The Olympic Games
The Olympic Games are an international athletic competition that take place every two years, alternating between the Summer and Winter Olympics. This year the 21st Winter Olympic Games will be held in Vancouver, Canada from February 12th to the 28th.
The first Winter Olympics were held in France in 1924. The Olympic Charter defines winter sports as "sports which are practiced on snow or ice." The events have changed a lot since 1924 and now include sports such as Skeleton, Snowboarding, Luge, and Freestyle Skiing. Popular events such as Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and Ski Jumping have been around since the first Games.
Fewer countries participate in the Winter Games than in the Summer Olympics but the Vancouver 2010 Games will have around 100 nations participating in 15 different winter sports. The Olympic flame was lit on October 22, 2009 in Olympia, Greece and will travel approximately 45,000 kilometers over 106 days before making it to the Opening Ceremony on February 12th.
For more information please visit:
http://www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?articleId=218153
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Games
Contributor: Emily Griffin
Reviews
Alpine and Freestyle Skiing
Kylie Burns
2010 marks the year of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Read brief descriptions and facts about alpine and freestyle skiing. The information touches the different types of alpine skiing: the downhill, slalom, giant slalom, Super-G, and super combined. The freestyle skiing events like the aerials, moguls, and ski cross are also briefly described. There are many captioned, color photographs catching the action of the skiers. The text layout has the main heading on the left page and the multiple subheadings on the right. Under each subheading is a block of text comprised of a few facts. There are several inserts throughout the book. For instance, on the bottom border of the pages there are inserts that have the names of the 2006 Olympic medalists. Different alpine and freestyle skiing champions are featured in the book and brief facts are shared about them. The index may be helpful to those readers looking for particular alpine and freestyle skiers. A key to the country abbreviations that are used are listed in the back of the book. Some readers may require an introduction to the format and style of this informational text of quick, informational reference notes and facts. For more information about the sport several internet sites are provided along with books titles for further reading. This book is a part of the "Winter Olympic Sports" series; however, it is noted that the books in the series are not a part of the official Olympic association. 2010, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 11, $8.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4039-1
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4020-9
Biathlon, Cross-Country, Ski Jumping, and Nordic Combined
Kylie Burns
Read the quick facts and brief descriptions about the different Nordic skiing events of the winter Olympics. The subheadings on the page separate the different pieces of information like the description of the biathlon, the general procedures of the biathlon relay, and the first triple-gold medal champion of the biathlon. Find out about some of the champions' stories and their records. On the bottom border of the page, the 2006 Olympic medalists are recognized. There are several captioned, color photographs of these athletes. The words in the glossary are in bold print in the main body. The index may be helpful for those readers looking for specific information. The cataloging in publications page, main title page, and table of contents are all on the same page. Some students may need an introduction to the layout and style of this type of informational text that features numerous facts on the pages. For those readers wishing to learn more about the sport, there is a list of several internet sites to explore and additional books to read. This book is one of eight in the "Winter Olympic Sports" series. The publisher notes that the books in the series are not authorized by the official Olympic association. 2010, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 11, $8.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4040-7
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4021-6
Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton
Robin Johnson
These sled races go at incredible speeds--so fast that in the races they are timed down to a hundredth or even a thousandth of a second. Read and find out just how quick and who some of the champions are. Numerous facts and figures are presented in this informational text about the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton races which are some of the winter sporting events in the Olympics. The information is separated by subheadings under each chapter heading. There are several color photographs with captions. Words in the glossary are found in bold type in the main text. A key to the country abbreviations used in the book is on the last page of the book. Guidance for readers may be needed to understand the style and format of this type of presentation of reference. Students looking for specific information may find the index to be helpful and for those students who are looking for further information about these sleds, there is the list of additional resources including websites. This book is one of eight in the "Winter Olympic Sports" series which is not authorized as part of the official Olympics. 2010, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 11, $8.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4043-8
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4024-7
Canadian Sports
Susan Hughes
A wide range of topics are given brief treatment in Canadian Sports. Susan Hughes begins with the history of lacrosse and hockey, including a short description of the current game. A chapter on sports invented by Canadians includes basketball, synchronized swimming, floor hockey, ringette, and five-pin bowling. Soccer, football, curling, snowshoeing and a few other sports are described. Major Canadian athletes such as Wayne Gretzky, Cindy Klassen and Steve Nash are each given approximately one page. The book closes with the 1972 Canada - Russia Summit Series and the 2002 Olympic Women's and Men's Hockey victories. With large text and bold headings, this title is aimed at a younger reader but the content may also appeal to older readers. The numerous topics covered result in only basic content, which may frustrate serious sports fans. Colour photographs with captions are on every two-page spread. Fact boxes highlight interesting historical or statistical information, such as "one in five Canadian adults plays hockey." (Contains a small grammatical error.) There is a glossary and table of contents but no index. Many young readers will enjoy this book. Recommended. (Canada Close Up Series) Category: Non-Fiction Grades K-6. Thematic Links: Sports in Canada; Canadian Athletes. Resource Links Rating: G (Good, great at times, generally useful!), Gr. 3-5. 2009, Scholastic Canada, 60p. Illus., Pbk. $6.99. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Linda Irvine (Resource Links, April 2009 (Vol. 14, No. 4)).
