England National Soccer Teams: Ultimate Fan Guide

Gr 4-6–Scheffer provides a comprehensive look at the Three Lions and the Lionesses, detailing the storied history of soccer in England from 1870 to the present. The narrative successfully balances the two teams, celebrating the men’s 1966 World Cup title alongside the women’s historic 2022 Euro championship. The writing is clear and educational, not shying away from bumpy history, such as the 51-year ban on women’s programs or the legacy of hooligans at matches. Key figures like Harry Kane, Bobby Moore, and Beth Mead are highlighted, providing young fans with a deep understanding of the country’s soccer icons. The illustrations and photos are essential to the storytelling, moving from grainy black-and-white historical training sessions to the vibrant, high-energy atmosphere of a modern Wembley Stadium. Large-scale photos of record-breaking crowds help readers grasp the sport’s cultural importance as a way of life in England. The action-oriented panels, such as Chloe Kelly’s game-winning goal, effectively convey motion and the crowded frenzy of the pitch. Extra content is robust, featuring separate timelines for both programs and a specialized glossary defining terms like caps and hat tricks. While the information in this title is interesting, libraries may want to consider whether they have the right audience for it as it is very specialized.