Review: Athletes who Changed the Game by James Buckley Jr & Ellen Labrecque #sport #multicultural #childrensnonfiction

Synopsis: 

While these athletes came from different backgrounds and overcame unique struggles, they had one thing in common: they would not take "You can't" for an answer. With a don't-give-up attitude, these fearless firsts fought for what they believed in and created a better sports world.

My review:

As the latest Olympics just took place in 2024 and we are on the cusp of The Superbowl and Spring training seasons, this book seemed like a winner to read.

I come from a family who are sport enthusiast and with over 50 athletes featured in this book, it was fun to see the ones I knew and the ones I did not.  I enjoyed learning about their backgrounds and the different barriers they went through to become the great athlete they were or currently are.

Divided into sections, readers are able to find easily a sport that might be of interest. On pages 118-119 also gives the exact person and sport to follow. However, I found the book fascinating just reading from front to back. On pages 116-117 gives a complete timeline beginning in 1899 to present day of different athletes accomplishments.

This book is by far a terrific resource book for all.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the authors:

Amazon     Goodreads

#Review: Legendary Sport Events: The Olympics by Matt Christopher #MiddleGrade #Sports #Olympics

Summary:
Ask most Olympians how their story begins and they will answer, "When I was young, I always dreamed of going to the Olympics. . ." Some will then go on to tell of their great athletic triumphs. Others will recall agonizing near-misses. But for most, the very fact that they reached the Games at all was a dream come true. For the Olympic Games offer athletes something few others sporting events can: the chance to be recognized as the best in the world at a chosen sport. 

With stories of great triumphs and great tragedies, the Olympics not only embodies the competitive human spirit, but also sets a stage stage for foreign relations and politics. Historical references combined with amazing sports stories give this book both an educational and exciting appeal.

My review:
I thought since it was an Olympic year (at this writing Summer Olympics in Rio 2016), it would be nice to read some books on the Olympics or athletes of the Games.

I found this author's book which gave a nice overview of the Olympic Games (summer and Winter) starting at the original in 776 BC. up through what was going to be the Beijing Summer Olympics Games in 2008.

The author runs through a series of years in eleven chapters giving information about stand-out athletes and tidbits of information.
Did you know that the original games barred women? The reason? It was because they were naked! Whoa! 

I actually loved the information the author presented. He did not shy away from problems that have arisen either, including: shootings, bombings, bashings, and doping. Yes, it was all in there.

He also included the changes throughout the years and the reasons for them. One major one was the Games not being in the same year.

As I have seen many of the Games over the years, I remember a lot of what he wrote. It was obvious to me that he did his homework before he wrote. The only disappointing thing for me was not having more photos included, there was eight total. I thought it would have been nice to see some of the actual photos on the pages where he would talk about certain athletes. I think middle grade kids, who would be reading this book, would have liked to have seen more too.

Overall, not a bad book and very informative. I give it 4 stars for its comprehensiveness.

Disclosure:I picked up a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Amazon

Goodreads