(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

(4) K-3 Pebble Plus: Women in Sports series. These books offer brief introductions to female leaders in professional basketball (Parker), golf (Wie), and soccer (Wambach). A timeline footer carries readers through the pages as large color photographs illustrate the athletes in action. While the brief, large-font texts are designed with early readers in mind, fans will find them skimpy in content. Common Core critical thinking questions appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Pebble Plus: Women in Sports titles: Candace Parker, Michelle Wie, and Abby Wambach.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan