CM Magazine: Sports in Action.

________________ CM . . . . Volume VII Number 18 . . . . May 11, 2001

Sports in Action.

St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2001.
32 pp., pbk. & cl., $7.16 (pbk.), $18.36 (cl.).

Grades 3 - 4 / Ages 8 - 9.
Review by Harriet Zaidman.

Horseback Riding in Action.

Kate Calder. Illustrated by Bonna Rouse.
ISBN 0-7787-0179-4 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0167-0 (cl.).

Subject Heading:
Horsemanship-Juvenile literature.

**** /4

Martial Arts in Action.

Heather Levigne. Illustrated by Bonna Rouse.
ISBN 0-7787-0181-6 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0169-7 (cl.).

Subject Heading:
Martial arts-Juvenile literature.

**** /4

Golf in Action.

Hannelore Sotzek. Illustrated by Bonna Rouse.
ISBN 0-7787-0180-8 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0168-9 (cl.).

Subject Heading:
Golf-Juvenile literature.

**** /4

Figure Skating in Action.

Kate Calder. Illustrated by Bonna Rouse.
ISBN 0-7787-0177-8 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0165-4 (cl.).

Subject Heading:
Skating-Juvenile literature.

**** /4

excerpt: (from Martial Arts in Action)

Basic Moves
Since all martial arts are based on the same ancient fighting system, there are similarities among them. Students of every martial art learn a basic defensive stance from which all other movements come. Most martial arts also include some form of punching, blocking and kicking. Once you learn how to perform these basic moves, you can move on to more advanced techniques.

Action is the word for this sports series created by Bobbie Kalman. This colourful, well-designed series, which also includes a book about football, is instructive as well as interesting to look at. The pages are replete both with photographs and drawing of children engaged in the various moves and tasks in each sport. The setup of each book contains a standard table of contents with understandable titles. A glossary (with titles related to the sport (e.g. "Riding Words") at the end define terms specific to the activity. On the same page, an index guides the reader to the details in the book. Each two-page chapter spread has subtitles over one paragraph explanations. Clear diagrams offer instructions for moves, stance or position. Action shots show real participants in motion. The books even include cautionary information - stretches to do before engaging in the sport and ways to prevent injury.

excerpt: (from Figure Skating in Action)

Front lunges
Stretching your hips helps prevent back injuries. To do a front lunge, bend your leg forward and keep your other leg straight. Hold for a count of ten and switch legs. Figure Skating in Action

This series will capture children's interest and can be educative if they want to learn or hone their athletic skills. The text is written right at grade level, in a step-by-step fashion that children need to be able to master a skill. The sports highlighted in this series are all currently popular with children. Both girls and boys will find them appealing.

Highly Recommended.

Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - May 11, 2001.