Synopsis
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.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5- 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. For example, he begins with a section on soccer-ball construction that has intriguing information about color and water absorption of balls. (This simple fact alone could encourage a good science-fair experiment.) Another section talks about growing and cutting turf for World Cup game fields. Here, Thomas suggests an activity with grass to try out. There are discussions about the changes in cleats and materials used for uniforms over the years, "mental toughness," and the various playing styles in different countries. The text is broken into readable blocks with a variety of colored backgrounds. Colorful photographs and digital art depict both genders enjoying the sport. A welcome title where soccer is popular.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
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