There are common sports (baseball, basketball, football, etc.) that readers already know a little about. Then there are the unfamiliar sports (extreme surfing, ice dancing, capoeira, etc.) that pique children's interest. This season's bunch of new series includes titles about sports that represent both the well known and the unusual, as well as Olympic events in anticipation of the Summer Games in 2012. Brief biographies of stars are often included.

Preschool-Grade 4

DAVIDS, Stacy B. Hip-Hop Greats. ISBN 978-1-4296-6502-5; ISBN 978-1-4296-7247-4. LC 2011002466. POLYDOROS, Lori. BMX Greats. ISBN 978-1-4296-6501-8; ISBN 978-1-4296-7243-6. LC 2011002460. ----. Motocross Greats. ISBN 978-1-4296-6499-8; ISBN 978-1-4296-7249-8. LC 2011002471. ----. Skateboarding Greats. ISBN 978-1-4296-6498-1; ISBN 978-1-4296-7253-5. LC 2011002476. RYAN, Pat. Car Racing Greats. ISBN 978-1-4296-6500-1; ISBN 978-1-4296-7245-0. LC 2011002462. WEIL, Ann. Pro Wrestling Greats. ISBN 978-1-4296-6497-4; ISBN 978-1-4296-7251-1. LC 2011002475. ea vol: 32p. (The Best of the Best Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Capstone/Blazers. 2011. PLB $25.32; pap. $7.95. Gr 2-4-Twelve popular stars or groups are given a cursory treatment in each book of this set. Even though only a few sentences are devoted to each one, the series is unique because of activities it covers. Vocabulary is simply defined in sidebars and glossaries. In addition, fans of the featured sports or hip-hop will appreciate that words or phrases specific to the topic (e.g., "tag team," "freestyle," "rookie," "vert") are defined. The fonts are appropriately large for the age group and texts are set in boxes. While Hip-Hop does not seem to fit within this action sports set, it is nonetheless worthy. These books will be interesting enough for ESL readers. Update an existing collection or fill in gaps with specific titles. SALZMANN, Mary Elizabeth. Balls, Birdies & Pucks. ISBN 978-1-61714-822-4. LC 2010053046. ----. Bats, Sticks & Rackets. ISBN 978-1-61714-823-1. LC 2010053047. ----. Boards, Skis & Skates. ISBN 978-1-61714-824-8. LC 2010053048. ----. Gloves, Mitts & Pads. ISBN 978-1-61714-825-5. LC 2010053049. ----. Helmets, Masks & Goggles. ISBN 978-1-61714-826-2. LC 2010053289. ----. Shoes, Boots & Cleats. ISBN 978-1-61714-827-9. LC 2010053268. ea vol: 24p. (Sports Gear Series). photos. glossary. CIP. ABDO/SandCastle. 2011. PLB $21.35. Gr 1-4-By organizing sports by the equipment used, Salzmann has developed a distinguished series about comparisons. Clear, colorful photographs provide excellent picture clues for the simple vocabulary, which not only labels the gear, but also relates a kernel of information about its use. At times she states what might be obvious to sports fans, e.g., "Baseball players wear gloves," or "players use bats to hit balls." However, Salzmann often contributes appropriate information for this age group with an economy of words, such as "Ice hockey goalies wear two different gloves." Each book concludes with a page of fun facts and a quiz. This set could be useful for beginning readers or as a conversation starter on similarities and differences for older ESL sports fans.

