Score!

July 1, 2004
K-Gr 2-In a picture-book format with informative content, a soccer coach explains the game to her uninitiated team. Novices will appreciate the colorful cartoons, many of which fill the spread, such as the one where a big foot "whacks" the ball past the goalie into the net. Illustrations portray both boys and girls on the field; however, not all players are pictured wearing traditional-looking cleats, even though the necessity of using shoes that do not slip on the grass is clearly pointed out. Written before Freddy Adu, 14, joined the DC United team, "Fun Facts" points out notable players Mia Hamm and Pele. The diagram of the playing field is simple and unadorned. Using controlled Web-site access, students can either type in the keyword "soccer" or use a special code number to have Fact Hound "fetch" three sites relating to the game. (When checked, one of them did not work.) A welcome addition for beginners.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

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