Softball

Children's Literature - Children's Literature

This helpful how-to book introduces young readers to softball, the most popular team participatory sport in America, more so than basketball or soccer, with millions of adherents. The author runs through the basics of the game, including the sport's history and playing tips. Softball was invented in 1887 when, while celebrating the conclusion of a Yale-Harvard football game they were following by telephone, several alumni of these schools began tossing and batting a boxing glove around the cavernous boathouse along Chicago's lake Michigan shoreline where they were gathered. From that unique beginning, softball has evolved into fast and slow pitch versions, as well as games adapted for visually impaired and disabled athletes. The playing tips are well explained by the author and are accompanied by helpful color photographs. There is also a useful glossary of softball terms. This title is a soft cover version of a previous hard cover edition, with virtually no new material. Part of the "Play-By-Play" series. 2000, Lerner Publications Co., Ages 10 up, $7.95. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson—Children's Literature

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-These books are revisions of "Fundamental" series titles (Lerner). Only slight changes have been made to the texts; Soccer includes some information about the U.S. team winning the women's 1999 World Cup while Softball mentions Olympic shortstop Dot Richardson. The further-reading lists and "For More Information" sections have been updated and Web sites have been added. However, the bulk of the information has not changed, and the colorful photographs are exactly the same.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|