Neymar

May 1, 2019

Gr 2-4-These slim volumes detail the early lives and careers of soccer's superstars. Even soccer fanatics are bound to learn something new. Readers may be surprised to see how many of these elite athletes began playing professionally as teenagers-all but American Julie Ertz went pro before they were legal adults. It's also beneficial for readers to see how their immaturity affected the athletes; both Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suárez struggled with demonstrating good sportsmanship in their early careers. Readers may know that Lionel Messi is physically small, but they might not know that he was diagnosed at a young age with a growth hormone deficiency. It never held him back, though. His prowess got him a contract with FC Barcelona, who paid for his medical treatments. VERDICT With big-name bios, this is a great series for rabid soccer fans.

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