferty details the game's early casualties; the controversy over its growing presence as a college sport; and how it became entrenched in American culture. She then goes on to cover the neuroscience behind head trauma and the increased awareness of the dangers. Reading list. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014