Review by Booklist Review
Beginning with the first recorded soccer match for women (Scotland, 1881) and ending with outstanding American players, past and present, this book shows that women's soccer has come a long way. The U.S. was relatively late to field a competitive national team, but Title IX became a pivot point in sports' history. From the upbeat introduction to the lively, colorful digital illustrations, the book is charged with enthusiasm for women's soccer, the history of the U.S. team, its dramatic moments in World Cup competition, and its superstars. On a practical level, Calkhoven also advises beginning players on how to master three basic soccer skills. Her ability to write for newbies as well as knowledgeable fans gives this entry in the You Should Meet transitional-reader series its broad appeal.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--The "You Should Meet" series of easier reading biographies is made specifically for younger elementary-age children. This fantastic addition dives into the United States Women's National Soccer Team. The book is divided into chapters that follow a history of women's soccer from its inception through the present day, and then focuses on individual players and their contributions to the sport and to the world. Calkhoven begins with a history of women in soccer and their work to get a national team, which started in backyards and playgrounds. Subsequent chapters are dedicated to the 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019 World Cups; the final chapter focuses on soccer stars Megan Rapinoe, Briana Scurry, Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman, and Mia Hamm. Illustrations are cartoonlike to keep the young and playful feel of this beginning biography. Back matter offers tips and instructions on how to start playing, additional historical information, and a trivia sheet. VERDICT Recommended for general purchase in elementary school and public libraries; this series provides a developmentally appropriate way to introduce the genre to the youngest students.--Kristen Todd-Wurm
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A celebration of the winningest women's team in World Cup competition. Along with tracking the success of the women's national team from its early years when it was (in the author's polite phrase) "not the team to beat" to four World Cup wins--each described in dramatic fashion--Calkhoven profiles five prominent pros from Mia Hamm to Trinity Rodman, noting that both Megan Rapinoe and Briana Scurry are gay. She goes on to add a thumbnail history of the sport's early days, coaching notes for some important ball skills, and select records and facts before rounding it all off with a review quiz. At least some of Dong's painted figures, including an image of Brandi Chastain wearing a sports bra and holding her jersey aloft after making a winning goal and another of Megan Rapinoe in a victory pose, are based on famous photos but leave their subjects recognizable, and besides portraits of Rodman and Scurry, brown-skinned girls and women feature prominently in nearly all of the illustrations. A claim near the end that at least 100 more U.S. colleges sponsor soccer teams for women than for men now is a telling sign of the sport's growing popularity. A rousing cheer for women on the pitch. (Nonfiction. 7-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
