The Olympic Games
The summer Olympics will be held in Athens, Greece from 13 to 29 August 13 to 29, 2004. According to the Olympic Charter: "Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles." For books about prior summer Olympics and those that are relevant to this year's event, consider the following:Reviews
The 1930s: Directions
Dorothy Hoobler and Tom Hoobler
The fourth in "The Century Kids" series by the Hooblers chooses the summer of 1936 as a microcosm of the troubled decade. It is a wise selection, as it allows the authors to cover the Berlin Olympics, Hitler, and the beginning of the scourge of German Jews--although all somewhat tepidly in their far-fetched effort to tie in a German boy with an Italian-American kid from Chicago who leaves his struggling restaurant-owning family to take to the rails as a hobo. Along the way the readers are treated to a transatlantic ride on the zeppelin Hindenburg, and lots of photo inserts of Jessie Owens, Okies on the road, and the like. The design of the book is fun, but it is offset by pedestrian storytelling and the lack of logic in chronology. 2000, Millbrook Press, $21.90, Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7613-1603-5
Ancient Greece
Edited by Louise Schofield
This book is part of the "Nature Company Discovery Library," a new reference series for children published by Time-Life Books. The text is engaging and offers a wealth of information including how the Olympic games began, what foods the ancient Greeks ate, medicines they used, and backgrounds of the famous Greek scientists and philosophers. Large colorful illustrations, maps, and photographs of ancient artifacts accompany the text. Each illustration and photograph has a caption giving anecdotes and dated information. The section on art and science has a four-page pullout illustrating an ancient Greek theater. A fascinating and fact-filled resource for children. 1997, Time-Life Books, Ages 10 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Cheryl Peterson
ISBN: 0-7835-4801-X
Ancient Greece and the Olympics
Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
Step into the world of ancient Greece and meet some of its philosophers, poets, Olympic champions and gods and goddesses. Travel to Athens, one of the first democracies in the world, and Mount Olympus, where the Greeks believed their gods and goddesses lived. Visit temples and festivals, and the agora, the marketplace of Athens. How did the Greeks live? What were their houses like? What did they do for fun? How did Greek athletes train for the Olympics? What sports did athletes participate in at the first Olympics? The answers to these questions and much more valuable information is found between the covers of this exceptional "Magic Tree House Research Guide" book. This guide, which is part of the above named series, is the nonfiction companion to "Hour of the Olympics," a titles that is part of the the series "Magic Tree House" book. Photographs and illustrations enhance the concise text, which is child friendly. The text provides an excellent context for the material presented. Jack and Annie, the protagonists in the "Magic Tree House" books, appear throughout the book to tell readers some "fun facts" about ancient Greece. For example, readers will learn that flute music was played during the long jump at the first Olympics. And that actors in Greeks plays always wore masks. And that Greek children kept goats, turtles, mice, dogs and birds as pets. Factual material is presented in an engaging way. The last chapter in this book discusses highlights of today's Olympics. Similarities and differences are featured. As always, Jack and Annie tell readers where they can find additional information about ancient Greece and provide tips for doing more research on their own. Children old enough to read this book will be able to put the Olympics events being held in Greece this summer in both a cultural and historical context. This may be the first time in their short lives that they can participate as spectators and watch the games with interest. 2004, Random House, Ages 6 to 10, $4.99. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
ISBN: 0-375-82378-6
ISBN: 0-375-92378-0
Ancient Olympic Games
Haydn Middleton
The Olympics generate tremendous excitement and they were as big an event in Ancient Greece as they are in our modern world. Middleton explains where and when the early games were held and notes that they were important for two reasons. The Greeks were very concerned with physical fitness, and they used athletic games as celebrations--most importantly to honor their gods and goddesses. Descriptions of major events accompanied by reproductions of scenes painted on ceramics and statuary depict powerful athletes engaged in boxing, wrestling, foot races, discus and javelin throwing. Winning was the goal, but not at all costs--the rules were strictly enforced. Ironically games were held in honor of Athena, daughter of Zeus, but most women were forbidden from participating in or attending the games. Only the priestesses of Demeter could be present. Because of the religious significance of the games, they were abolished by the early Christians. 2000, Heinemann, Ages 8 to 12, $22.79. Reviewer: Charlie Wyman
ISBN: 1-57572-450-2
Athletics, Track: 100 Meters, 200 Meters, Relays, Hurdles, and Lots, Lots More
Jason Page
This handy little guide is just right for those who will be watching the upcoming Olympic games and want to know a little about a particular event. It offers an overview of the sport including the Olympic Fact File which offers trivia about ancient and modern games and little features about prior Olympic winners of a particular sport. Did you know that "In the 1988 marathon, 118 runners took part--the largest number of people ever to compete in a single Olympic event!" At the bottom of the page there is a line showing the reigning Olympian for each of the highlighted sports. Full color illustrations and photographs fill each page. There is even a table of contents, an index and a table of country codes. Part of the series "Zeke's Olympic Pocket Guides." 2000, Lerner, $3.95, Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8225-5054-7
Babe Didrikson Zaharias: All-Around Athlete
Jane Sutcliffe
Illustrations by Jeni Reeves
