From the series Sports Superstars
Lionel Messi
Reading Level Grade 3Interest Level Grades 3 – 7Copyright 2023
Reviewed From the series Sports Superstars
Reading Level Grade 3Interest Level Grades 3 – 7Copyright 2023
ReviewedLionel Messi dribbles through defenders. He lines up his shot. Goal! In this high-low text, reluctant readers will learn about the storied career of this all-time great soccer player. Special features showcase some of Messi’s greatest achievements, where he’s played, his favorite things, and more. Engaging text and vibrant photos bring Messi’s career to life on the page!
The brightest stars in sports are profiled in this visually appealing series. Each athlete is given a fairly thorough biographical treatment, such as NFL quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, and Patrick Mahomes. All considered role models, their accomplishments are lauded before their future potential is assessed. Notably, Simone Biles’s gymnastics prowess and her advocacy for mental health and victims of abuse are praised. Toward the back of each book, maps show the professional travels of each athlete, which is more interesting for stars of international renown like Lionel Messi, Serena Williams, and Shohei Ohtani than for homebodies like Steph Curry and Diana Taurasi. Leaning heavily on the energetic, brightly colored photos, the short blocks of text and factoid callouts are highlighted with graffiti-like graphics. The overall aesthetic is a bit busy, but for reluctant readers, there is much to draw the eye and the concise writing delivers the appropriate level of detail for browsers.
School Library Journal
