June 1, 2014
Grades K-3 The Start to Finish: Sports Gear series adds a new twist to a dependable line of books. Each title opens with a child enjoying his sports equipment and wondering, How was it made? The answer unfolds in a series of double-page spreads spotlighting the manufacturing process. On each right-hand page, a large color photo shows one step in making and assembling the components that become the finished product. The facing page carries a few short sentences of text commenting on the process. While the photos show a racially diverse group of adults making the products, the few children pictured all appear to be boys. Still, the topic is manufacturing, and these well-focused books do a good job of showing what happens in the factories. In From Leather to Basketball Shoes, pieces of leather are cut, stitched, and glued to the molded midsole and outsole before the basketball shoes are laced, boxed, and sent to stores. Colorful page design, large type, and clear photos make the series an attractive choice for young readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)