Sports Illustrated Kids. Full Count: Top 10 Lists of Everything in Baseball.

Sports Illustrated Kids.  Full Count: Top 10 Lists of Everything in Baseball.  Capstone 2013  96p  ISBN 978-1-4765-0047-8  all ages  Hardback        E-BN  Nonfiction     

This book includes descriptions of the top ten moments in all of thirty-six areas of play, from mascots to best moments in baseball.   From soup to nuts, baseball has never been presented in a more entertaining fashion.  With its unique selection of top 10s, its carefully planned layout, its action photographs and its plethora of statistics, this book is the perfect gift for children of all ages.  Topics within this volume include leadoff hitters, little guys, hit robbers, rivalries, legendary home runs, ugliest uniforms and amazing displays of facial hair.  In total, thirty-six top 10 examples are included.  Each is laid out on a two-page spread with bold titles and colorful enumeration of each statistic.  Generally, one or two highlight pictures steal one’s attention, and then the reader settles down to read and enjoy the entire section.  Fans of all ages will delight in comparing and arguing about the decisions of the Sports Illustrated Kids editors and writers.  One might argue that the Phillie Phanatic is, by far, more famous than Mr. Met.  In addition, in “Nicknames”, one might argue that “The Kid” is barely noteworthy, whereas Randy Johnson’s nickname, “The Big Unit”, far exceeds it.  If Sports Illustrated Kids feels that Randy Johnson is one of top 10 most intimidating players, then surely his nickname should be included.  Nobody can beat Cy Young’s record, and pitching aficionados might argue that he should trade places with Cal Ripkin on page 9.  Without question, Sports Illustrated dug up some amazing information.   There is no doubt that readers will spend countless hours studying the information, enjoying the history and appreciating the game of baseball.

This book is an excellent choice for readers of all ages.  Libraries will want to stock multiple copies!   

Baseball-Statistics                                         --Martha Squaresky

Gassman, Julie. You Can’t Spike Your Serves

Gassman, Julie.           You Can’t Spike Your Serves         

Stone Arch see Capstone      2011 56p       18.99  978-1-4342-2231-2           

elem    Realistic Fiction          Sports Illustrated Kids (Capstone) VG-BNes        

Alicia wants to raise money to help a friend’s

school buy new cheer pompoms.  When her school has a visiting volleyball star, a

tournament is planned as a fund raiser to help the school of Alicia’s friend.

            Alicia attends a school to prepare promising athletes.  She is very good

at jumping.  A volleyball star comes to her school to teach  volleyball skills

to the fourth grade.  Over the summer Alicia met a girl at another school and

they became friends.  The friend’s school needs to buy new pompoms for the

cheerleaders but does not have the money.  Alicia has the idea of a volleyball

tournament as a fund raiser.  In preparation Alicia learns the skills of

volleyball and how to apply her special talents.

  Students will learn some of the skills in volleyball as well as the value of

practice.  Reluctant readers will enjoy the action in this story.  It encourages

the development of female athletes.          The Victory School Superstars group of

the Sports Illustrated Kids series includes 18 titles pending or in publication. 

Each tells the story of one sport and a kid with super skills and ability.

            Theal, Joan