by
Illustrated by
Ages 8-12
Hardcover: 64pp | 10 x 8 1/2 | $21.95
ISBN: 978-1-897349-00-7 (US $21.95)
Paperback: 64pp | 10 x 8 1/2 | $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-897349-01-4 (US $10.95)
ABOUT THE BOOK
As the most popular participant and spectator sport in the world, soccer is a union of calculated plays, unrivaled athleticism, and pure passion for the game. Kicking up our heels for the fourth book in the highly successful How Sports Work series, How Soccer Works follows the award-winning How Hockey Works, How Baseball Works, and How Basketball Works. Author Keltie Thomas teams up with illustrator and soccer team coach Stephen MacEachern to present a fascinating and informative look at the science behind the sport.
Whether readers are first timers on the pitch or can already bend it like Beckham, How Soccer Works has something for everyone. Text that is as exciting to read as the sport is to play, delves into all aspects of the sport. Great insider information includes:
• the personality of a soccer ball: size, material, air pressure, and number of panels all affect the ball’s behavior.
• the differences between artificial turf and real grass: each changes the nature of the game and the way the ball bounces.
• the science of fitness: pros train their minds and bodies to prepare for game time.
• suiting up for success: socks, shin guards, shorts, jerseys, gloves, and cleats.
• the all-important science of explosive moves: making stellar passes, curving kicks, and delivering perfect headers every time.
• how to counter basic offensive and defensive moves.
• international competition: plays are affected by location and altitude, cheating is a science that can influence game result, and fans get rowdy across the globe.
An energetic, dynamic design accompanies eye-catching illustrations and captivating photos of professional players from the past and present. Engaging text that addresses readers on their own level complements "Quick Kick" factoids, "Star" highlights revealing moves of the pros, "Tips" for game improvement, "Quick Answers to Speedy Questions" explaining everything soccer, and "Legends of the Game" introducing young sports fans to some of the most inspirational players in soccer history. A "Rules and Regs" section and glossary at the back of the book provide all of the terms and need-to-know information to make any reader a master of game basics.
REVIEWS:
Jack Huckel, Director of Museum and Archives, National Soccer Hall of Fame, U.S.
"As a coach and an historian, I found How Soccer Works to be a wonderful combination of advice for the young player and fascinating historical tidbits. From Pele's green feet to Christiano Ronaldo's scissors move, the book kept me turning pages, informed and entertained."
Colin Jose, Historian, Soccer Hall of Fame, Canada
"I have been researching and writing about soccer for over 40 years. How Soccer Works is full of useful and interesting information about the game, its equipment, how it\'s played, and its colorful history. It is ideal for all young soccer players and fans, both male and female."
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“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…Recommended.”
Resource Links
“This is not only an informative look at the game of soccer but a great book about the science behind the game. The book is incredibly comprehensive dealing with all elements of the game…Every page scores with a mixture of information, colour photographs and illustrations…How Soccer Works is an excellent resource for soccer enthusiasts as well as those who are new to the game.”
Quebec Home & School News
"Need some reading material with cartoon-type illustrations to interest a boy in your family? This should be the answer for the sports guys."
Quill & Quire
"In eight well designed chapters… the facts are clearly set out and conveniently broken up into easily digestible pieces. There is a good glossary, a digest of the rules and regulation, and a wealth of excellent photographs and illustrative cartoons…Even adult readers will learn something…It is essential background for any boy or girl who wants to develop a passion for [soccer]."
School Library Journal
"Amid an overabundance of soccer books, Thomas offers a special hook that makes this title stand out: facts that fans will relish knowing and sharing with their friends… A welcome title where soccer is popular."
Professionally Speaking
“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.”
KidsBookshelf.com
“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.”
XK San Diego Soccer News
"How Soccer Works provides an entertaining look at the inner quirks and works of soccer while breaking down the science behind the world’s most popular sport. From explaining how the rules came to be to teaching how to bend it like David Beckham, Thomas covers the game from goal to goal.”
The Brandon Sun
“This book answers all the questions you might have about soccer, and some that may not have yet surfaced. There is advice for the new and for the seasoned player, historical perspective on a game played all over the world, information on equipment and playmaking and up-to-date ‘gossip’ on its storied players. Well done!”
TD Monthly
“This book offers soccer-loving kids some depth of information about the intricacies of the game. It is small and accessible…but offers a wealth of knowledge about finer points of the world's most popular sport…This book could get reluctant tween readers who like soccer a bit more involved in reading. The sophisticated amount and quality of information offers a high reward and a nice visual package.”
The Flint Journal
"How Soccer Works and How Baseball Works, both by Keltie Thomas, are colorful, easy-to-read guides that answer questions about each game's history, equipment and rules. They also take a look at fitness and skills, legends of the games and offer playing tips to youngsters. They are the perfect primers for those just starting out, but they also would appeal to fans and more seasoned players.”
AWARDS:
2009
British Columbia Young Readers' Choice, Red Cedar Book Award, Finalist
2008
Ontario Library Association, Best Bets List, Top Ten Canadian Children's Books, Non-Fiction
2008
Resource Links, Best of the Year 2007
2008
Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award, Finalist
2008
Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada, Information Book Award, Finalist
2008
Ontario Library Association, Silver Birch Award, Finalist
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