Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach by Kim Chaffee, illustrated by Alexandra Badiu

Published by Page Street Kids

Summary:  As the youngest of seven children, Abby Wambach learned to be tough, especially on the soccer field.  After a successful high school career that ended with a crushing state championship loss, Abby played at the University of Florida where she was recruited for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.  She toughened up even more with a personal trainer to become part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.  She was on track to win another medal when she broke her leg shortly before the 2008 Olympics, but her encouragement from the sidelines helped her team win gold again.  After a year of rehab, she was back, scoring her 100th career goal in 2009.  Includes additional information about Abby’s childhood and her post-2009 soccer career, a list of soccer terms with definitions, and a bibliography.  32 pages; grades K-4.

Pros:  A lively introduction to Abby Wambach’s life with colorful illustrations and an eye-catching cover that will grab the interest of sports fans.

Cons:  I wish there had been some information on Abby’s activism on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and women in sports.

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