ISBN: 9780545990127
ISBN: 0545990122
Figure Skating
Joseph Gustaitis
A collection of facts and trivia about the Olympic champions of figure skating are gathered. Brief descriptions and information are presented on the page with subheadings. There are short descriptions of the different skating moves and some history that reflects the changes that have occurred in the events. One chapter describes information about judging and the changes in the scoring system. Color photographs with captions feature some of the great figure skaters from different countries; there is a key to the country abbreviations used in the back of the book. The index is a quick guide to locate information about particular skaters or about the sport. The title page, cataloging in publication page, and table of contents are all on the same page. Some guidance or introduction may be needed to discuss the format and presentation of the information which appears in separate blocks with subheading. This book is a part of the "Winter Olympic Sports" series which cover other winter events. Although the text is mainly about the winter Olympics events, the publisher acknowledges that it is not authorized by the Olympic association. 2010, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 11, $8.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4041-4
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4022-3
Girls' Ice Hockey: Dominating the Rink
Tami Johnson
Welcome to the extremely exciting and fast paced world of ice hockey. Many people assume that ice hockey is only a sport for men. Even today it is extremely male dominated. This book gives an insider's look into the role that women have played in the sport and their lengthy history as players. It continues on to the present day where women's ice hockey receives a lot more notice. The surge in public interest in the sport accompanied the USA's win in the 1998 winter Olympics. You can learn about what it takes to play, the gear, and some of the more important rules and aspects of the game. There are also quick little biographies of some of the more notable women playing today. One of the best parts of the book is the encouragement it offers young girls that are interested in playing ice hockey and other sports. It offers ideas for sports scholarships and insight about professional organizations. The pictures and graphics throughout are marvelous, very bright, and interesting. This book would be a great addition to an elementary school library and a great way to diversify a collection. 2008, Capstone Press, Ages 8 up, $25.26. Reviewer: Melyssa Malinowski (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781429601337
ISBN: 1429601337
How Figure Skating Works
Keltie Thomas
Illustrated by Stephen MacEachern
After reading this book, you will find yourself anxiously looking forward to the next Winter Olympics. You will never view the sport the same way again because you will have a fountain of information at your fingertips. Given that this book is a mini-encyclopedia of information, readers will come away appreciating the finer points of the sport. It provides interesting details about ice, skates, costumes, jumps, coaching, choreography, and the emotional state of skaters. The text is accompanied by diagrams, photos, illustrations, and cartoons. Embedded throughout are interesting vignettes about famous male and female figure skaters along with tidbits of information that will surely impress your friends and relatives. You will learn who the "lutz jump" and "Button camel" were named for. It goes behind the scenes at the Olympics and other events, sharing the very human characteristics of well-known figure skaters. For example, how they worked with coaches to gain the much needed mental edge to win. It provides an historical context for topics such as the design of skates and the evolution of jumps. It honors those who have won metals, as well as those whose achievements are prized, even if they did not walk away with a medal. This is the kind of book that readers can return to time and again to look up indexed information, define terms, and thumb through to review highlights. 2009, Maple Tree Press, Ages 8 up, $12.95. Reviewer: Judith Zorfass (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-897349-59-5
Ice Hockey and Curling
Robin Johnson
