Picture Book Review: Go, Wilma, Go

The Summer Olympics are starting today. Here's a biography about one of the biggest track stars 

Wilma Rudolph won three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics. In Europe, people weren't separate by race. But back home, black and white people were segregated. When the town wanted to host a day in her honor, Wilma would only participate if everyone was invited. She used her voice to speak for equality. 

Olympicians are amazing - they can inspire us on and off the field. Wilma Rudolph was one of those people. This book doesn't focus on the sports part of her life, but how she helped push equality for Black people. I love how this book talked about the differences between America and Europe in terms of segregation. There is an author's note that includes more information about Wilma Rudolph and you segregation. 

* This book was sent for review 

Booklist: Summer Olympics

 

The games start today!

Who will you be watching?

I'm partial watching to Gymnastics, Basketball, Track and Field, and Swimming

Catch up on some books while you wait for your favorite sport(s):

Happy Reading and Happy Watching! 

5 Things: (2): Homefield Advantage

 

Ever since I heard about this book, it's been on my TBR pile. And it did not disappoint!

Here are 5 Things I loved about it!

And some book recommendations: 

* ARC sent for review

Book Lists: Adult Sports Romances

Ok, this book list is a little bit different.

Regina Kyle told me all about Ted Lasso. She talked about it so much, I had to get Apple TV just to watch the show. And I binged the first season in 24 hours.

I'm waiting to watch the second season because it's nice to have something awesome in your back pocket when the world is so horrible these days.

What I loved about Ted Lasso:

Ted Lasso 

His Wolf Pack

The Sports Team

Rebecca and Keeley

Grumpy Roy

Jamie Tarte/Shark song

Practices

Nathan

Horrible ex-husband of Rebeeca (Giles) getting played

The Pub

The Scenery

The British Ways

The Army Toys

The first three, I read and loved.

Blitzed by Alexa Martin

Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

The second three, I'm looking forward to reading.

Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein

The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

I love sports romances, but I don't read enough. So I'm asking for your help. I'm not great reading ebooks, but I'd love some recommendations for print sports romances.

I read a bunch of YA ones, but not too many adult ones.

Bonus points if the heroine is the sports hero!

Review: The Comeback

Maxine loves skating; she's hoping to make it to the next level. After that, the Olympics. But it's a lot of pressure and a lot of work. Maxine's parents aren't sure she can handle it all - on top of school. Things at school aren't great with a racist bully making comments. Maxine isn't sure how to handle him, but she's not about to tell her parents. She also isn't about to tell them she feels intimated by the new skater at the rink. This skater has more grace than Maxine and she can jump. With everything combine, it's no one Maxine feels all the feelings these days. But can she block out all the feelings on the day of her competition?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of figure skating and figure skating books. As soon as I saw the cover, I wanted to read this book. And it was really great. I loved the skating parts and learning more about the moves. I wish I could skate like Maxine. (I wish I could skate period - but it's been years and even then I wasn't very good.) I felt bad for Maxine and all that she had to deal with - but she handled it well. I wanted to give her a hug when she faced down her bully. I'm glad that she could speak up, even though it's difficult.  I love how she and Hollie bonded over 90s music. I admire how they came together and became friendship who were very supportive of each other. An #ownvoices story and a great debut! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great middle grade sports book for your school and public libraries - highly recommended. 

Review: Play Like a Girl

 

10 Lessons from the Soccer Fields with lots of girls and women sharing what they love about soccer, what it's taught them, and how they love the game and themselves!

I loved this book. The photos were amazing. I loved the quotes from young girls through professional soccer players. I loved that they felt free to be "bossy" or "confident". I love how these lessons spilled off the field and into real life. I loved how they thought of their teammates as family. A great book for sharing your love of the game.

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great book for your collection.

Also makes a great gift!

Top Ten Tuesday: Sports Books

This week's topic is why I love girls sports books!

I've been reading a lot of great girl sports books lately, but we need more of them!

Here's why I love them:

The talent - the girls aren't afraid of their talent. They know they are good and they are unapologetic about it.

Which means the main character is usually feminist

And they sometimes want to prove themselves (especially if they are playing on a boy's team)

And they have the heart and the desire to kick butt (Both on the sports field and off the field).

The team - usually a group of girls on the team are friends

The comradery during the sporting times (bus rides, practice...)

Obviously for the sports parts. As a sporty girl myself, I love reading about the games/practices. And it almost doesn't even matter which sport.

Romance - there's usually a side romance story

Have you read any great sports books lately that you think I would like?