Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach

Chaffee uses thwumps, whizzes, and whooshes to communicate soccer player Abby Wambach’s (b. 1980) energy and skill in this upbeat tribute to the player’s resilience. Goals and games are lost and won as fast-moving prose narrates the hurdles and triumphs experienced by Wambach as an Olympian; a refrain, “But Abby was tougher,” emphasizes the athlete’s fierce determination. A major injury demonstrates the figure’s emotional fortitude when she must cheer on the U.S. Olympic women’s team from a hospital bed. Angular digital graphics by Badiu present Wambach alongside teammates of varying skin tones. Starry ribbons of electric pink and purple trail the figure in the lead-up to goals, gendering moments of athletic prowess while emphasizing her sensational success. Includes author note, glossary, and bibliography. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)