Her mother called her "Baby," not her given name of Mildred. Because she could hit a baseball so well, the neighborhood children called her "Babe" after the "King of Swat," and that was the way she was known her entire life. When Babe was a teenager, she told her family that one day she would participate in the Olympics. On her way to that goal, she played on a women's basketball team and won medals at track and field events. With her skills, determination, hard work and practice, she set three world records and won two gold medals and a silver at the 1932 Olympics -- earning the title, "World's Greatest Woman Athlete." Well-chosen incidents in simple sentences and large type present the story of this amazing athlete's childhood and her rise to national prominence. An afterword tells how she then went on to a career in professional golf. The soft-toned illustrations fulfill their purpose in providing supporting clues for the text in this beginning reader. Part of the "On My Own" series. 2000, Carolrhoda Books, Ages 6 to 9, $19.93 and $5.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 1-57505-421-3
ISBN: 1-57505-447-7
Ball Games: Soccer, Table Tennis, Handball, Hockey, Badminton, and Lots, Lots More
Jason Page
This handy little guide is just right for those who will be watching the upcoming Olympic games and want to know a little about a particular event. It offers an overview of the sport including the Olympic Fact File which offers trivia about ancient and modern games and little features about prior Olympic winners of a particular sport. Did you know that "The term "hockey" is thought to come from the French word "hoquet," which means a shepherd's crook, because of its curved shape." At the bottom of the page there is a line showing the reigning Olympian for each of the highlighted sports. Full color illustrations and photographs fill each page. There is even a table of contents, an index and a table of country codes. Part of the series "Zeke's Olympic Pocket Guides." 2000, Lerner, $3.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN:0-8225-5057-1
The Best of the Best in Gymnastics
Rachel Rutledge
Women gymnasts have always possessed precision, power and grace. But it was not until 1972 that a young Soviet athlete, Olga Korbut stepped into the Olympic spotlight and changed the face of the sport forever. Until Korbut, the stars of women's gymnastics were mature, conservative, technically sound veterans in the twenties or early thirties. Today's gymnasts are young risk-takers with a keen competitive spirit and a passion for perfection. This nonfiction book profiles eight of the world's best female gymnasts--Simona Amanar, Vanessa Atler, Dominique Dawes, Ling Jie, Svetlana Khorkina, Kristen Maloney, Shannon Miller and Dominique Moceanu. Chapters giving a brief overview of the sport are also included. This is a great reference book for school or library, and or a gift book for the budding gymnast! It is part of the "Women of Sports" series. 1999, Millbrook Press, Ages 8 to 12, $22.90 and 6.95. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree
ISBN: 0-7613-1321-4
ISBN: 0-7613-0784-2
Champion: The Story of Muhammad Ali
Jim Haskins
Illustrations by Eric Velasquez
It's been said that during his prime, Ali was the most recognized person in the entire world. This beautifully written book will keep the boxer's legend alive for a new generation. It tells both the bitter and the sweet parts of Ali's life--his segregated upbringing, the Olympic gold medal, the championships, the draft-evasion conviction that robbed him of his career for four years, and, sadly, the fact that the sport he loves has caused permanent brain damage and Parkinson's disease. Haskins supports the story with small, wonderful details, such as the fact that when Ali returned from the Olympics, his father had painted the front steps red, white and blue, and that when he first traveled by plane, he was so afraid that he brought along a parachute from the army surplus store. Velaszquez' oil illustrations are superb, depicting the ferocity of the boxer, the faith of the Muslim and the gentleness of the father holding his last child. The artist's final illustration, of the diminished Ali shakily holding the Olympic torch in Atlanta, captures the strength and dignity beneath the frozen Parkinson's mask. "Ali was as much a symbol himself as was the torch," the text on that page reads. "He was a symbol of strength and skill, of courage and pride." 2002, Walker & Company, $17.95, Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Donna Freedman (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, April 15, 2002; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Great Lakes Great Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Michigan
ISBN: 0-8027-8784-3
ISBN: 0-8027-8785-1
Combat: Fencing, Judo, Wrestling, Boxing, Taekwondo, and Lots, Lots More
Jason Page
This handy little guide is just right for those who will be watching the upcoming Olympic games and want to know a little about a particular event. It offers an overview of the sport including the Olympic Fact File which offers trivia about ancient and modern games and little features about prior Olympic winners of a particular sport. Did you know that "Judo became an Olympic sport for the first time in 1964, when the games were held in Tokyo" At the bottom of the page there is a line showing the reigning Olympian for each of the highlighted sports. Full color illustrations and photographs fill each page. There is even a table of contents, an index and a table of country codes. Part of the series "Zeke's Olympic Pocket Guides." 2000, Lerner, $3.95, Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8225-5055-5
Coubertin's Olympics: How the Games Began
Davida Kristy
"They are about world peace and understanding. They are about the thrill of pageantry and the drama of competition. There is nothing else like them." This is the story of one man's lifelong ambition: to resurrect the ancient games and promote world peace through sports. Kristy details the rocky history of the modern Olympics and their unlikely champion, a French baron named Pierre de Coubertin. Included are more than a hundred photographs of early Olympic events and athletes. 1995, Lerner, Ages 12 up, $10.95. Reviewer: Victoria Crenson
ISBN: 0-8225-9713-6
Elympics
X.J. Kennedy
Pictures by Graham Percy
As the 2000 Olympics approaches, this book of poems can help children learn about and get into the spirit of the games. The poems, which include verses on figure skating, diving, gymnastics, slalom and other summer and winter Olympic events feature elephants as Olympic athletes. Although the poems plod a bit, the illustrations are bold and engaging--which might be all that's needed to make an Olympic imagination soar. 1999, Philomel Books, $15.99, Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Joni Lucas (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-399-23249-4
