Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach

Description

As a child, Abby Wambach was loud and clear about what she wanted and what she didn't, and she didn't want to be left out of any competition-especially soccer. In this powerful biography, readers will dance and dart down fields with Abby as she slingshots--balls thwump. whiz. whoosh--straight into goals, sweating and scoring her way from school league leader to U.S. Women's National Team star. The story follows Abby through both success and setbacks because while even pro athletes miss goals, face losses, and can get injured, determined Abby has always been tougher than her toughest challenge. Readers will cheer on this talented fan favorite as she kicks the legendary U.S. Women's team toward Olympic fame, while also being reminded that there's just as much inspiration in Abby's struggles as in her victories.

Kim Chaffee was in seventh grade when she first played soccer and quickly realized she was better at hand-eye coordinated sports than foot-eye ones. She's always admired the physical and mental toughness of those that play the game at all levels, especially Abby Wambach. Today, Kim carries her courage in her climbing shoes as she learns the new skill of rock climbing. Kim is the author of Her Fearless Run: Kathrine Switzer's Historic Boston Marathon and Nothing Wee About Me! (both Page Street Kids) and lives with her family in New Hampshire.

"[A] strong work, featuring lively onomatopoeia and threaded with a joyful spirit of perseverance [...] Sure to win over young sports fans." --Kirkus Reviews "[C]hronicles [Abby Wambach's] successes, failures and never-give-up spirit [...] Add to collections where sports bios are popular." --School Library Journal "Chaffee and Badiu vibrantly relay soccer star Abby Wambach's career, emphasizing her persistence and devotion to the game [...] A fun and inspiring picture book for children who admire athletes or love soccer." --Booklist