Patience at the Plate: And Other Baseball Skills (Sports Illustrated Kids: More Than a Game)

Gr 3-5--While there are nonfiction books on the market about sportsmanship, there are markedly fewer that focus on social and emotional skill development. This helpful series offers solid advice for young athletes and works as an important primer for caregivers and coaches who want to show their kiddos how team sports can meaningfully carry over to their everyday lives. The importance of perseverance is stressed in Courage on the Football Field and Patience at the Plate, where young athletes need to have the grit to pick themselves up and carry on. This brand of perseverance veers decidedly away from stoicism and toward building resilience by working through challenges. Respect on the Court and Teamwork on the Soccer Field both encourage players to show empathy and respect toward their teammates, rivals, and coaches. The writing is direct and includes examples of professional athletes demonstrating the skills, giving readers positive role models to emulate. VERDICT A recommended first purchase.