Learning how to play soccer

With the World Cup taking place, and soccer being the sport to watch these days, Enslow's book, Soccer Skills, teaches the basics of soccer, using action shots of professional players.

This 48 page title, written for the reluctant reader, discusses dribbling, passing, heading, styles of defense, throw-ins, corners and direct kicks, defending a shot while goalkeeping, and many more topics. There is also a diagram listing the different positions and where they are on the field in relation to their teammates.

This title, and the other five titles in the How to Play Like a Pro series, are correlated to the Common Core College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards. The other books in the series cover baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, and hockey. All of these titles are available from your preferred vendor, local bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Happy Birthday Danica Patrick!

Written for the middle school reader, this biography about Danica is part of Enslow's Heroes of Racing series.

This series is correlated to the Common Core College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards. These books are available from your preferred vendor, local bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

History-Making NASCAR Driver Danica Patrick Subject of Enslow Biography

Danica Patrick made her automotive racing name competing in high-profile events such as the Indianapolis 500. Over the past three years, she has gradually moved her racing to the NASCAR stock car circuit. This past week, Patrick enjoyed an historic breakthrough, when she won pole position at the Daytona 500 race. She is the first woman to achieve this victory.

"I was brought up to be the fastest driver, not the fastest girl," Patrick said after the event. To learn more about Patrick's competitive character and exciting auto racing experiences, read Enslow Publishers' biography of the driver. Author J. Chris Roselius' 128-page work explores Patrick's compelling life and times on and off the racing circuit. This high-interest book, an excellent choice for reluctant readers, includes full-color photos, reader-friendly pullouts, and excellent chapter notes for further reading.

Danica Patrick: Racing to History, included in Enslow's "Heroes of Racing" series, is available directly from Enslow Publishers in a library-bound edition for $23.95. That price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.The book is also available from major vendors, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Revving Up Reading Engines for the Indy 500

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3302-3

The Indianapolis 500, one of America's great sports traditions, will be held over the Memorial Day weekend. This exciting event, typically witnessed by a quarter-million spectators and a worldwide television audience, offers the flair and adventure that young readers often enjoy. Prominent among contemporary Indy drivers is Danica Patrick. Her interesting life story is the subject of an Enslow Publishers biography that's available now.

Danica Patrick: Racing to History provides an accessible, fun window into Patrick's drive to succeed. The 128-page title, part of Enslow's "Heroes of Racing" series, combines exciting full-color photos, author J. Chris Roselius' strong text, and career statistics into a well-rounded look at Patrick's life and career. The book's 6.7 AR reading level makes it a useful choice for reluctant readers in secondary and high school.

The library-bound book is available directly from Enslow Publishers for $23.95; the price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for this title!

Happy Belated Birthday to Danica Patrick

We thought her 30th birthday was today, when it was yesterday. She was participating in the Nationwide race on Saturday, however it appears that she ran over some debris in the beginning of the race which punctured her radiator.

Danica Patrick and the Daytona 500

Hopefully the Daytona 500 will get underway tonight. Rain has forced the postponement of this race which is to be Danica Patrick's debut. This is the first of ten scheduled Sprint Cup Series events she is hoping to particpate in. She made the full-time move to NASCAR, racing for the Nationwide Series champtionship as a driver for JR Motorsports.

Part of Enslow's Heroes of Racing series, Danica Patrick is written for middle school students who enjoy and want to learn more about NASCAR racing. Other titles in this 12-titles series include:  Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Dale Earnhardt, Sr.; Darrell Waltrip; Jeff Burton; Jeff Gordon; Jimmie Johnson; Kevin Harvick; Mark Martin; Matt Kenseth; Richard Petty; and Tony Stewart.

Congratulations to David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy

Yesterday was the M.L.S. Cup between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo. Yesterday was also the last day of Beckham's five-year M.L.S. contract. Will he return for another season? Who knows. At least we know that he did his best to help his team win yesterday.

Enslow's biography on David Beckham is a 2010 title, written for the middle school reader. At 128 pages, this biography describes his childhood in England, his life as a professional soccer player, as well as his role as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund.

Curriculum Connections newsletter and the World Cup

School Library Journal's Curriculum Connections newsletter talks about the World Cup and features soccer books. One of Enslow's titles, David Beckham: Gifted and Giving Soccer Star is mentioned.

Enslow also has other new books on soccer. Soccer Skills is great for learning how to play the game, including practice tips and building social skills.

Goal! Science Projects with Soccer is another terrific book for students, making learning physics fun.

Today is Kevin Garnett's birthday

Kevin Garnett All-Star On and Off the Court
Author: J Chris Roselius
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2863-0

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

Kevin Garnett is the star forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 1995, he became the first NBA player drafted out of high school in twenty years. In 2004, he was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. Off the court, Garnett has helped many charities, including a $1.2 million donation to Oprah's Angel Network to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005.

Today is David Beckham's birthday

David Beckham

Gifted and Giving Soccer Star
Author: J Chris Roselius
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3587-4

Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

One of the most popular athletes in the world, soccer star David Beckham's skills are second to none. As he grew into an international superstar, Beckham used his fame to help the sport of soccer grow and make a better future for underprivileged children throughout the world.

On this day in history

In 2008, Danica Patrick became the first female winner in IndyCar history by capturing the Indy Japan 300.

Danica Patrick's birthday is today

Danica Patrick Racing to History
Author: J Chris Roselius
State Affiliation of Author: MN
State Affiliation of Title: WI
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3302-3

ISBN-10: 0-7660-3302-3-->
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 128
Description: Millions of sports fans know the name Danica Patrick—even if they've never watched an indy car race before. As a female driver, Patrick has broken ground for her consistent performances behind the wheel. In 2008, she won the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first woman to win in an Indy Car race.