Quick facts and statistics are found on the pages of this book from the "Winter Olympic Sports" series. Although the book and series are not officially associated with the Olympics, there are many pieces of brief information about ice hockey and curling in relation to the sport and the Olympics such as when curling became an official part of the competition or the surprising victories in hockey. There are insets and borders with more information such as the 2006 Winter Olympic medalists and other historical facts. Readers will find color photographs with captions on nearly every page. A glossary is included and the words in the glossary appear in bold print in the main body of the text. For specific information, some children may find the index to be helpful while those children seeking more information about ice hockey or curling, there is a list with suggested books and websites to explore. Some readers may need an introduction to the format and style of this time of quick reference book since the flow of the text is different in presentation. The title page, catalog in publishing page, and table of contents share the same page. There are multiple, short blocks of information with their own subheadings on each page. 2010, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 11, $8.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4042-1
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4023-0
The Night Olympic Team: Fighting to Keep Drugs Out of the Games
Caroline Hatton
Everyone likes to win, but when the desire becomes so strong that the athletes make poor choices of drug use to give them the edge, something has to be done. This book is devoted to explaining how to keep drugs out of the games. It is difficult to teach young people that doing their best even if they lose is better than taking performance-inducing drugs. It was exciting to read this book and learn how science is working on the problem. Throughout the book are special pages distinguished by giving the page a block effect. These pages contain a further explanation about what has just been read. For example, "EPO: The Body's Blood-Boosting Hormone" and "Can Athletes Be Thrown Out for Taking Cold Medicines?" This book will be of interest to both boys and girls who are personally involved with sports or if they have a friend or family member involved in sports. I actually think all PE teachers should require this book to be read by their students. It is well written, easy to understand, and answers many questions. This would be a wonderful resource in schools. The author manages to take the mystery out of drug testing on athletes and the consequences of taking them. This is a must read book for young adults. 2008, Boyds Mill Press, Ages 12 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781590785669
ISBN: 1590785665
Queen of Disguises
Melanie Jackson
Red-headed, singing dynamo Dinah Galloway competes to sing British Columbia advertisements--set to swing music--for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. But she is on her guard against Violet Bridey whom Dinah helped send to jail. Violet is the aunt of Angela Bridey who is also competing for a chance to sing. Aunt Violet has escaped from jail and is after Dinah. Along with Angela, the winner for the operatic commercials, and Cornwall Blutz, the runner up for swing, Dinah goes to a fitness camp--mainly to hide from Aunt Violet, but also to lose ten pounds to be the swing singer. She becomes closer friends with Angela, though Dinah's natural inclination has always been to hang around with boys. Begrudgingly, she becomes fit and learns she can do without fattening foods. She also discovers Angela is not as nice as she seems. Instead, she takes after her beloved Aunt Vi in trying to hurt Dinah. In the end, Dinah figures out Angela's plans. Dinah does not lose the ten pounds but instead grows two inches, allowing her to be the winner for the swing commercials. She realizes Cornwall desperately wanted to win and that he should get the gig. I like this book, which is the latest in the "Dinah Galloway Mystery" series. Dinah is flawed but good hearted and energetic. The writing is compelling and amusing. Children will relate to her problems and chuckle at her humor. 2009, Orca Book Publishers, Ages 9 to 12, $9.95. Reviewer: Sarah Maury Swan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781554690374
Ready, Set, Snow!
