Baseball in Action. (Sports in Action). Sarah Dann and John Crossingham. Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing, 2000. 32 pp., pbk., & cl., $7.16 (pbk.), $18.36 (cl.). ISBN 0-7787-0175-1 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0163-8 (cl.). Grades 3 - 7 / Ages 8 - 12. Review by Joan Marshall. **** /4		Volleyball in Action. (Sports in Action). John Crossingham and Sarah Dann. Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing, 2000. 32 pp., pbk., & cl., $7.16 (pbk.), $18.36 (cl.). ISBN 0-7787-0176-X (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0164-6 (cl.). Grades 3 - 7 / Ages 8 - 12. Review by Joan Marshall. **** /4
Basketball in Action. (Sports in Action). Sarah Dann and John Crossingham. Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing, 2000. 32 pp., pbk., & cl., $7.16 (pbk.), $18.36 (cl.). ISBN 0-7787-0174-3 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0162-X (cl.). Grades 3 - 7 / Ages 8 - 12. Review by Joan Marshall. **** /4		Hockey in Action. (Sports in Action). Niki Walker and Sarah Dann. Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing, 2000. 32 pp., pbk., & cl., $7.16 (pbk.), $18.36 (cl.). ISBN 0-7787-0172-7 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0160-3 (cl.). Grades 3 - 7 / Ages 8 - 12. Review by Joan Marshall. **** /4
Soccer in Action. (Sports in Action). Niki Walker and Sarah Dann. Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing, 2000. 32 pp., pbk., & cl., $7.16 (pbk.), $18.36 (cl.). ISBN 0-7787-0173-5 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0161-1 (cl.). Grades 3 - 7 / Ages 8 - 12. Review by Joan Marshall. **** /4

Here is an excellent non-fiction sports series that belongs in every elementary and middle school library. Covering the five most popular team sports in Canada, these clear, yet comprehensive books present each sport with enthusiasm and energy.
    The five books in this series all follow the same format: an explanation of the game and its history, a diagram and description of the playing field, the players' positions, warm-up exercises, types of play, skills required, drills to practice, penalties and related games. The diagrams, photographs and drawings are outstanding. Players aged eight to adult of both sexes and many races are depicted playing with enthusiasm and panache. Particularly noteworthy are the clear diagrams of each playing field, which immediately focus the beginning player (reader) on the physical place where the game is played. However, it is the exciting photographs that will draw readers again and again as they study photos that will help them to visualize correct playing posture, moves and behaviour. The illustrations by Trevor Morgan, Bonna Rouse and Barbara Bedell remain consistently clear and are easy to follow as the beginner learns the necessary skills.
    Although the visual representation alone is worth the price of the books, the text is amazingly clear, thorough and correct for each sport without adding too much detail that would deter the beginning player. Experts in their fields were contributing editors for each book. Two of them are American. One wonders why. The text of each book, all edited with the usual excellence by Bobbie Kalman, is extremely easy to follow, even for the neophyte. All the essential points are here, and one can easily imagine children and adults beginning to play each sport with these books in hand.
    These books have been well designed. The font is large and clear, and bold type delineates each short section. Photos, diagrams and drawings divide up the text to make it easier to digest. A glossary, index and table of contents help orient the reader. Coloured boxes of information cover interesting drills, pointers or essential clothing. The "Sports in Action" series will prove immensely popular with students aged 8 to 12 but will be invaluable for ESL students of all ages and physical education teachers.

Highly Recommended.

Joan Marshall is the teacher-librarian at Henry G. Izatt Middle School in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - November 17, 2000.

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