S is for Suplex

April 15, 2020
An inclusive ABC imparting essential squared-circle lingo. E is for everybody, for people like me (and maybe you), who cry out with glee as the ref counts to three in a book that is long overdue! Over the decades, professional wrestling has earned--and deserved--a bad rap due to racist, sexist, homophobic, and otherwise bigoted storylines and gimmicks. Countless competitors have worked to recuperate the business's image, and this alphabet book casts a diverse coalition of stars to define 25 wrestling terms in verse. Despite some stultifying stanzas--"G is for Gimmick / Every grappler is unique: / special clothes, looks, attitude, / distinct moves, and ways they speak"--wrestlers of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, body types, and backgrounds come to life in its vibrant digital illustrations. Featured performers include the likes of Nyla Rose, a First Nations wrestler who recently became the first trans woman to win a world championship in a major American promotion; Sonny Kiss, an African American gender-neutral standout; "Big Swole" Aerial Monroe, an African American contender living with Crohn's disease; and talents hailing from Puerto Rico, India, South Africa, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries around the world. A glossary provides succinct definitions for each vocabulary word and enumerates the roster of over 90 real-life sports entertainers who have graciously lent their likenesses. Subpar poesy aside, this woke ABC's epic feats of representation prove wrestling is for everybody. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-7)

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