Abby Klein
Illustrated by John McKinley
Freddy Thresher is a first grade student with a gigantic problem. He is participating in the snowshoe race competition between Mrs. Wushy's class and Mrs. Brown's class in the mini Winter Olympics but he has never used snowshoes before in his life. Not only that, Freddy takes on a bet with Max, the classroom bully, who is also in the snowshoe race. If Freddy loses the race, Max will get all of Freddy's desserts for a week. Robbie and Jessie, Freddy's friends, help him to practice and train for the snowshoe event. Will he be ready for the race in just three days? Those readers acquainted with the funny adventures of Freddy from the "Ready, Freddy" series will find out how Freddy handles this predicament. Readers may enjoy the additional activities in the book. In each picture, the illustrator hides the word "fin" for readers to locate. After the story, there is section called Freddy's Fun Pages that includes shark information and activities. 2009, Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, Ages 6 to 7, $5.99. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780439895965
ISBN: 0439895960
Simon Says Gold: Simon Whitfield's Pursuit of Athletic Excellence
Simon Whitfield with Cleve Dheensaw
In 2000 at the Summer Games in Sydney, Canadian Simon Whitfield competed and won the first ever Olympic triathlon event. Four years later the seemingly confident and prepared Whitfield floundered in the Athens Olympics and finished in eleventh place in his event. Dogged by criticism and self-doubt, Whitfield refocused his training efforts, mental preparation, and drive to come within a hairs breadth of winning the triathlon gold medal in the 2008 Olympic Games at Beijing. Here, in this illustrated autobiography, readers will meet a world class athlete who not only competes at the highest level but also is able to describe the factors that help him to strive for excellence. In conjunction with Cleve Dheensaw, Whitfield traces his life from his roots in Canada through his relocation to Australia to enhance his early growth and development as an athlete. In addition to his personal account of his life and career, Whitfield also offers readers interesting perspectives on striving to achieve balance in life, maximizing effort, positive visualization for success, and working toward a dream. While Simon Whitfield may not be as well known to many readers as famous team sports participants, his drive to the top, decline, and athletic renewal do make for an interesting story that will appeal to youngsters with an interest in sports. 2009, Orca Book Publishers, Ages 12 up, $14.00. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-55469-141-8
Shaun White: Snow and Skateboard Champion
Marty Gitlin
Marty Gitlin writes the biography of Shaun White, a phenomenal, young athlete that has taken the extreme sports world by storm. White is best known for his snowboarding gold medal in the 2006 Winter Olympics. In this biography, Marty Gitlin shows the sacrifices the White family made for Shaun and how these sacrifices paid off in the end. The White family was far from wealthy, and while the other kids who were competing in the snowboarding competitions stayed at the fancy resorts where the competitions were held, White and his family lived out of their van "Big Mo." When he won his first snowboarding competition in 1993 at the age of seven, Gitlin states, "It quickly became obvious that Shaun was a natural." Amazingly, White's talent does not stop at snowboarding; he is also a professional skateboarder. Rarely are people talented to that extent in both sports, even though there are some striking similarities between the two sports. Since 2003, he has been competing in the X-Games in both snowboarding and skateboarding, usually winning in both events. Marty Gitlin provides a look into White's professional and personal life, and young readers will be intrigued by this young sports phenomenon. 2009, Enslow Publishers, Ages 8 to 12, $23.93. Reviewer: Shelly Shaffer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780766036277
ISBN: 0766036278
Snowboard
Joseph Gustaitis
Snowboarding is like a combination of skiing, surfing, and skateboarding. This sport is part of the Winter Olympics competition since 1998. Read about the different facts and statistics of snowboarding in relation to the Olympics. The subheadings separate the different blocks of brief information in the layout. There are several color pictures of some of the champions from different parts of the world. On the lower borders of the page are the 2006 Olympic medalists. Besides the glossary, there is a subsection in the main text that explains some of the terminology used in snowboarding. For students who are researching this topic, the index may help them to locate specific information or the list of books and websites may provide sources for additional information. An introduction to the format and presentation of this informational text may help to support some students as they try to navigate the facts in the text. This book is part of the "Winter Olympic Sports" series which feature other Olympic events. The publishers note that the series is not an authorized by the Olympic association. 2010, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 11, $8.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4045-2
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4026-1
Speed Skating
Joseph Gustaitis
Brief information, bits of trivia, and statistics of the Winter Olympic speed skating events and medalists are presented in this informational text. The different pieces of information are arranged by subheading on the page. Read and find out who were the speed skating champions in the previous Olympics and the records they set. There is a sneak peek of the Pacific Coliseum and Richmond Olympic Oval in Vancouver, the 2010 Winter Olympic site. Several color photographs with captions are found throughout the book. Fans of speed skating may find the index helpful to locate particular information. For additional resources, a list of books and websites to explore are provided. There is a glossary, whose words can be found in bold print in the main body of the text. Some readers, who are unfamiliar with the format and style of this book, may need some guidance to understand how to use the text features. In the "Winter Olympic Sports" series, this book is one of eight that presents facts about the winter Olympics events. Although the information features information about the winter Olympics, it is not authorized by the Olympic association. 2010, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 11, $8.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4046-9
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4027-8
To view Olympics book reviews from previous years, click on the following links:
2004 feature
Added 1/25/10
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