Wacky and Dangerous

Gr 5–8—This dynamically designed—and aptly named—set takes a light-hearted look at intriguing, zany, and sometimes hazardous sports and games around the world. Wacky Team Sports includes elephant polo from Nepal, swamp soccer played in Iceland, Finland, and Scotland; and Botaoshi Pole Battle from Japan. A small globe pinpoints the origin of each sport. The delightful cover of Wacky Races shows a mascot race; readers will also learn about outhouse racing, pancake racing, and an Australian "boat regatta" held on a dry river bed. Wacky and Dangerous includes BASE jumping, rodeo, and running with the bulls; plus unusual sports like extreme ironing, and chasing rounds of cheese down a steep hill. A disclaimer in each volume warns readers that these sports can be dangerous and should not be attempted without the supervision of a trained adult expert. This well-crafted series should have wide appeal.