Grades 5 & Up

ANDERSON, Michael, ed. Baseball and Its Greatest Players. 96p. ISBN 978-1-61530-510-0; ISBN 978-1-61530-559-9. LC 2010052806. ----. Football and Its Greatest Players. 94p. ISBN 978-1-61530-511-7; ISBN 978-1-61530-560-5. LC 2011000082. HOLLAR, Sherman, ed. Basketball and Its Greatest Players. 96p. ISBN 978-1-61530-509-4; ISBN 978-1-61530-558-2. LC 2010052666. ----. Soccer and Its Greatest Players. 96p. ISBN 978-1-61530-516-2; ISBN 978-1-61530-565-0. LC 2011000893. ea vol: (Inside Sports Series). diags. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Britannica Educational. 2011. PLB $31.70; ebook $31.70. Gr 5-7-These four titles emphasize the histories of the sports and the athletes who have dedicated years to their games. Baseball covers the steroid scandal from the 1990s up to 2007. Football includes Canadian rules as well as rugby. Basketball provides information on WNBA stars. Soccer discuses how the game's fans are "among the most passionate in all of sport." The attractive borders and overall designs are appealing. Unfortunately, the color photographs are a mixed bag. Some provide additional information through the captions, but too many merely serve to break up the text-heavy pages. There is nothing new here. "Sports Illustrated Kids: The All-Time Best of Sports" (Capstone) is more engaging. ARETHA, David. Top 25 Baseball Skills, Tips, and Tricks. ISBN 978-0-7660-3859-2; ISBN 978-1-59845-360-7. LC 2010044127. SAVAGE, Jeff. Top 25 Gymnastics Skills, Tips, and Tricks. ISBN 978-0-7660-3868-4; ISBN 978-1-59845-358-4. LC 2011011338. ----. Top 25 Hockey Skills, Tips, and Tricks. ISBN 978-0-7660-3869-1; ISBN 978-1-59845-357-7. LC 2011000286. ----. Top 25 Soccer Skills, Tips, and Tricks. ISBN 978-0-7660-3860-8; ISBN 978-1-59845-359-1. LC 2010040351. TORRES, John Albert. Top 25 Basketball Skills, Tips, and Tricks. ISBN 978-0-7660-3857-8; ISBN 978-1-59845-356-0. LC 2010047933. ----. Top 25 Football Skills, Tips, and Tricks. ISBN 978-0-7660-3858-5; ISBN 978-1-59845-355-3. LC 2011005925. ea vol: 48p. (Top 25 Sports Skills, Tips, and Tricks Series). diag. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Enslow. 2011. PLB $23.93; pap. $7.95. Gr 4-6-This series covers techniques needed to become successful in each featured sport. It's assumed that readers are familiar with the games as rules and regulations are not emphasized. The tips flow naturally from one to 25. For example, Baseball begins by covering equipment and the proper batting stance and ends with the advice to "keep your head in the game" and "Be alert." Gymnastics, Basketball, and Football start with introductory pages, while Baseball, Hockey, and Soccer have only a couple of sentences and feel more abrupt in style. Text is intermixed with action photographs that often decorate rather than elucidate the precision moves that are necessary. This set will have difficulty competing with the plethora of sports skills titles, such as those in the "Skills in Motion" series (Rosen Central), which emphasize techniques using slow-motion photographs. BENJAMIN, Daniel. Extreme Mountain Biking. ISBN 978-1-60870-228-2; ISBN 978-1-60870-748-5. LC 2010017567. ----. Extreme Snowboarding. ISBN 978-1-60870-229-9; ISBN 978-1-60870-749-2. LC 2010039534. MARA, Wil. Extreme BMX. ISBN 978-1-60870-227-5; ISBN 978-1-60870-747-8. LC 2010013834. ORR, Tamra B. Extreme In-Line Skating. ISBN 978-1-60870-225-1; ISBN 978-1-60870-746-1. LC 2010016867. ----. Extreme Street Luge. ISBN 978-1-60870-230-5; ISBN 978-1-60870-750-8. LC 2010017569. OTFINOSKI, Steven. Extreme Surfing. ISBN 978-1-60870-231-2; ISBN 978-1-60870-751-5. LC 2010028715. ea vol: 48p. (Sports on the Edge! Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2011. PLB $29.93; ebook $29.93. Gr 5-7-Each book is organized into five brief chapters, beginning with the history of the sport, then covering basic moves and tricks, and concluding with chapters on skilled participants and the next level of competition. The pages are dense with text and many of the captions for the full-color photographs do not add any new information. Many series are published every year or so that discuss the same extreme sports, such as "Blazers: Big Air" (Capstone). However, Street Luge, an offshoot of ice luging, is worth noticing as it describes an activity not often featured. Select individual titles as needed. BUTTERFIELD, Moira. The Olympics: Events. ISBN 978-1-59771-321-4. LC 2011006465. ----. The Olympics: History. reprods. ISBN 978-1-59771-319-1. LC 2011006470. ----. The Olympics: Records. ISBN 978-1-59771-322-1. LC 2011006471. ----. The Olympics: Scandals. ISBN 978-1-59771-320-7. LC 2011006473. ea vol: 32p. (The Olympics Series). photos. chron. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Sea-to-Sea. 2011. PLB $28.50. Gr 4-7-These books emphasize summer sports, although on occasion winter events are inserted within the appropriate context. While Butterfield uses a narrative approach to topics, each volume has plenty of "Olympic Facts and Stats," sidebars, and colorful photographs to bring variety to the pages. There is some overlap of information among the titles. The author adds elements of humor by relaying certain facts, such as that women were not allowed to compete in track events until 1928 because running was considered unladylike and dangerous. These books could be used to talk about ethics or to zero in on topics for reports, yet there is no insight here that is not available elsewhere. CLAYBOURNE, Anna. Ice Dancing. ISBN 978-0-7613-7765-8; ISBN 978-0-7613-7927-0. LC 2011002416. GOGERLY, Liz. Capoeira: Fusing Dance and Martial Arts. ISBN 978-0-7613-7766-5; ISBN 978-0-7613-7713-0. LC 2011002379. ----. Street Dance. ISBN 978-0-7613-7761-0; ISBN 978-0-7613-7929-4. LC 2011006364. THOMAS, Isabel. Latin Dance. ISBN 978-0-7613-7762-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-7928-7. LC 2011006118. ea vol: 32p. (On the Radar: Dance Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Lerner. 2011. PLB $26.60; ebook $19.95. MASON, Paul & Sarah Eason. Free Running. ISBN 978-0-7613-7759-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-7925-6. LC 2011000467. ----. Street Soccer. ISBN 978-0-7613-7760-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-7930-0. LC 2011000466. THOMAS, Isabel. Board Sports. ISBN 978-0-7613-7763-4; ISBN 978-0-7613-7717-7. LC 2011000995. ----. Freestyle BMX. ISBN 978-0-7613-7764-1; ISBN 978-0-7613-7926-3. LC 2011002380. ea vol: 32p. (On the Radar: Sports Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Lerner. 2011. PLB $26.60; ebook $19.95. Gr 4-6-The books in these two series are organized by similar sections. "The People" covers personalities and the backstory of the activity; "The Moves" delineates specific tricks; and "The Talk" covers the vocabulary particular to the dance style or sport. Interviews with prominent stars heighten the books' appeal. Dramatic photographs decorate each page as vivid text boxes and circles impart basic information. Readers are introduced to a multiethnic cast of both genders. The titles in the dance subset are distinctive and will be popular due to recent television programs. Free Running and Street Soccer also stand out as sure hits. Select as interest dictates.

