Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach
by Kim Chaffee (Author) Alexandra Badiu (Illustrator)
As a child, Abby Wambach was loud and clear about what she wanted and what she didn't, and she didn't want to be left out of any competition--especially soccer.
In this powerful biography, readers will dance and dart down fields with Abby as she slingshots--balls thwump... whiz... whoosh--straight into goals, sweating and scoring her way from school league leader to U.S. Women's National Team star.
The story follows Abby through both success and setbacks because while even pro athletes miss goals, face losses, and can get injured, determined Abby has always been tougher than her toughest challenge. Readers will cheer on this talented fan favorite as she kicks the legendary U.S. Women's team toward Olympic fame, while also being reminded that there's just as much inspiration in Abby's struggles as in her victories.
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School Library Journal
Gr 2-4--Soccer star Abby Wambach did not become a champion overnight. This picture book biography chronicles her successes, failures, and never-give-up spirit that drove her to the Olympics. The text is presented with one or two sentences per paragraph and up to three paragraphs per page. It is punctuated with occasional onomatopoeia to create from repetition a certain rhythm. Badiu shows Wambach in scene after scene in full-blown action; most of these are realistic, but some take on a fantasy quality as she emits pink and purple sparkles. Among the other players, it's a little difficult to identify Wambach at first, as she is depicted without her iconic short blonde hairstyle. Back matter includes additional biographical information, a bibliography, and a glossary of soccer terms. VERDICT Add to collections where sports bios are popular.--Chance Lee Joyner
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.ALA/Booklist
Review quotes
Kim Chaffee was in seventh grade when she first played soccer and quickly realized she was better at hand-eye coordinated sports than foot-eye ones. She's always admired the physical and mental toughness of those that play the game at all levels, especially Abby Wambach. Today, Kim carries her courage in her climbing shoes as she learns the new skill of rock climbing. Kim is the author of Her Fearless Run: Kathrine Switzer's Historic Boston Marathon and Nothing Wee About Me! (both Page Street Kids) and lives with her family in New Hampshire.
Alexandra Badiu Is a children's book illustrator and visual developer for animation. She grew up in a family of athletes and played soccer herself in elementary school. Having seen her brother struggle with a similar leg injury, she especially sympathizes with the long, hard recovery in Abby's story. Herself, she sees the importance of patience when firing pottery and helping plants grow. Alexandra lives in Izmir, Turkey.JNF007100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Sports & Recreation
JNF054130 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Sports & Recreation | Soccer
JNF070000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Inspirational & Personal Growth
