(4) 4-6 Versus series. Each volume pits a present-day superstar against one from an earlier era. Comparisons include technical skills, statistics and records, and past or potential legacies. Sports fans will appreciate the many action photographs illustrating the choppy but accessible texts; side-by-side charts provide additional data. No attempt is made to name the superior athlete: that decision is left to the reader. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Versus titles: Lionel Messi vs. Pelé, Tiger Woods vs. Jack Nicklaus, Sidney Crosby vs. Wayne Gretzky, LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, Serena Williams vs. Billie Jean King, and Tom Brady vs. Joe Montana.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 World Soccer Legends series. Accentuated by eye-catching action photos, informative two-page spreads trace the spectacular rise of the hard-driving soccer trio known as "The Three Musketeers." The sometimes repetitive text nevertheless adequately follows the three stars' careers in Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina before they played together in FC Barcelona in 2014; it also highlights their individual playing styles, stats, and personalities. Mostly for hard-core young soccer enthusiasts.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) K-3 SportsZone: Playmakers series. Each athlete profile written for newly independent readers begins with a short action anecdote. After some brief family and childhood background, the bulk of each adulatory biography deals with the development of the athlete from rookie to seasoned professional; charitable and community-building behaviors are briefly mentioned. Color photos help to personalize the rather bland narratives. Facts and quotes are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these SportsZone: Playmakers titles: Michelle Wie, Maya Moore, Mike Trout, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Rory McIlroy.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 World Soccer Legends series. Generously filled with a variety of large color photographs, maps, statistics, and game action, these busy volumes are engaging scrapbooks for world soccer fans. The stiffly written texts offer a mix of history, biography, and personal details on fan favorites. All but U.S. Men's and World Cup include a board game on the endpapers. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these World Soccer Legends titles: FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Messi, Real Madrid, Ronaldo, Stars of the World Cup, U.S. Men's Team, and Zlatan.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) 4-6 Goal! Latin Stars of Soccer series. The international soccer stars highlighted in these small-trim, quick biographical profiles have all overcome injuries, family pressures, and professional challenges to become world-class athletes. Supplemented with color photos and a listing of each star's career highlights and awards, the well-written narratives effectively weave subjects' personal stories and athletic achievements into bios that will inform and inspire young soccer fans. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Goal! Latin Stars of Soccer titles: Soccer Star André Iniesta, Soccer Star Kaká, Soccer Star Robinho, Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccer Star Lionel Messi, and Soccer Star Ronaldinho.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(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