COHEN, Robert Z. Catfish Fishing. diag. ISBN 978-1-4488-4602-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-4605-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-4610-8. LC 2010049934. CROCKETT, Sally. Fly Fishing. ISBN 978-1-4488-4601-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-4606-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-4612-2. LC 2010048421. HEOS, Bridget. Ice Fishing. ISBN 978-1-4488-4600-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-4607-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-4613-9. LC 2010051937. KAMBERG, Mary-Lane. Saltwater Fishing. ISBN 978-1-4488-4599-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-4608-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-4614-6. LC 2010050037. PAYMENT, Simone. Bass Fishing. ISBN 978-1-4488-4598-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-4604-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-4609-2. LC 2010048415. PETERSON, Judy Monroe. Fishing in Lakes and Ponds. ISBN 978-1-4488-4597-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-4603-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-4611-5. LC 2010044137. ea vol: 64p. (Fishing: Tips & Techniques Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2011. PLB $30.60; pap. $12.95; ebook $30.60. Gr 5-8-Similar to the "Hunting: Pursuing Wild Game!" series (Rosen Central), each book in this set begins by covering the basics of a particular type of fishing. Readers will learn about the differences between fishing for bass or catfish and where to find their habitats. Details about catch-and-release practices, rules and regulations, and how to prepare different types of fish for eating are delineated. Catfish includes a simple recipe. All of the books provide safety advice, such as staying alert to changing weather conditions and being careful around other anglers. The various chapters about fishing and the environment are especially laudatory. Both genders are portrayed in the text and in the color photographs, working with environmental organizations and supporting their favorite sport. Useful updates where fishing is popular. GIFFORD, Clive. Basketball and Other Ball Sports. diags. ISBN 978-1-60753-188-3. LC 2010035131. ----. Combat Sports. ISBN 978-1-60753-189-0. LC 2011004201. ----. Cycling. ISBN 978-1-60753-190-6. LC 2011004300. ----. Gymnastics. ISBN 978-1-60753-191-3. LC 2011000590. ----. Swimming and Diving. ISBN 978-1-60753-192-0. LC 2010046934. ----. Track and Field. ISBN 978-1-60753-187-6. LC 2010035184. ea vol: 32p. (Olympic Sports Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Amicus. 2011. PLB $28.50. Gr 4-6-Gifford prepares readers for the 2012 Summer Olympics by featuring groups of sporting events and the rules and regulations for each one. He does an admirable job of explaining the scoring for such competitions as diving and gymnastics. Readers will learn about new events, such as the Omnium, which consists of six different races for track cyclists. "Olympic Oops" text boxes highlight funny mistakes, while others point out former superstars and records. In every book, the final chapter on "Gold Medal Greats" contains brief biographical sketches about star athletes. Crisp, full-color action photos vary in size and add information as well as variety to each page. If Olympic books were in demand during the last games, this series should circulate well. GIGLIOTTI, Jim. AFC North. ISBN 978-1-60973-128-1. LC 2011007401. ----. AFC South. ISBN 978-1-60973-129-8. LC 2011007150. KELLEY, K. C. AFC East. ISBN 978-1-60954-297-9. LC 2011007149. ----. AFC West. ISBN 978-1-60973-130-4. LC 2011007151. LABRECQUE, Ellen. NFC East. ISBN 978-1-60973-131-1. LC 2011007152. ----. NFC West. ISBN 978-1-60973-134-2. LC 2011007154. TEITELBAUM, Michael. NFC North. ISBN 978-1-60973-132-8. LC 2011007402. ----. NFC South. ISBN 978-1-60973-133-5. LC 2011007153. ea vol: 32p. (Divisions of Football Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. The Child's World. 2011. PLB $27.07. Gr 3-5-Each book describes four teams of the National Football League in great detail. There are no introductory pages to help young readers put the divisional organization in context. The design is formulaic, with a page of history followed by one of bulleted information about the team's major events, and then a page of superstars, which lists names from the past and present with little information about when they played. Full-color photographs merely decorate and fill space. AFC East confusingly refers to "Wes" Welker in the text but "Wel" Welker in the captioned photograph. In general, the authors attempt to sound upbeat. Because of the meager amount of information provided, more questions will be raised than answered. GOLDSWORTHY, Steve & Aaron Carr. Baseball. ISBN 978-1-61690-697-9; ISBN 978-1-61690-702-0. LC 2011002299. ----. Soccer. ISBN 978-1-61690-699-3; ISBN 978-1-61690-704-4. LC 2011002419. KOPP, Megan & Aaron Carr. Football. ISBN 978-1-61690-700-6; ISBN 978-1-61690-705-1. LC 2011002312. ----. Hockey. ISBN 978-1-61690-701-3; ISBN 978-1-61690-706-8. LC 2011002314. WISEMAN, Blaine & Aaron Carr. Basketball. ISBN 978-1-61690-698-6; ISBN 978-1-61690-703-7. LC 2011002300. ea vol: 32p. (The Greatest Players Series). diags. photos. chron. