Top Soccer Tips

Gr 4–7—Written with gendered pronouns, these books target girls but would benefit all readers. Each begins with tips on where to search for teams, leagues, or classes to join. In addition to explaining basic game play and rules (or different styles in the case of Top Dance Tips), the importance of stretching, training hard, and eating right are emphasized. Photos and written descriptions of exercises and stretches provide good visual cues. The series is not without small issues; the writing is a little dry, Top Soccer Tips has a confusing field diagram with the teams intermixed on the field instead of separated, and the text occasionally contradicts itself (Top Dance Tips says to hold stretches for 30 seconds, Top Basketball Tips only says 10). But for readers specifically seeking a girl-centered approach to sports, these books fit the bill.