Each month, we'll pit similar books against each other in the upper right hand sidebar. All month, it's up to you to vote for your favorite. (You'll find the poll in the top right sidebar) Let's keep it friendly, but in the comments section, please feel free to explain the reasons for your vote. What did you like about the book you chose as the winner? What didn't you like about the the other book(s)?

The 2009 Hockey Hall of Fame class, which features a star-studded cast of four players and one front office stalwart, was inducted Monday. Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Brian Leetch and Luc Robitaille were the players inducted, while current New Jersey Devils CEO, president and general manager Lou Lamoriello was inducted in the "builder" category. All of these players had remarkable careers, not to mention seeing their names on the Stanley Cup. Want to introduce your young readers to the fast-paced and physical sport played on ice? Check out these two amazing titles...

Dino-Hockey (Carolrhoda Picture Books)

What could be more fast-paced and physical than an NHL game? A hockey game where the Meat-Eaters are pitted against the Veggiesaurs, of course! Wheeler has written a rhyming, action-filled, jam-packed, hockey game sure to captivate the youngest of fans. Loaded with hockey terms and action, the book puts you right on the ice and the illustrations will delight any dinosaur fan.

Additional Information:
Author: Lisa Wheeler
Illustrator: Barry Gott
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Library Binding: 30 pages
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (October 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0822561913
ISBN-13: 978-0822561910


Z Is For Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet Edition 1. (Sleeping Bear Press Sports & Hobbies)

I'm a huge fan of these alphabet sports books by Sleeping Bear Press. The rhyming text is fun, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful and they're chock full of great information related to each sport. In Z is for Zamboni, you'll find everything you need from "A is for Arena./The game is played in here,/a building where the fans all gather/to clap and boo and cheer" to "-Zamboni for Z-/a machine that cleans the ice,/ensuring for tomorrow's game/a surface smooth and nice."

Additional Information:
Author: Matt Napier
Illustrator: Melissa Rose
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; 1 edition (November 17, 2002)
ISBN-10: 1585360651
ISBN-13: 978-1585360659

Ding, Ding, Ding!

Be careful because the blows come fast and furious in the Get in the Game--Read Book Brawl!

Our October Book Brawl has officially ended. And the winner is...


H Is for Homerun [H IS FOR HOMERUN]
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; 1 edition (March 19, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1585362190
ISBN-13: 978-1585362196

Sports enthusiast Brad Herzog has hit it out of the park with this amazing alphabet book. What I love about this book is that it's not only geared to the youngest pre-readers, it will also satisfy the older set. The book can be read as a fun rhyming text that rolls right off your tongue: "B is for the best--Babe Ruth, the New York Yankee great who batted balls toward bleachers at a then-unheard-of rate." Or it can also be read as an informative non-fiction book with tons of information about America's favorite national pastime.

This is one of my favorite sports picture books and I highly recommend it. You'll discover something new each time you read it and the illustrations are breath-taking.

About Book Brawl:
Each month, we'll pit two similar books against each other in the upper right hand sidebar. All month, it's up to you to vote for your favorite. (You'll find the poll in the top right sidebar) Let's keep it friendly, but in the comments section, please feel free to explain the reasons for your vote. What did you like about the book you chose as the winner? What didn't you like about the book you didn't vote for?

At the end of the month, the bell will ring, we'll tally up the results and declare a winner! If there are two books that you would like to see pitted against each other, let us know in the comments and your big match-up just might be our next Book Brawl.

Chances are if you ask anyone who the first African American baseball player was to play in the major league and break the color barrier, they'd say Jackie Robinson. However if you asked that same person who the first Native American baseball player was to play in the major league, they probably would have a blank stare.

Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer , is a warm picture book tribute to a historic sports star.

Growing up, Sockalexis faced difficult times. Native Americans did not have the same rights as white Americans and were forced to live on reservations. He often worked alongside his father, but dreamed of becoming a major league baseball player. In the spring of 1897, Louis packed his suitcase and boarded a train to Cleveland after being offered a role in the majors. But just like Robinson, life in the major leagues was difficult. Just as Robinson would trot on the field to calls and boos, Sockalexis trotted to the field amongst Indian war cries.

