How Soccer Works (How Sports Work) [Paperback]

Keltie Thomas (Author), Stephen MacEachern (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: How Sports Work

As the world's most popular participant and spectator sport, soccer blends calculated plays, unrivaled athleticism, and pure passion into an irresistible package. How Soccer Works presents a fascinating and informative look at the science behind the sport. The book covers everything from the "personality" of a soccer ball and training techniques to "suiting up for success" and what drives those explosive moves that make the game so exciting. Player profiles, livened up with captivating illustrations and photos, introduce the sport’s superstars, while a “Rules and Regs” section and glossary provide all the info necessary to understand what’s happening on the field.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A well organized book that packs a lot of information into a bold, image-laden package. It is a good general overview of the game of soccer…also covers a lot of the history and the international scope of the game [… Valuable to anyone entering the sport. (CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials )

Lots of people love to watch and play soccer, but do they have the inside scoop on how soccer works? How Soccer Works is a kicker full of facts, tales from pros, insider tips, the science of the sport and much more. With great color photographs and illustrations this is one book all soccer lovers, from beginner to pro, will enjoy. (KidsBookshelf.com )

How Soccer Works does a superb job of bringing a world-renowned game to life for primary readers…A must in any balanced literacy classroom. (Professionally Speaking )

Need some reading material with cartoon-type illustrations to interest a boy in your family? This should be the answer for the sports guys. (Quebec Home & School News )

About the Author

Keltie Thomas is a passionate sports fan and award-winning children’s science writer and editor. She is a former editor of OWL Magazine, and is the author of popular sports books such as How Baseball Works; Blades, Boards & Scooters; and Inside Hockey! She lives in Toronto.

Stephen MacEachern studied both animation and illustration at the celebrated Sheridan College. His first book, Lights, Camera, Action!, written by Lisa O’Brien, won the White Raven Award. He lives in Erin, Ontario.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Maple Tree Press (August 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897349017
• ISBN-13: 978-1897349014
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 9.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #975,785 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Sports > Track & Field
  • #71 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Sports > Soccer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an amazing, vibrant book that every young soccer player will love! Wa-whoosh!, August 3, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How Soccer Works (How Sports Work) (Hardcover)

If you are a hard core soccer fan, you know that it is only called "soccer" here in North America and that the more common name for it is actually "football." More people here are now becoming as wild for the game as they are around the rest of the world, but what you may not know is that soccer is actually an ancient game. Of course the game was not exactly the same in Egyptian times, but it is known that "large numbers of people sometimes kicked a ball around farmers' fields to till the soil for crop." China, Greece, Japan Mexico and Rome had similar games. If you want to know a LOT about soccer, you need only open the pages of this book!

Among the many things you will learn is information about the soccer ball (everything from composition to weight), the history of the ball, how to play the ball, the importance of a "flat, well-groomed field," information about the turf (grass), how weather can influence the game, the uniforms, the gear (safety pays in many ways!), information about the goalie and his or her special job, the evolution of the cleats (WOW!), the importance of being physically fit, how to make "explosive moves" (Wa-whoosh!), the role of the striker and the keep and much more! Have you ever seen a Roboleg? You will now!

I was actually quite pleasantly surprised when I opened this book. Instead of finding a simple explanation of the game I was amazed to find a vibrant, informative book that really spoke to the young soccer player. The simple cover belies the array of information inside. There are numerous informative sidebars and the book is peppered with colorful illustrations, photographs and fascinating trivia. In the back of the book there is a diagram of the field, including "Rules and Regs," a basic instructional section on how to play, a listing of the players, an index and an extensive glossary of "Soccer Talk." This book is a reluctant reader's paradise. If you have a young soccer player, you'll want to consider this book!