November 1, 2017
Gr 5 Up-Filled with excellent research and fodder for reports, each title is highly readable and chock-full of facts about female athletes. In Title IX Levels the Playing Field, readers will learn just how many schools challenged Title IX protections for female athletes. There is some crossover between Title IX and Pioneers in Women's Sports, as many of the female titans spotlighted did their part to introduce opportunities for women to play at the collegiate and professional levels. Tennis pro Billie Jean King and her win in the "Battle of the Sexes" is enough to hook readers, but the stories of Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Mo'ne Davis will encourage readers even more. While all the selections in the series shine, Women in Sports Media stands out for its uniqueness. The triumphs of women breaking into sports journalism are described alongside the challenges; for instance, being barred from locker rooms and being sexually harassed by athletes and non-athletes alike. Photos perfectly enhance the text, supporting but not distracting from the narrative of each chapter. VERDICT A first purchase for tweens and teens.
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2018
This series focuses on women's contributions to the sports world, thanks largely to the profound impact of Title IX, the 1972 law mandating gender equality in education (explored in Axon's volume). Other entries highlight the accomplishments of historical and contemporary individuals, including Olympians, professional athletes, and journalists. The writing is accessible if not very exciting; brief chapters include sidebars and captioned action photos. Reading list. Glos., ind.
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