"March Madness" and "Slam Dunk" Reading Opportunitues

College basketball's "March Madness" tournament, with millions of fans paying attention to brackets and exciting upsets, begins this week. While we don't have any early information on teams and players, we do have some "sure things" that dovetail with young readers' interest in the popular event.

Enslow's "March Madness" titles include Top 25 Basketball Skills, Tips, and Tricks. Author John Albert Torres' 48-page book offer practical tips to raise a reader's hoop savvy. The work uses examples from professional and everyday kids as useful guides for skill upgrades and for character development. The library-bound book, from our "Top 25 Sports Skills, Tips, and Tricks" series, is available directly from Enslow Publishers for $17.95; that price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.

Each college's cheer team contributes to "March Madness'" spirit and color. A way in for young readers curious about cheer is through Enslow's four-book series "Ready, Set, Cheer!." Series author Lisa Mullarkey offers a well-written, age-appropriate introduction to these activities. The series is amply illustrated with live-action shots of young cheerleaders. Each book, such as Cheerleading Stunts and Tumbling, is leveled at Guided Reading Level "M" and is correlated to Common Core Career and College Readiness State Standards. Library-bound books in the "Ready, Set, Cheer" series are available directly from Enslow Publishers for $17.95 per title; that price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.

 

Enslow Cheerleading Books Ready for Football Season

Early September means football season, both in schools and public libraries. This high-interest sport offers many books for young readers to explore. While there are many books on athletes and sports teams, books that go "outside the lines" of the sport also draw interest. One such activity is cheerleading. A sport in its own right, cheerleading includes both genders, extends across various age levels, and embraces many positive, character building attributes.

Enslow Publishers' "Ready, Set, Cheer!" series offers page-turning books that get to the heart of cheer. Author Lisa Mullarkey's clear, age-appropriate style delivers a nifty counterpoint to the series' reader-friendly design and full-color photos. Suitable for grades 3 and 4, these Guided Reading Level "M" works provide a wonderful entry point for readers (especially reluctant readers) wanting to explore this rewarding activity.

Each title in this four-book series is available in a library-bound edition for $17.95; that price represents a 25% discount to institutional buyers. Paperback versions of "Ready, Set, Cheer!" is also available for $7.95 per title.

Ready, Set, Cheer!

Were you ever a cheerleader? Is anyone in your family involved with competitive cheer? Do you have friends or acquaintances whose kids spend hours practicing for the cheer squad?

Chances are good that you can answer "yes." According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, over 64,000 girls joined "competitive spirit squads" in the past academic year. The figure suggests that cheerleading remains a bedrock school activity, regardless of a school’s location, size, or funding.

Cheerleading has evolved from its traditional associations with pompoms into an engaging, demanding sport, as author Lisa Mullarkey notes in Enslow Publishers’ new, four-book "Ready, Set, Cheer!" collection.

Each 48-page title in Mullarkey’s series explores aspects of competitive cheer, from the sport’s basics to challenging stunts. The books feature age-appropriate vocabulary (Guided Reading Level M), engaging type styles, and a reader-friendly design. Carefully chosen photographs illustrate the cheer techniques’ physical look. A "Words to Know" section, additional reading suggestions, and a brief list of topically appropriate websites add educational value to the books.

If you have a child trying out for a cheer team, or is simply curious about cheerleading, this Enslow Publishers’ series offers an excellent, readable means to explore this sport. Go Enslow!