From tragedies to victories, this series covers life-changing historical events through the lens of sports. The impact of terrorist attacks and how sports can be a means of healing is laid out in 2013 Boston Marathon and 2001 New York Yankees. Feminism steps front and center in U.S. Women’s National Team and Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs. Legendary athletes Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, and Jesse Owens each receive their own books, chronicling their athleticism and the racist barriers they faced as black men in the United States. Miracle on Ice highlights how a team of amateur underdogs defeated the powerful USSR hockey team during the Cold War. With time lines, critical thinking questions, and an abundant amount of back matter, this thoughtful series shows how sports are more than just entertainment; they’re unifiers. VERDICT Highly recommended for middle schoolers.

As the name of the Sports Unite Us series (8 titles) suggests, its books look at the positive impact sports have on players and the wider community. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s successes on the field, particularly its 1999 World Cup win, have also turned it into a force for social change. In four succinct chapters, the text gives background on the team and explains how these women have used their worldwide popularity to advocate for equal rights for women in sports, support gay players, and provide opportunities to lower-income players. Large photos, info boxes, and one-page asides enhance the main text, adding historical context and player profiles. This provides refreshing insight into the sportsmanship side of soccer and why these women are such effective, inspiring role models.