Champions of Women's Soccer

Gr 4 Up—Relive the most exciting moments in women's soccer in this in-depth collective biography of the sport's biggest stars. After an enthusiastic ode to the sport in the "Pregame" chapter, Killion relays the career highlights of 11 U.S. players for the "First Half." Providing only minimal information about each player's personal life and background, the focus is instead on achievements on the field. She goes on to profile 11 international players for the "Second Half." "Halftime" is dedicated to a history of women playing soccer and the impact the 1972 passing of Title IX had on women's athletic teams. Remaining sections cover top 10 lists of the best goals, the best events, the biggest upsets, and the biggest saves. A small section of photographs is appended, and a concluding section profiles the next generation of star players. While this text provides plenty of exciting statistics and blow-by-blow retellings of great moments in soccer history, it is not for the casual sports enthusiast. Killion knows the game and its history and writes for an audience already familiar with and fond of the sport. The focus on women athletes represents a much-needed perspective in sports books for tweens and will be a welcome addition.