The Gold Diggers Club
Karen Rivers
Carly is not having the best time in the world. She is beset with many typical preteen problems--the boys in her class at school, her pregnant mother and stepfamily and the fact that she is inexplicably afraid to dive off the platform at dive team practice. These irritations all but disappear when Carly and her best friends end up stranded on an island in a terrible storm while researching a history project that involves hunting for buried treasure. The first person narrative is enjoyable to read and truly gives the reader a sense of who Carly is. The stepfamily (and all of the wild dynamics associated therewith) is believable and not portrayed in a comical sense. Carly matures quietly through her experiences in this slim volume (easy to fit in a back pocket), which is just a gem. The book is highly recommended for the young reader, whether in the classroom or at home. The author has written four novels for young readers. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia. This book is the sequel to Waiting to Dive (2000), which was a Silver Birch Award nominee. 2002, Orca Book Publishers, $7.95, Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joni Lucas (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-55143-236-6
Gold in the Water: The True Story of Ordinary Men and their Extraordinary Dream of Olympic Glory
P.H. Mullen
The roar from the stands; the feel of the scratchy blocks under bare feet; the gently rippled stretch of blue bordered by colored plastic lanes; the slightly foggy view from beneath the goggles--all come alive within the pages of this amazing account of how a handful of men and women mounted a journey to the Olympics. Few will be able to forget the amazing achievements made by the United States Swim Team at the 2002 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, but seldom do readers get a glimpse behind the scenes at the hours of time spent swimming endless laps and the mental journey required to make it to stand on the blocks of the Olympic arena. Mullen, an accomplished sports reporter and competitive swimmer, focuses on the Santa Clara Swim Club, several of their athletes, and the imposing force on the deck, Coach Dick Jochums. Exploring the personal lives of the athletes while taking time to explain the dynamics of athletic conditioning, swimming physics, and the politics of sport, this story of physical triumph and disappointment will interest anyone who has participated in competitive sports. Although focused on swimming, this artfully written book tackles larger themes such as dedication and motivation, making it accessible for anyone looking for an inspirational story. Photos. VOYA CODES: 5Q 4P S A/YA (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults). 2001, St. Martin's Press, 326p, $24.95, Ages 15 to Adult. Reviewer: Heather Hepler (VOYA, August 2002 (Vol. 25, No. 3))
Best Books:
Editors' Choice: Adult Books for Young Adults, 2001; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
ISBN: 0-3122-6595-6
Great Olympic Moments
Haydn Middleton
With the 2000 summer Olympic Games eminent, this interesting books enlightens the reader to the spirit, dedication and hard work of the games many participants over the years. Beginning with a brief introduction to the modern Olympic games, the book focuses on the struggles of various individuals as they triumphed over adversity. In no particular order as far as time or place, the book spotlights standouts in running, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, weight lifting, winter sports and some of the colorful personalities that have participated in the games. The layout includes photos of the athletes in a scrapbook-like fashion which should appeal to young readers. A glossary, index and resources for further study are included. This is one in a series of four books about the Olympics. 2000, Reed Educational & Professional Publishing, $22.79, Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-5757-2451-0
Gymnastics
Joan Jackman
Gymnastics is a popular sport, especially during the televised Summer Olympics. Gymnasts are admired and the sport is viewed by many as intricate and exciting. Not everyone realizes the work and athleticism needed to be a gymnast. This book, part of the DK "Super Guides," presents the sport in an entertaining and informative manner. Beginning with a foreword by Olympic medalist Shannon Miller, Gymnastics presents an all-around view of the sport and those that participate in each event. An informative short history complete with woodcuts and photographs of early gyms sets the stage. From there, different maneuvers in the sport are highlighted, including different forms of gymnastics such as acrobatics, tumbling, and rhythmic gymnastics. The book is filled with excellent photographs of actual gymnasts, useful information about training, step-by-step instructions and helpful hints. Also included is a glossary of gymnastic terms and addresses of organizations in the United States that promote gymnastics. Any child with an interest in the sport would enjoy this book. Likewise, a school library media center would also find this to be a good selection. 2000, DK Publishing, $9.95, Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Ru Story-Huffman (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-7894-5430-0
Gymnastics: The Balance Beam, Floor, Rings, Team Events, and Lots, Lots More
Jason Page
This handy little guide is just right for those who will be watching the upcoming Olympic games and want to know a little about a particular event. It offers an overview of the sport including the Olympic Fact File which offers trivia about ancient and modern games and little features about prior Olympic winners of a particular sport. Did you know that "Rhythmic gymnastics made its first appearance at the Games in 1984." At the bottom of the page there is a line showing the reigning Olympian for each of the highlighted sports. Full color illustrations and photographs fill each page. There is even a table of contents, an index and a table of country codes. Part of the series "Zeke's Olympic Pocket Guides." 2000, Lerner, $3.95, Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8225-5052-0
Gymnastics for Fun!
Beth Gruber
Every four years, millions of television viewers across the globe tune in to watch men and women gymnasts compete in the Summer Olympic Games. The sport of gymnastics draws attention because the athletes who compete in it possess such a rare combination of strength, skill, and grace. You only need to watch a top gymnast perform once to realize how utterly challenging even the simplest moves are in a sport that often defies belief in terms of its technical difficulty. This supremely challenging sport is described by Beth Gruber in her compact and illustrated book. Gymnastics for Fun Gruber describes the basic apparatus, team competitions, individual training regimens, and components of a sport that requires tremendous commitment on the part of its adherents. This book is part of a multi-volume series entitled "Sports for Fun" and offers younger readers a nice once-over-lightly approach to gymnastics. Readers will come away with a greater appreciation of the skills that gymnasts possess and the commitment they have made to excel in a sport that has great visual appeal. 2004, Compass Point Books, $21.76, Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7565-0487-2
Hearts of Gold
Sheila Dinn
Since 1960, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver opened her home to host the first competition for 100 young people with mental retardation from two countries, these games have grown into the Special Olympics. In 1995, 147 countries and 7,000 individuals participated before 100,000 spectators. Now recognized by the IOC, and able to use the word Olympics, these games continue to promote the philosophy of the Olympic Games--to bring people and nations together in the name of sports and sportsmanship. Liberally illustrated with color photos, the glowing pride and achievements of these "special" athletes is an inspiration to all. 1996, Blackbirch, Ages 10 up, $21.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-56711-163-7
Jesse Owens
Tom Streissguth
Biographies of famous athletes sometimes emphasize only the individual's accomplishments as a competitor. While the achievements of an athlete on the field, in the ring, or in whatever venue they competed in may be interesting, what is more enlightening is what that person was like. In this biography of one of the greatest athletes of this century, the reader is confronted by a man who combined both marvelous abilities as a sprinter as well as an inability to find success in other areas of life. Jesse Owens' life is presented as one of striking contrasts. His amazing accomplishments at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, while under the eyes of Adolph Hitler, are described as a great feat not only for Jesse but for all opponents of racism. Conversely, for much of his life, Jesse Owens suffered discrimination, failure, and rejection. This sports biography offers the reader a sad but revealing look at how fleeting glory can be. From the pages of this book, Jesse Owens emerges as a gifted athlete, who failed as a businessman, was charged with tax evasion, and drifted from one occupation to another. Lessons can be learned from this book, not only about Jesse Owens' record setting athletic prowess, but also regarding his struggles to find a place in the sun for himself and his family. Part of the "A&E Biography" series, this is a book well worth reading. 1999, Lerner Publications Company, $25.26, Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8225-4940-9
Jesse Owens: Track-and-field Olympian
Lucia Raatma
Jesse Owens is one of my heroes. When I think of the world situation at the time of his outstanding achievements, I am awed. The background the author provides of his rural childhood in Oakville, Alabama and his transition to the large metropolitan city of Cleveland shows the resilient and determination that Jesse had. It provided him with numerous opportunities and advantages. Some of his crowning jewels were the four gold medals he won at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany in front of Hitler. During the 1930s there were no product endorsements for athletes as there are today. So after the Olympics he returned to Ohio State University with the intention of completing his college education to support his family. He found that making appearances and giving speeches was more to his liking so he dropped out of Ohio State and began to travel and talk to groups, including school children. He became a role model. His later accomplishments included being inducted into the Track and Field Hall of Fame, serving as the personal representative of President Eisenhower at the 1956 Olympic games in Australia, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ford, receiving the Living Legend Award from President Carter and receiving the Congressional Gold Metal from President George H. W. Bush. Even after his death, accolades were bestowed upon him. A street outside of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany is named after him as well as a track stadium at Ohio State University, and a statue of him stands in Jesse Owens Plaza. He was truly a remarkable man. This is part of the "Journey to Freedom, The African American Library" Series. 2004, The Child's World, $28.50, Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-56766-532-2
Mia Hamm
John Torres
The "Real-Life Reader Biography" series brings the lives of contemporary figures to print. Viewed as role models who have overcome great obstacles, the subjects of these nonfiction tales come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and economic and social arenas. Mia Hamm is undoubtedly the most popular woman soccer player today. She participated in the 1996 Olympics and has won the prestigious Chevrolet/U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Award for five consecutive years. Mia was inspired by her adopted brother Garrett, who introduced her to the game and who, unfortunately, died in 1997. This short biography will appeal to elementary and middle school readers, reluctant readers, and ESL students. Chronology, index. 2000, Mitchell Lane Publishers, Ages 7 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 1-883845-94-7
Mia Hamm: Striking Superstar
Mark Stewart
Part of the publisher's "Soccer's New Wave" series, chronicling many of today's new athletic icons, this title profiles soccer star Mia Hamm who won an Olympic Gold Medal as a leading member of the American Olympic soccer team. She is now a prominent reason why soccer has become so popular with young players, particularly girls, who have their own star athlete to emulate. Today, replicas of her number 9 Team USA Olympic jersey are big sellers, testifying to her enormous popularity, previously unheard of for a woman soccer player. Hamm's exposure to the sport began early in her life, when, as the daughter of a fighter pilot, she was a military brat, living an itinerant life as her father's assignments changed. But being exposed to different sets of children on a regular basis as her family moved around turned into a benefit to the future Olympian, exposing her early on to a wide variety of competition. Like other books in this series, this title explores the subject's life, from childhood to star, in a light, easy to understand style. Although there is not much detail in this 48-page title, this book will undoubtedly grab the attention of those reluctant readers who happen to be sports fans. 2000, The Millbrook Press, Ages 8 to 10, $20.90. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson
ISBN: 0-7613-1802-X
Modern Olympic Games
Haydn Middleton
Without doubt, the Olympic Games are the most important international athletic competition in the world today. Every four years thousands of athletes compete, millions of spectators sit in the stadium stands and billions of TV watchers tune in. But how much do we really know about the modern Olympic Games? This well-written book gives young readers a wealth of background information, starting with the inaugural 1896 event organized by a French aristocrat and held in Athens, Greece. Olympic history is traced throughout the twentieth century--the controversies, the triumphs of individual athletes, the sports that have been added or dropped from Olympic play, etc. Also included is an explanation of how host cities are chosen. Despite many changes through the years, the Games' organizers have tried to ensure that every competitor keeps the Olympic spirit--fair play, international friendship, and a love of sport purely for its own sake. Includes glossary, index and list of more books to read on this topic. 2000, Reed Educational & Professional Publishing/Heinemann Library, Ages 8 to 12, $22.79. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree
ISBN: 1-57572-453-7
Mountain Biking
K. C. Kelley
As part of the "Extreme Sports" series, this book informs the reader about the thrills of mountain biking. Now a Summer Olympic event, mountain biking is enjoyed by bikers around the world. The sport is suited to any terrain, not just mountains. Trails with snow, ice, and mud are just a few places enjoyed by bikers. The bikes are not the standard models; they have bulky frames, nubby tires to grab the ground, super shock absorbers for bumps and stumps, and up to thirty gears for long hills. A mountain biker needs the proper equipment to be safe: a helmet, gloves, bright colored clothes, a first aid kit, a spare inner tube, and plenty of water. It is not a sport for the leisurely! The book contains lots of tips for beginning mountain bike riders. It color photographs and descriptive captions on every page. The sport's specialized vocabulary appear in bold throughout the text and the words are listed in a glossary. Index and resource sections are also included. 2004, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 6 to 10, $21.26. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews
ISBN: 0-8368-3723-1
Muhammad Ali
James Buckley, Jr
Muhammad Ali is the name of a famous boxer who is known around the world. Buckley shows Ali as he was and still is: a spunky, confident man who was a gifted fighter. Born in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali was then named Cassius Clay. He changed his name when he joined the Muslim faith. Ali grew up in the time of segregation where whites and blacks went to different schools, lived in different areas of a town or city, and had separate public facilities such as parks and pools. When Ali was twelve, he had a chance to try boxing. His talent was quickly noticed, and he began training as a boxer. As a teenager, he won six state Golden Gloves championships and 100 out of 108 fights. In 1960, he competed in the Summer Olympics in Rome and won an Olympic gold medal. The medal did not protect him from racism, and Ali was bitter over the unfair treatment he and other African Americans encountered. Ali went into professional boxing and won fight after fight. Controversy followed Ali when he refused to serve in Vietnam due to his religious beliefs. For a time he was unpopular with the American public. In the 1970s, he made a comeback in boxing, but he lost to Ken Norton. He returned to fight Norton in a rematch. Ali won, then lost, and then won again his heavyweight championship. Ali's famous words, "I am the greatest," were repeated over and over again. Ali's last fight was in 1981. He now suffers from Parkinson's syndrome. Ali, when he can, still travels around the country and world, giving speeches and spreading good will. He has been called the Athlete of the Century. Good photographs, sidebars, a timeline, glossary, and internet sites are included. Part of the "Trailblazers of the Modern World" series. 2004, World Almanac Library, $26.60, Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Della A.Yannuzzi (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8368-5096-3
ISBN: 0-8368-5256-7
The Nazi Olympics: Berlin 1936
Susan D. Bachrach
The 1936 Berlin Olympics gave Adolf Hitler an opportunity to show off his "new Germany." Olympic visitors saw clean streets, colorful posters, specially published Olympic newspapers, and beautiful, new athletic facilities. Germany spent three years preparing for the games. Had the proposed United States boycott occurred, the Nazis would have been humiliated. But Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe would not have had their glorious victories. Bachrach does a nice job of presenting all the issues of this controversial Olympics. Information about individual athletes is provided along with a good overview of the political climate. This well-written text provides fodder for an intriguing debate topic--should the United States have boycotted the 1936 Olympics? The subject also invites comparison to the 1980 Olympics when President Carter decided not to send a U.S. team to the Soviet Union. Generously illustrated with black-and-white archival photographs, this book will give readers lots to ponder visually and mentally. 2000, Little Brown & Company, $22.95 and $14.95, Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf (Children's Literature)
Susan Bacharach provides an in-depth account of the impact that the rise of Hitler had on the Olympics of 1936. In 1931, when the International Olympic Committee chose Berlin to be the host city of the 1936 Olympics, they had no idea what would be taking place in Germany at that time. Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany in 1933, and his extreme plan for a "New Germany" dramatically affected the 1936 Olympic Games. Originally, Hitler held the Olympics in very low regard but later came to see them as an opportunity to display his so-called "New Germany." He also saw it as a way to bring vast amounts of money into the country. Hitler banned all "non-aryan" German athletes--anyone who was Jewish, part Jewish, or Gypsy. These individuals were not allowed in public schools, gymnasiums, or any other sports facilities. The discrimination against Jews in Germany filled many American athletes with doubt. Should they even attend the 1936 Olympic Games? The United States was promised fair treatment of their African American athletes, but in this book, several accounts of less-than-hospitable encounters are recorded. The book is well organized and provides a detailed account of the events that took place. Restored photographs of the 1936 Olympic Games, including photos of German as well as American athletes, further enhance the stories. This book accurately portrays the seriousness as well as the importance of these events on history. 2000, Little Brown, $14.95, Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Drew Foster (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2001; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2000; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Not Just for Children Anymore!, 2001; Children's Book Council; United States
Outstanding Books by Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators, 2001; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 2000; Cahners; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Garden State Teen Book Awards, 2003; Nominee; New Jersey
ISBN: 0-316-07086-6
ISBN: 0-316-07086-6
Olympic Black Women
Martha Ward Plowden
Illustrated by Ronald Jones
From its beginnings in ancient Greece to its rebirth in 1896 as a tool for peace through universal understanding, the Olympics have inspired the world. Discouraged from taking part in vigorous physical activity in the past, women were finally allowed to participate in the 1900 Olympics and not until 1932 did African-American women appear on the scene. Plowden focuses on an area not often covered in Olympic history as she traces the lives and achievements of some of these. Each biographical sketch covers the personal life and awards won by these outstanding athletes. A timeline of participants in each Olympics, a listing of Olympic sites through the years, a glossary, and further reading list are also included. 1996, Pelican, Ages 10 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Tim Whitney
ISBN: 1-56554-080-8
Olympic Dream
Matt Christopher
Fourteen-year-old Doug Cannon has grown accustomed to ridicule from his peers because of his large size. His only interest, besides eating, is playing video games. But the summer that his sister gets married brings many changes. Through his sister's fiancé, he meets Red Roberts, a bicycling enthusiast, who encourages Doug to help out with the construction of a new bike path and to learn more about the sport of cycling. Red's encouragement causes Doug to discover a whole new person inside himself, which changes his lifestyle, size, and dreams. Through cycling, Doug learns that he can meet any challenge, and he sets a new one for himself: cycling in the Olympics. This inspiring story explores the emotions of a kid who feels that he doesn't fit in. It encourages the reader to understand that a seemingly impossible dream can be reached with hard work and ambition. 1996, Little Brown, Ages 11 to 15, $15.95 and $3.95. Reviewer: Tim Whitney
ISBN: 0-316-14048-1
ISBN: 0-316-14163-1
Olympics!
B. G. Hennessy
Pictures by Michael Chesworth
In words and pictures young children can understand, B. G. Hennessy describes the actions and efforts of all who will participate in the Olympics. We see not only the athletes but those unknown 'behind the scenes' workers who design the buildings, make the uniforms, the equipment, the flags, etc. Both summer and winter events are included with colorful and energetic pictures. The scope and grandeur of these games makes everyone proud of being part of them. 1996, Viking, Ages 4 to 8, $14.99. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-670-86522-2
On The Court with Andre Agassi
Matt Christopher
Andre Agassi is a winner of the Wimbleton men's singles championship, an Olympic gold medallist and a winner of the U.S. and Australian Opens. Matt Christopher, the number one sports writer for children, gives an exciting look at the professional tennis world. A rudimentary knowledge of tennis helps one to understand the significance of various events. His portrayal of Andre Agassi's childhood, training, successes, failures and his battle to overcome the influence and damage to his psychological well-being by his fanatical father points out the importance of the role of parents in the development of a child. 1997, Little Brown, Ages 8 to 12, $4.50. Reviewer: Leila Toledo
ISBN: 0-316-14202-6
On the Field with...Mia Hamm
Matt Christopher
Top U.S. women's soccer player Mia Hamm is the subject of this biography. Christopher gives few details about Hamm's life off the field, mainly telling about her introduction to soccer as a toddler, a little about her friends and family, including her much-loved adopted brother and his battle with leukemia. Her marriage gets one sentence, and her school and college life outside of soccer a few more. Most of the book consists of detailed accounts of key moments in important games in Hamm's career. Because of this it will probably appeal mainly to soccer fans more than it will to the general reader. The book contains a table of Hamm's career highlights and her college, national team, and Olympic statistics. There is no index or bibliography. There's just enough information here to make the reader want to know more about Hamm as a person. 1998, Little Brown, Ages 8 to 12, $4.50. Reviewer: Linnea Hendrickson
ISBN: 0-316-14217-4
On The Water: Rowing, Yachting, Canoeing, and Lots, Lots, More
Jason Page
This handy little guide is just right for those who will be watching the upcoming Olympic games and want to know a little about a particular event. It offers an overview of the sport including the Olympic Fact File which offers trivia about ancient and modern games and little features about prior Olympic winners of a particular sport. Did you know that "after winning the men's individual sculls at the 1956 Games, Vyacheslav Ivanov (URS) threw his gold medal up into the air. It landed in Lake Wendouree and was lost forever." At the bottom of the page there is a line showing the reigning Olympian for each of the highlighted sports. Full color illustrations and photographs fill each page. There is even a table of contents, an index and a table of country codes. Part of the series "Zeke's Olympic Pocket Guides." 2000, Lerner, $3.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8225-5051-2
Over 2,000 Years Ago: In Ancient Greece
Philip Sauvain
Photographs and illustrations by Graham Humphreys and Harry Clow
Sidebars that highlight how we learned about this culture enrich the six 4-page overviews of the civilization, from general lifestyle to such specifics as the Olympic Games. 1992, New Discovery, Ages 8 to 10, $13.95. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin
ISBN: 0-02-781082-8
Robert Crowther's Pop-Up Olympics
Robert Crowther
From the flags flying over the Olympic stadium on page one to the flags waving at the finish line on the last spread, this clever, informative and timely pop-up book contains a lot of information in a dozen pages. Learn a little about the history of the games, venues for the modern games, the Olympic motto and lots of facts about record breakers in the various sports. Pull-tabs activate runners, jumpers, swimmers and gymnasts in all their glory. Flaps and wheels reveal fascinating Olympic trivia. Fun for kids from 8 to 98. 1996, Candlewick, Ages 8 up, $19.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-56402-801-1
Scottie Pippen: Reluctant Superstar
Robert Shnakenberg
A lively, fact-filled text and many color photos showing impressive basketball moments are combined to show us some of the highlights of Scottie Pippen's personal and professional life. How this leader of the Chicago Bulls, a member of the United States Olympic Dream Team who came from a small Arkansas town and school, gradually worked his way out of his friend Michael Jordan's shadow to become an exceptional player in his own right should encourage and inspire young basketball fans and players. An index, glossary, and table of his career highlights are included. 1997, Lerner, Ages 9 to 15, $19.93 and $5.95. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
ISBN: 0-8225-3653-6
ISBN: 0-8225-9767-5
The Story of the Olympics
Dave Anderson
Foreword by Carl Lewis
Revised and expanded just in time for the 2000 Olympics, this extremely readable book is an excellent choice not just for schools and libraries, but for parents who want to watch the Olympics with their kids. Author Anderson won the Pulitzer Prize for sportswriting, and his obvious love for the Games shines through in his choice of stories to tell. And what stories they are! Babe Didrikson, Jim Thorpe, Jesse Owens, Michael Johnson, Amy Van Dyken and other past and current heroes are presented as fully realized characters whose exploits are relevant even to those who normally wouldn't care about shot-putting or trap-shooting. Anderson captures the hard work and disappointments as well as the triumphs of these athletes, and their stories offer plenty of possibilities for classroom or family discussions about the value of doing your best. 2000 (orig. 1996), HarperCollins Publishers, $15.95 and $9.95, Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Donna Freedman (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-688-16734-9
ISBN: 0-688-17640-2
Summer Olympics: The Definitive Guide to the World's Greatest Sports Celebration
Clive Gifford
This "guide" takes readers through the history of the summer Olympics and concentrates on certain key years, such as Stockholm 1912, Berlin 1936, Mexico City 1968, Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, and Sydney 2000. Sports and athletes are discussed in sections devoted to track and field events; water events both in and on, such as diving, rowing, swimming, and synchronized swimming; the events of precision, strength, and combat such as judo, gymnastics, wrestling, and fencing; and what's left, cycling, equestrian, ball, and racket sports. Page designs include plenty of close-up photos of an athlete with adequate captions so that readers can learn something extra, and high or low points such as disasters, near misses, and legends, selected from some hundred years of summer sport coverage. Occasionally computer-generated images show the anatomy of a sport, such as race walking or dunking. Browsers of this book can look up their favorite sports and find coverage while learning something more about the comparative number of medals won by selected countries or great rivalries, team or individual. While current favorites such as Marian Jones or Stacy Dragila are missing from this, even though they participated successfully in the last summer Olympics, Lance Armstrong and Jackie Joyner-Kersee are mentioned and readers can supply their own updates to this interesting and informative overview of the sports comprising the Summer Games.
2004, Kingfisher, Ages 8 to 14, $12.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-7534-5693
Superstars of the U.S.A. Women's Basketball: Women Athletes of the 2000 Olympics
Joe Layden
As the editor's note says, the basketball players featured should form the core of the 2000 Summer Olympic team. It may be hard to believe that women's basketball has only been an Olympic sport for twenty-five years and was not a big deal. That has certainly changed and women's basketball is now attracting sell-out crowds. Layden offers profiles of the superstars. Among the better-known players are Chamique Holdsclaw, Teresa Edwards (three Olympic gold medals) and Kara Wolters. In addition to the brief biographical sketches, there are great full color photographs of these players and a recap of the stunning performance of the 1996 Olympic team. Part of a series entitled "Women Athletes of the 2000 Olympics" and a great choice for young kids interested in the upcoming games. 2000, Aladdin, $5.99, Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-689-83570-1
Superstars of U.S.A. Women's Gymnastics
Joe Layden
As the editor's note says, the gymnasts featured should form the core of the Summer Olympic team. Gymnastics, and particularly women's gymnastics, have been attracting huge crowds at the Olympics for decades. After winning the gold medal in team competition, the US will be defending its title at the Sydney Olympics. Layden offers profiles of the superstars and some interesting flashbacks to great stars of prior Olympics. Among the better-known gymnasts who may be on the US team are Vanessa Atler, Kristen Maloney and Dominique Moceanu. In addition to the brief biographical sketches, there are great full color photographs of these athletes and their awesome skills. Part of a series entitled "Women Athletes of the 2000 Olympics" and a great choice for young kids interested in the upcoming games. 2000, Aladdin, $5.99, Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-689-83526-4
Superstars of U.S.A. Women's Soccer
Joe Layden
As the editor's note says, the soccer players featured in this book should form the core of the Summer Olympic team. The women's team wasn't very well known a decade ago, but that has changed since their win last year in the Women's World Cup Soccer Tournament. Layden provides a succinct history of the team and then offers profiles of the superstars. Among the better-known players are Brandi Chastain, Julie Fouday and Mia Hamm. In addition to the brief biographical sketches, there are great full color photographs of these players and their awesome skills. Part of a series entitled "Women Athletes of the 2000 Olympics" and a great choice for young kids interested in the upcoming games. 2000, Aladdin, $5.99, Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-689-83593-0
Swifter, Higher, Stronger
Sue Macy
Foreword by Bob Costas
Though subtitled "A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics," this attractive book contains plenty of information as well. Anyone who loves sports, and especially the Olympics, will be fascinated by the account of the Games' founding by wealthy Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin and the story of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Especially compelling are the well-written chapters on the struggles of female athletes to be included (Coubertin thought women should be delighted to provide applause for male winners) and on the part politics has played in the history of the games. The author doesn't ignore the problems of drugs and other cheating, but stresses the joy of accomplishment and the sacrifices some athletes have made for others. National Geographic always does a terrific job with photographs and Macy's choices live up to their standard. From black-and-white glimpses of earlier athletes and sites to striking color closeups of modern competitors, scenes of tense and triumphal moments, and views of posters, mascots, and medals, these photos invite poring over. A wonderfully informative final section includes a map of all sites, statistics on the number of countries participating, events included, and even the oldest and youngest winners over the years. "Olympic Snapshots" hits the highlights of each Olympiad from 1896 to 2000, listing the sites for 2004 and 2008 (Beijing). Whether reading about the personal struggles of diver Greg Louganis or admiring the stunning blue and white poster for the Munich games, young sports-lovers will find this handsome volume irresistible. 2004, National Geographic, Ages 12 up, $18.95. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft
Best Books:
Starred Review; School Library Journal; June 2004, Reed Business, United States
ISBN: 0-7922-6667-6
Swimming: Sprints, Medleys, Diving, Water Polo, and Lots, Lots More
Jason Page
This handy little guide is just right for those who will be watching the upcoming Olympic games and want to know a little about a particular event. It offers an overview of the sport including the Olympic Fact File which offers trivia about ancient and modern games and little features about prior Olympic winners of a particular sport. Did you know that "A member of the winning Hungarian [Water Polo] team in 1932 and 1936 had only one leg" At the bottom of the page there is a line showing the reigning Olympian for each of the highlighted sports. Full color illustrations and photographs fill each page. There is even a table of contents, an index and a table of country codes. Part of the series "Zeke's Olympic Pocket Guides." 2000, Lerner, $3.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8225-5056-3
Water Sports
Bob Woods
Eight extreme water sports are introduced in this short informational book. Readers will learn about surfing, windsurfing, kite boarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, white water kayaking, sea kayaking, and jet skiing. Because there are so many water sports worthy of the title "extreme," there is only a short description of each with an accompanying color photograph. The brief summaries may be frustrating to some water sport enthusiasts, but to the novice, they provide just the right amount of intrigue. The oldest water sport mentioned is surfing. It is over two hundred years old, dating back to when English explorers observed Hawaiian natives riding the waves. Two water sports, windsurfing and kayaking, are part of the Summer Olympics. Kite boarding requires lessons for everyone, despite the participant's water savvy. A kite with long lines is attached to a waist harness. The person must steer the kite, which is attached with lines to his or her waist harness, while balancing on the board upon the water. Each sport summary has advice for the beginner and guidelines for safety. However, the information presented should not be considered a step by-step-guide, but as a general overview. There is a glossary at the end of the book defining those words in bold print scattered throughout its text. A resource guide and index are included as well. This book is part of the "Extreme Sports" series. 2004, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 6 to 10, $21.26. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews
