Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics [Hardcover]

Sue Macy (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

The modern Olympic Games have survived boycotts, wars and terrorism to become a massive, global media event. This book traces the history of the Games, featuring controversies such as the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the 1980 Moscow Games, where 60 countries boycotted the event as a protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up–While other books on the topic go into more depth on specific sports, athletes, or historical events, none are as enthusiastically broad or as enjoyable to read as this one. And, it's superbly illustrated with colorful, well-chosen, and enticing photographs. Following a foreword from sportscaster Bob Costas, Macy shares her own young Olympic dreams to represent the appeal of the Games and how they have changed over time. She tells of the rebirth of the Olympic movement in the late 1800s, the changing status of female participants, and the triumph of the thousands of "awe-inspiring athletic performances." Different personalities throughout the years emerge; likewise, fair attention is given to some of the controversies and tragedies that have befallen the event. Nary a spread goes by without dynamic photographs and artifacts, both contemporary and historical; some show, and photo galleries present, compilations of diverse athletes competing, excelling, and celebrating. A world map indicating Summer Olympics sites through 2008 and an almanac of quick data follow. Next up are over a dozen pages giving several paragraphs of fascinating facts from every Olympiad as well as a sample of a poster, medal, or outstanding athlete representing each one. Wonderful research notes, an annotated resource list, and an Olympic quiz bring this book across the finish line first.–Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 6-10. The official length of a marathon is not the 24 miles run by an ancient Greek messenger but 26 miles, 385 yards. Why the discrepancy? The greater distance can be traced to the 1908 London Games, where Queen Alexandra dictated a route that would give her family a close-up view. Such fascinating tidbits abound in this photo-rich history of the Summer Olympics. Macy, a seasoned writer of sports history for children, opens with background on the Games, then turns to broader themes, such as controversies and sportsmanship. Though her approach isn't strictly chronological, one comes away with a strong sense of how defining Olympian moments can provide a springboard to world history--as in the 1956 water polo competition, when fury over the Soviet Union's bombing of Hungary resulted in an unusually violent match between the two nations. Macy concludes with almanac-like features, a general note on her research methods, and titles for further reading. This comprehensive resource will attract readers aplenty during August's Athens Games--though there's much to entice sports-loving kids even after the torch has gone out. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792266676
• ISBN-13: 978-0792266679
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,808,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Macy has a knack for sports history!, July 26, 2009

By 

Lori Calabrese "Children's Books Examiner... (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics (Hardcover)

Thankfully, Sue Macy is one of those authors who loves to recount amazing performances and jumped at the chance when her editor suggested writing a history of the Summer Olympics. Macy says, "Even today, the first strains of the Olympic Fanfare (actually called Bugler's Dream, by Leo Arnaud) send chills up my spine."

Every four years, these superb athletes show their desire and determination as they compete for the honor of their country. Millions watch as they give their all to make history.

Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics recounts some of those memorable moments, and controversies, too! And it highlights the athletes who somehow raise the bar.

What I love about this book is learning the story of the Olympics and the Olympic movement. It's interesting to find out how the Olympics have changed over time. You'll find out how Pierre de Coubertin resurrected the ancient Olympics, and how Alice Milliat campaigned for more women's events.

There's a fantastic Olympic snapshots section that summarizes the highlights of the Games. The photographs are amazing and capture the heart and emotion that these athletes pour into the Games.

And for anyone looking for more, the end of the book provides an annotated source list that will satisfy your thirst for more events and statistics.

Macy has a knack for sports history. This is an enjoyable read that shares the emotional and historical aspect from over a century of the Olympic games. After reading this book, when the Summer Olympics roll around again in 2012, perhaps just like Macy, you'll get chills up your spine when the Olympic fanfare trumpets across the stadium.