Mia Hamm: Striking Superstar

Children's Literature
Part of the publisher's "Soccer's New Wave" series, chronicling many of today's new athletic icons, this title profiles soccer star Mia Hamm who won an Olympic Gold Medal as a leading member of the American Olympic soccer team. She is now a prominent reason why soccer has become so popular with young players, particularly girls, who have their own star athlete to emulate. Today, replicas of her number 9 Team USA Olympic jersey are big sellers, testifying to her enormous popularity, previously unheard of for a woman soccer player. Hamm's exposure to the sport began early in her life, when, as the daughter of a fighter pilot, she was a military brat, living an itinerant life as her father's assignments changed. But being exposed to different sets of children on a regular basis as her family moved around turned into a benefit to the future Olympian, exposing her early on to a wide variety of competition. Like other books in this series, this title explores the subject's life, from childhood to star, in a light, easy to understand style. Although there is not much detail in this 48-page title, this book will undoubtedly grab the attention of those reluctant readers who happen to be sports fans. 2000, The Millbrook Press, Ages 8 to 10, $20.90. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson