NONFICTION

Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach

by Kim Chaffee (text) & illus. by ­Alexandra Badiu
Page Street. Jan. 2023. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781645676294.
COPY ISBN
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.
Reviewed by Chance Lee Joyner , Dec 01, 2022

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