Louis knew he was not only playing for himself, but all of his Penobscot people. When he smacked a homer against the Giants in 1897, Louis had won the fans' respect.

An afterword goes on to explain that Louis was one of the most versatile players in baseball. Being the first Native American to play in the major leagues, Louis paved the way for other Native American and minority players. The story of Louis Sockalexis is one of dignity and grace --a man who fought back to show that it doesn't matter if you're black, white, hispanic or Native American, the love of baseball stretches far beyond race.

Additional Information:
Author: Bill Wise
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (May 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600604285
ISBN-13: 978-1600604287
Source of book: Publisher

Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Get in the Game--Read!

The new Yankee Stadium is already making its own history, but a true Yankee fan will never forget The House that Ruth Built. New York Times Bestselling author Ray Negron brings us One Last Time: Good-bye to Yankee Stadium with a foreword by Reggie Jackson.

Old Yankee Stadium was the place for many memorable moments and plays and this is the book for parents to share those moments with their young fans.

The book kicks off with a phone call to the Yankees locker room. The Boss, George Steinbrenner is calling, but it's not one of the players he's looking for. He's looking for a batboy named Ray and the players wonder what the boss wants with him.

The Boss, George Steinbrenner addresses Ray and let's him know his plans to tear down Yankee Stadium. Ray reacts just as any Yankees fan would and says, "Tear down Yankee Stadium? You can't! Where will the Yankees play?"

Steinbrenner reassures Ray that Yankee pride and tradition will continue and even though the stadium will be moving across the street, it could never change the history that took place in the old stadium. So Ray the Batboy and the Boss summon some of the greatest players who have worn the pinstripes to this hallowed field for one last game.

Laura Seely's illustrations add to the emotion of this tale of a legendary home and the realization of moving on. But as the Yankees proved this season, the new stadium will be home to its own future heroes.

About the Author:
Ray Negron is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Boy of Steel and The Greatest Story Never Told: The Babe and Jackie. He currently works with the New York Yankees as a personal consultant to George Steinbrenner. In addition, he is also director of community relations for Spalding, America's oldest baseball company.

Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (March 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061471623
ISBN-13: 978-0061471629

Is tonight the night? The Yankees have spent the past five seasons trying to erase losing their 3-0 lead to the Red Sox in the 2004 American League Championship Series, and they have their chance tonight.

There's nothing more important in each sport than grabbing the championship at the end of the season. And the World Series is an event anticipated by millions. It's not just a game, but part of our culture, which is why DK Eyewitness Books brings us World Series (DK Eyewitness Books).

Young readers can see a program from the 1930 World Series, relive the moment when the Miracle Mets took to the field in victory, and count the flags on the World Series Trophy. But what truly makes this book unique are the classic photographs from the archives of the MLB and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: DK CHILDREN (September 6, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0756602564
ISBN-13: 978-0756602567
Source of book: Library

Max Elliot Anderson at Books for Boys takes a look at two new books for boys:
Touchdown Trouble (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series) and Soccer Team Upset (The Fred Bowen Sports Story Series)

"I’m happy anytime I find books that will appeal to boys, especially reluctant readers, since that's where my books are focused. Author Fred Bowen is writing just such books, published by Peachtree Publishers in Atlanta, Georgia..."




Becky at Young Readers takes a look at The Girl Who Threw Butterflies


"In The Girl Who Threw Butterflies, Molly tries out (and makes) the boy's baseball team. Can playing baseball heal her broken heart? Can it mend the pieces of her broken family? What can she learn from the game that will help her in life?"

Thanks to the Children's Literacy and Reading News Roundup, presented by The Reading Tub and Jen Robinson's Bookpage for pointing out that congratulations are in order for the National Center for Family Literacy and the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Starting in June, the national literacy initiative encouraged young students to read throughout the WNBA season and track their minutes online in their "Fast Break to Reading" program. They recently announced that youth across the country collectively read more than 1 million minutes!

Ten WNBA teams participated in the Fast Break To Reading program: the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Detroit Shock, Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Washington Mystics. Each team tipped off a local program in June in collaboration with a local literacy organization. The teams also worked with Pitney Bowes to hold Reading Timeouts with area youth to read and speak about the importance of literacy and education.