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Weigl. 2011. PLB $28.55; pap. $13.95. Gr 4-6-This set is similar to the "Record Breakers" series (Weigl) in its formulaic approach and style. Each title contains two-page biographies of outstanding athletes in the featured sport. There is little information here that cannot be found elsewhere, and some of the selections are perplexing; e.g., Football does not profile John Elway, but rather Dan Marino and Joe Montana. Readers can use examples like this to elicit conversations and to support their favorite "great" who was not chosen. A code at the beginning of every title gives readers access to additional online materials, such as audio, video, and activity suggestions. The concluding chapter, "Write a Biography," has identical wording from book to book and gives the set an instructional textbook feel. Purchase if other media-enhanced books have circulated well. HANTULA, Richard. Science at Work in Auto Racing. ISBN 978-1-60870-586-3; ISBN 978-1-60870-731-7. LC 2010052781. ----. Science at Work in Baseball. ISBN 978-1-60870-587-0; ISBN 978-1-60870-732-4. LC 2010052886. ----. Science at Work in Basketball. ISBN 978-1-60870-588-7; ISBN 978-1-60870-733-1. LC 2010052780. ----. Science at Work in Football. ISBN 978-1-60870-589-4; ISBN 978-1-60870-672-3. LC 2010052778. ----. Science at Work in Snowboarding. ISBN 978-1-60870-590-0; ISBN 978-1-60870-734-8. LC 2010052777. ----. Science at Work in Soccer. ISBN 978-1-60870-591-7; ISBN 978-1-60870-735-5. LC 2010052510. ea vol: 32p. (Sports Science Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2011. PLB $28.50; ebook $28.50. Gr 5-8-In each book, Hantula relates the laws of motion and the law of conservation of energy to a specific sport. He gives common and understandable examples of players applying science. Though the scientific principles covered overlap among the titles, the author uses a variety of explanations for each physics principle, assuring that readers will not be bored. Sidebars cover additional topics. Auto Racing discusses running on fuel made from plants and chocolate, Baseball highlights the art of throwing a knuckleball, and Football mentions the current ruling on brain concussions. These books can augment background information for science-fair projects. NIXON, James. Defending and Goaltending. ISBN 978-1-59920-527-4. LC 2010041753. ----. Passing and Dribbling. ISBN 978-1-59920-528-1. LC 2010041756. ----. Rules of the Game. ISBN 978-1-59920-529-8. LC 2010041760. ----. Shooting and Scoring. ISBN 978-1-59920-530-4. LC 2010042420. ea vol: photos by Bobby Humphrey. 32p. (Soccer File Series). charts. diags. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Smart Apple Media. 2011. PLB $28.50. Gr 4-6-Kids who want to improve their soccer skills will find this set useful. Bright photographs show action shots of either games or techniques, but some of the step-by-step instructional photos are too small to be useful. Both genders are represented playing the game as well as a wide range of ages from children to professional players. The three books that focus on specific positions provide pertinent drills, while Rules does a fine job of explaining the difficult offside regulation. Each volume has a final spread of statistics about top athletes or coaches. Unfortunately, this series does not rise above the rest in a crowded field. Three series stand out. Rosen's "Fishing: Tips & Techniques" is outstanding for its thoroughness and detailed coverage. ABDO's "Sports Gear" provides an attractive format using very basic vocabulary. Marshall Cavendish's "Sports Science" deserves praise for its clear examples of physics principles. Older titles can be updated with Capstone's "The Best of the Best," Enslow's "Top 25 Sports Skills, Tips, and Tricks," Britannica Educational's "Inside Sports," and Smart Apple Media's "Soccer File." Collections of unusual or extreme activities can look to Marshall Cavendish's "Sports on the Edge!" or Lerner's "On the Radar" series. Librarians looking to fill gaps in Olympic coverage can turn to Amicus's "Olympic Sports" or Sea-to-Sea's "The Olympics" for new books. Marginal series are The Child's World's "Divisions of Football" and Weigl's "The Greatest Players."