COURAGE IN HER CLEATS

Soccer legend Abby Wambach is celebrated in this vivacious picture-book biography.

Abby was always on a team, whether as the youngest of seven spirited children or a member of her soccer team as a child, so she learned early that to be recognized in a group, you have to be “loud and clear.” After graduating from high school, she joined the University of Florida women’s soccer team. Soon she was chosen for the U.S. Women’s National Team. It didn’t take long for Abby to become a top goal scorer and a leader on the team. Then an exhibition game ahead of the 2008 Olympics led to a serious leg injury, preventing Abby from playing with the team as they sought gold in Beijing. Still, she was determined to encourage her team and recover so she could get back on the pitch. Chaffee uses Abby’s cleats to embody her boldness, grounding the narrative and carrying it forward with purpose. This clever choice is complemented by Badiu’s occasional use of whimsical plumes of sparkling color in shades of purple and coral that bloom from the cleats. Confetti bursts from these vibrant clouds as Abby scores her 100th career goal. Though the book focuses solely on Abby’s soccer career—rather than her activism, published books, or other interests—it’s nevertheless a strong work, featuring lively onomatopoeia and threaded with a joyful spirit of perseverance. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sure to win over young sports fans.