ISBN: 0-8368-3727-4
Wilma Rudolph
Amy Ruth
This biography covers the facts of Wilma Rudolph's life, especially her drive to overcome the effects of polio and to run and compete in athletics just as her siblings and friends. In places, the text creates excitement and interest but, for the most part, it plods methodically from event to event. It would be a good resource for information about Wilma's determination, accomplishments, and the mixture of success and failure in her adult life; students could use the book as a source of information for reports and presentations. However, it isn't a book that entices students to read just for pleasure. As with many of the biographies in the "A&E" series, there are distractions in the format of the book. Inserted into the text in three places, for example, are two-page spreads that provide extraneous information for the reader--the first explains racism and segregation in the south; the second, polio; the third, women in the Olympics. These asides take the reader from the flow of the text and create distracting diversions. The information provided is important and relevant for a complete understanding of events in the biography, but is ill placed. The book does have some redeeming qualities, however. The photographs help document the facts given in the text; the endnotes (sources) and the bibliography authenticate the information and offer the reader additional places to go for facts; the further readings section cites five other biographies of Wilma Rudolph, and the index (although brief) does provide starting points for research. The book has a place in library collections because of the importance that Wilma Rudolph had in breaking barriers for women in athletics and to add to a growing body of biographies that presents the lives of women. Better biographies could provide this information in a more interesting manner. 2000, Lerner Publications, Ages 9 up, $24.95. Reviewer: Jenny B. (J. B.) Petty
ISBN: 0-8225-4976-X
Wilma Rudolph
Victoria Sherrow
Illustrations by Larry Johnson
The inspiring story of Olympic champion runner Wilma Rudolph is simply told for young readers in this brightly illustrated biography. Covering the same incidents in Rudolph's life as Kathleen Krull and David Diaz's 1996 picture book biography Wilma Unlimited, this telling will probably be easier for independent reading. There is one black-and-white photo of Rudolph, an afterward telling of Rudolph's life following the 1960 Olympics, and a list of important dates, but there is no bibliography. The date of Rudolph's death is given twice as 1995. Other sources give the date as November 12, 1994, causing one to question the thoroughness of the editing and researching of this series. It is part of the "On My Own Biographies" series. 2000, Carolrhoda, Ages 7 to 9, $21.27. Reviewer: Linnea Hendrickson
ISBN: 1-57505-246-6
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman
Kathleen Krull
Illustrated by Davis Diaz
When Wilma Rudolph was 5, she was stricken with polio. "You will never walk again," the doctors warned. Yet, this amazing child proved everyone wrong by removing her braces a few years after this prediction and beginning the slow process of learning not only to walk but to run. Kathleen Krull brings Wilma to life in this heartwarming book. No one had more hurdles to overcome than Wilma, yet, she was the first woman to win 3 Olympic Gold Medals. Diaz's stylized paintings race with energy and power as Wilma rises to the challenges. 1996, Harcourt Brace, Ages 6 to 10, $16.00. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-15-201267-2
Wonder Women of Sports
S.A. Kramer
Illustrations by Jim Campbell
Amy van Dyken, Gail Devers, Dominique Moceanu and Rebecca Lobo all became well known to millions of Americans through their achievements at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. This compilation, with concise prose and interesting details, tells how they overcame various obstacles to attain stardom. An asthmatic girl, Van Dyken struggled with sports and teasing peers. She battled her asthma and won a gold swimming medal in Atlanta. Moceanu suffered a severe leg injury before the '96 games. Nevertheless, she competed and helped her women's U.S. gymnastic team become the first to win the gold medal. A tomboy growing up, Lobo was told by one of her teachers to be more "ladylike" and abandon sports. Fortunately, she did not listen, growing up to help the University of Connecticut win the 1996 NCAA women's basketball championship and win a gold medal in women's basketball in Atlanta. Devers has Grave's Disease, a glandular affliction that once made even walking painful. With proper care and medication, she conquered the disease, winning track and field gold medals at the '92 & '96 Olympics. This book, part of the "All Aboard Reading" series, is a good choice for young readers interested in unconventional sports stories. 1997, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 7 to 9, $3.95. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson
ISBN: 0-448-41589-5
The Young Track and Field Athlete
Colin Jackson
World champion hurdler Jackson introduces young readers to the sport of track and field. Each event in a meet is explained, with proper technique and recommended warm-up activities detailed. Copious photographs of children performing the exercises as well as world-class athletes in action clarify the details. A wall chart for recording the results of the 1996 Summer Olympics is included. 1996, DK Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $9.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-7894-0474-5
For more information about the Olympics, visit Official site of the 2004 Summer Olympics and Association of Summer Olympic International Federations.
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If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.