Perhaps the most iconic representation of Americana, baseball captured the hearts of the American public when it first gained traction around the country in the mid-19th century. The sport continues to enthrall audiences both in the United States and around the world through informal games, regional associations, and at the professional level. This volume introduces readers to the history of a sport that in many ways is inextricably tied to the American...

Anyone who has experienced the thrill of watching his or her team win on Super Bowl Sunday will recognize the exhilaration that the game of football generates. Gridiron football is a complex game that demands both tactical ability and physical skill. This enthralling volume outlines the history and rules of American football, chronicles the rise of some of its greatest players, and illustrates how the game has become such a beloved cultural phenomenon....

When asked to define what makes a sport extreme, one practitioner-a rock climber in the countryside and a skateboarder in the city-replied, "It's a sport where you may well hurt yourself, or worse." Readers of this compelling book will learn all about these alternative, edgy sports and what it takes to parachute from an airplane, zip-line through the air, or brave the possibility of a flash flood by venturing into a canyon. Or, readers may simply...

The oldest organized sport in North America, lacrosse was first played by the Six Nations of the Iroquois and later adopted by European settlers in the nineteenth century. The game has evolved into a thrilling, fast-paced field sport enjoyed by players of all ages. In addition to the thousands of youth and college teams, professional leagues in the United States and Canada have raised the level of competition. Readers will discover the rules and levels...

From its earliest inception with modified cars painted in modest black and white to the logo-covered stock cars that race today, fans get the inside track on NASCAR and the people who turned it into a multi-million dollar industry. Lively biographies of the greatest drivers on the motorway are featured, including legends, young up-and-comers, and the courageous women who have been fearless pioneers in this traditionally male-dominated sport. This...

Through narrative nonfiction text, readers learn about the thrilling finishes and unlikely stories behind the creation and growth of one of the most famous motorsports events in the world. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, a fast-fact section, fact-filled captions and callouts, a glossary, sources for further research, an introduction to the authors, and a listing of source notes. Author/Illustrator biography Educational...

Through narrative nonfiction text, readers learn about the athletes, officials, and fans involved in putting on the sports event that brings together hundreds of countries around the world. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, a fast-fact section, fact-filled captions and callouts, a glossary, sources for further research, an introduction to the authors, and a listing of source notes. Author/Illustrator biography Educational...

Through narrative nonfiction text, readers learn about some of the star athletes and exciting moments that make the World Cup one of the sports world's biggest events. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, a fast-fact section, fact-filled captions and callouts, a glossary, sources for further research, an introduction to the authors, and a listing of source notes. Author/Illustrator biography Educational front/back...

From the time cars were invented just before the turn of the 20th century, men have loved driving fast in them. It was almost a compulsion of pioneers like Emile Levassor and Karl Benz to make their machines go fast. Racing fever began in Europe, with races happening from point to point, city to city, on existing roads. Open-wheel road racing there evolved into the super high tech, big budget sport of Formula One racing. American open-wheel racing...