July 1, 2010
These books provide middle-elementary students with introductions to action sports in risky environments. The volumes rely on exciting action photos and pulse-pounding texts, including "Xtreme Quotes" ("You don't drown by falling into water. You drown by staying there") to depict the adventurousness and skill required for each activity. Most volumes contain appended cursory information about "Dangers and Risks." Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
April 1, 2010
Gr 2-4-In contrast to Jump into Sports (The Childs World), this series features activities that most children will not have experienced or even watched. Even though the author gives only a cursory explanation of each one, she conveys enough action for readers to experience the excitement through the eyes of participants. Outstanding, motion-filled photographs show a wide range of emotions on the faces of enthusiasts as they attempt such feats as jumping from cliffs or biking in impossible terrain. Both men and women perform the death-defying stunts. Extreme quotes in fact boxes lend excitement while contributing pertinent information or admonishments. This series could be used for short reports or as a jumping-off spot for further research.
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 1, 2010
Grades 4-6 As fast-paced as white water itself, this title from the Xtreme Sports series introduces readers to the thrills and chills of powering through swirling waters. Beginning with a short definition of white water, the book goes on to discuss the history of kayaking as well as the different forms it can take. Upping the ante are white-water races, in which kayakers attempt to be the fastest over a dangerous course, and 8 Ball, kayakings version of NASCAR. Hamilton also briefly explores white-water canoeing (explaining the difference between a canoe and a kayak) and white-water surfing, or water sliding. The pithy sentences and emphasis on color photographs filled with excitement and danger capture the intensity of the sports, and Xtreme Quotes add further punch (If you think youre going to die, you probably will). After all the descriptions of daring deeds, perhaps not much warning is necessary, but the books brief paragraphs of dangers and risks seem tepid in comparison. A glossary is appended.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)