National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) helped raise awareness of literacy and education, encouraged young students to participate, and offered tips for families on how to make reading more fun and effective during the season.

Congratulations to all!

Visit the Fast to Break to Reading YouTube channel to watch videos of WNBA players reading to children.

The 2009 World Series kicks off tonight and is the 105th edition of Major League Baseball's Championship Series. The Phillies are seeking to become the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the Yankees did so from 1998–2000, while the Yankees are seeking to extend their major-league record with a 27th World Series championship. Even your youngest readers can get excited about the game with New York Yankees ABC my first alphabet book

This is the ultimate alphabet book for every young Yankees fan! Children can learn their ABCs with photos of baseball objects and their favorite team - A is American League, M is Monument Park, Y is Yankee Stadium. It's a board book cut in the shape of a baseball jersey. And since it is a sturdy board book, it will withstand the chewing and biting that comes along with the nervousness of The World Series and it will also withstand being thrown across the room when a play doesn't go your young fan's way-- a must for any young Yankees fan!

Additional Information:
Board book: 28 pages
Publisher: Michaelson Entertainment; Brdbk edition (July 27, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1607300079
ISBN-13: 978-1607300076
Source of book: Bookstore copy

Disclosure:
Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Get in the Game--Read.

MaryAnn over at Great Kid Books has a fantastic giveaway at her blog today. The publisher of A True Story About Jackie Robinson (Testing The Ice) has agreed to give away 5 copies of this book, a wonderful, stirring picture book by Sharon Robinson and Kadir Nelson that shares the story of Jackie Robinson.

About the book:
When Jackie Robinson retires from baseball and moves his family to Connecticut, the beautiful lake on their property is the center of everyone's fun. The neighborhood children join the Robinson kids for swimming and boating. But oddly, Jackie never goes near the water.

In a dramatic episode that first winter, the children beg to go ice skating on the lake. Jackie says they can go--but only after he tests the ice to make sure it's safe. The children prod and push to get Jackie outside, until hesitantly, he finally goes.

Like a blind man with a stick, Jackie taps on the ice's surface, when suddenly howling and roaring sounds come out of the lake! It is only then that Sharon realizes why she's never seen her father in the water -- Jackie doesn't know how to swim! But her horror changes to relief as Jackie bravely taps his way to the middle of the lake -- and declare it safe!

In a stunning metaphor for Jackie Robinson's legendary breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball, Sharon Robinson honors her extraordinary father's memory with her warm graceful storytelling. Two-time Caldecott Honor Book artist Kadir Nelson has created richly rendered paintings that radiate with the beauty and spirit of one of America's finest heroes.

If you'd like to win a free copy and read MaryAnn's review, just head on over and leave a comment.

Every writer has heard the phrase, "Write what you love." Peyton, Eli and their father, Archie, have done just that in their new children's book, Family Huddle. It's widely known that family and football have always been a big deal in the Manning family, which are the two biggest components in Family Huddle.

Family Huddle is about three young brothers growing up in Louisiana. They learn to support and encourage each other while playing football under their parents' encouraging eyes.The book is set in New Orleans and Mississippi when Eli was 8, Peyton 13, and their brother Cooper, 15. The brothers load up into the car to visit their grandparents with their dad, former NFL star Archie Manning, at the wheel, and mom Olivia at his side. The boys joke around and play football at every opportunity, running fun plays like the buttonhook, the quarterback sneak, and the hook and ladder.

Madsen's (The Adventures of Thor the Thunder God) digital illustrations are striking and the colors are vibrant, stirring up your own family memories of playing football in the backyard.

What's great about this book is that it doesn't talk down to young readers. I'm always amazed at the wealth of sports information children have, which is why this book is for them. Not only are plays such as the buttonhook and quarterback sneak referenced, but they're also diagrammed at the end of the book. Not only will the Mannings win over sports lovers, but they'll also convey the importance of family-- 'As long as you look out for each other, you will always be on a winning team.'

The book is part of "Classrooms Care," a program motivating kids to read, that will donate up to a million books to participating schools when classrooms reach the 100 book a classroom quota for reading books.

Click here to read an excerpt from "Family Huddle".

Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (September 8, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545153778
ISBN-13: 978-0545153775