Women in Gymnastics (Trailblazing Female Athletes)

Gr 4-6--In these six volumes readers are provided brief introductions to female athletes in the fields of tennis, surfing, gymnastics, soccer, track and field, and cycling. Some athletes are well-known: Billie Jean King, Simone Biles, and Mia Hamm. Others, especially in surfing and cycling, are less famous including Margo Godfrey Oberg and Kittie Knox. Careers are the primary focus as each athlete's progression and achievements are chronicled. Betty Robinson won the one hundred meter dash at the 1928 Olympics, Sun Wen was awarded the Golden Ball at the 1999 World Cup, and Layne Beachley won six consecutive world titles in surfing. While the narratives are straightforward and informative, they lack depth: little information is provided on personal lives and relationships. Nonetheless, readers will learn about important women in the respective sports and may be inspired to learn more. Photographs accompany the texts. VERDICT The volumes will be of value where there is little information about women in various sports, especially in surfing and cycling, and purchase should be considered based on need.