Sports Injuries

Children's Literature

The introduction states that the skills that lead to success in sports, such as communication, problem solving and leadership, are skills that can lead to success at life in general. Part of the "Get in the Game" series written with girls in mind, the book includes chapters focusing on upper body injuries:shoulder and elbow, and lower body injuries:knee, hamstring and ankle. A discussion centers on the physical differences between girls and boys, and why girls, because of their physical makeup, are more susceptible to certain sports-related injuries. The book cites several medical studies documenting that claim. Minor injuries such as blisters and tennis elbow and more serious injuries like stress fractures and a tear of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) are discussed. Injury prevention, coping with injury, the best way to treat an injury and how to prepare and compete to minimize injury are covered. The information can benefit boys and girls during a lifetime of competing, be it in formal competition or pure recreational activity. The tips provided¾such as getting adequate rest between workouts¾can last a lifetime. It is advice and information that many kids might not get unless imparted by a knowledgeable coach, trainer or teacher. 2001, The Millbrook Press, $7.95. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer:Todd Moning

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Useful information for beginners. Even though the titles don't say so, the books are directed to girls, although most of the material in Injuries is also relevant for boys. It has lots of practical advice, including, for example, a description of the R.I.C.E. treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for sprains. Roberts also discusses such topics as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. She explains how female athletes can be prone to certain types of injuries more than their male counterparts, such as ACL tears, an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. In the final pages, nine stretches are described but not illustrated. Which Sport tells girls how to choose between team and individual sports and gives points to consider when quitting an activity. There is an apparent contradiction between the two books in reference to learning to pitch a ball overhand. In Which Sport, Roberts quotes Jean Zimmerman and Gil Reavill, authors of Raising Our Athletic Daughters: "The most important thing that parents can do is-teach a girl how to throw overhand." Yet in Injuries she says, "Throwing a baseball overhand-is an unnatural motion.-Pitching overhand while the arm is still growing often presents a high risk of injury." Color photos break up the texts. While much of the material offers a good reality check, noting that not all girls will grow up to be Venus Williams, these titles are supplemental fare.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.