Mia and Friends: Mia Hamm and the Soccer Sisterhood That Changed History

Gr 2-4–This story of Mia Hamm and her teammates on the U.S. National Soccer Team is as fast-paced and energetic as the games that are televised. It begins with Mia at age two, wearing corrective shoes, but determined to join her father and brother kicking the ball around. Readers follow Mia as she catches the eye of the national coach and joins the national team at age 15. The increasing popularity of women’s soccer is traced through the Women’s World Championship competitions in 1991 and 1995, the Olympics in 1996, and the record-breaking attendance at the 1999 Championship. Illustrations capture the constant motion of the players, their emotions on and off the field, and the cheering crowds. Rows of trading cards show the lineup for the team at each of the major events. Other pages feature the national flags of the competing teams or scoreboards for the various matches. Back matter includes selected sources, professional highlights for each of the teammates, as well as a section on their courageous fight for equal pay and benefits. There are even quotes from current players about how these women inspired them. Those players who are quoted also appear as young fans within the book.VERDICT An immersive look at the world of women’s soccer that makes for an enjoyable read for those who are sports fans, and even those who are not. -- Suzanne Costner

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A high-intensity shot for the goal.