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(3)
1-3
Pedro series.
Illustrated by
Tammie Lyon.
In two standalone early chapter books, Pedro and friends Katie and JoJo take karate lessons (Ninja); and, using paper cups, their class experiments with construction (Tower). Expressive full-color illustrations and wide leading will aid beginning readers, who should readily connect to Pedro's spunk and personality. Jokes, writing prompts, and discussion questions are appended. Also available in Spanish. Glos. Review covers these Pedro titles: Pedro the Ninja and Pedro's Tricky Tower.
32 pp.
| HarperCollins/Tegen
| August, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-235124-1$17.99
(2)
K-3
Ada is cranky because going to stupid ballet class is "not her thing." Her sorry attempt at a pirouette sends her straight into Mr. Chop, who teaches karate and likes her style. The writing throughout is note-perfect, featuring omniscient narration used to droll effect. Gravel doesn't squander words, the book design doesn't waste space, and she plants humor in every illustration.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2016
(3)
4-6
SportsZone: Inside Martial Arts series.
Each book in this series presents the history, rules, vocabulary, techniques, and key personalities of its sport. While similarities among these sports exist, the authors emphasize how distinct purposes and procedures make each a unique form of martial arts. Aficionados will appreciate the colorful action photographs and the engaging play-by-play depictions of moves that accompany the readable texts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following SportsZone: Inside Martial Arts titles: Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu,Karate, Aikido, Judo, and Mixed Martial Arts.
375 pp.
| Candlewick
| September, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-6280-6$16.99
(3)
YA
Overcome with guilt after getting Ellie pregnant (Jumping Off Swings), Josh moves in with his karate-obsessed, incessantly cheerful uncle. He starts senior year at a new school, attends his uncle's karate classes, and makes a new friend-who-might-be-more. Josh is a sensitive guy whose pain is palpable; readers will root for him as he--slowly--conquers the demons of his past.
12 pp.
| Little Simon
| April, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4424-2748-8$9.99
(3)
PS
Photographs by
Leyah Jensen.
Each of these books features five energetic young kids experiencing their first gymnastics or karate class. Important words and basic steps appear in bold, colorful type; lifting the page flap reveals an explanation or demonstration of each move. The texts are minimal and clear, reinforced by the accompanying combination of photographs and drawings atop lots of white space for a clean look. Review covers these titles: My First Gymnastics Class and My First Karate Class.
32 pp.
| Lerner
| April, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7613-8459-5$26.60
(4)
4-6
Martial Arts Sports Zone series.
This series offers students of martial arts action-packed photographs and detailed, overly dense text. Providing an overview of combat sports, each volume includes a definition and the history/culture of the sport as well as a listing of necessary equipment and an explanation of critical moves. Chapters identify celebrity men and women and their involvement with each sport. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Martial Arts Sports Zone titles: Amateur Wrestling, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Karate, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, and Tae Kwon Do.
131 pp.
| Candlewick
| March, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-4346-1$12.99
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
Irrepressible Stink is back, this time searching for a sport to improve his unsatisfactory grade in P.E. While thumb-wrestling initially speaks to the non-sporty Stink, the competition and focus of karate may be an even better fit. Young readers will enjoy the humor, the fast pace, and the comic-style illustrations.
32 pp.
| Sea to Sea
| September, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59771-275-0$28.50
(4)
4-6
Combat Sports series.
Each volume begins with a brief explanation of the combat sport then delves into its history. Discussion of the sport's popularity and competitive appeal, overviews of its famous participants, and "Top 10 Moves" are all explored. The spreads are busy with action photos, quotes, and sidebars, but the high-interest topics may attract reluctant readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Combat Sports titles: Karate, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, and Tae Kwon Do.
215 pp.
| Houghton
| May, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-06248-8$16.00
(3)
YA
After losing their mom to cancer, sisters Zen and Xander struggle to overcome their grief. Sixteen-year-old karate instructor Zen acts out violently, and eighteen-year-old science genius Xander parties hard. When a secret from their mother's past surfaces, the sisters come together to go after the truth. Emotional scenes and insightful narration illustrate the sisters' difficult journey to understanding.
106 pp.
| Candlewick
| October, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-2977-9$15.99
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Anik McGrory.
Shy first grader Monty isn't sure he wants to be a "budding actor" in the school play. Later, he joins a karate class, one of the few sports he can do despite his asthma, and voluntarily participates in the class exhibition. This gentle story, illustrated with good-natured black-and-white watercolors, uses empathy and humor to win over readers.
32 pp.
| Gareth
| September, 2004
|
LibraryISBN 0-8368-4193-X$24.67
(3)
4-6
Martial Arts series.
These basic introductions touch on each martial art's history, philosophical underpinnings, and required clothing and equipment. The clear texts and sharp photos provide step-by-step instructions for various stances, kicks, throws, and blocking moves. Although the books can't substitute for in-person lessons, they're a close second, and they may lure novices. Lists of websites and association addresses are included. Glos., ind. Review covers these Martial Arts titles: Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Karate, and Kickboxing.
32 pp.
| Cavendish
| September, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-7614-5169-2$14.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Bill Thomson.
Impressions of a typical karate class are presented in a serviceable rhyming text ("We show respect, walk to our place. / The master moves with strength and grace"). The hyperrealistic mixed-media illustrations use a variety of perspectives to convey energy and movement; they overdo the close-ups of feet, fists, and faces, however. An afterword provides fascinating information about the history and principles of karate.
48 pp.
| Tuttle
| July, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-8048-3534-9$11.95
(3)
4-6
This introduction to karate is accessible, agreeably colloquial, well organized, unusually detailed ("arrive...about ten to fifteen minutes before the class is supposed to start"), and thorough, covering everything from the history of karate to the uniform to the various kicks and blocks to what to expect in class. The color diagrams (which feature both girls and boys) are clear and helpful.
40 pp.
| HarperCollins
| May, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-06-028442-0$$14.99
|
LibraryISBN 0-06-028446-3$$15.89
(4)
K-3
Good Sports series.
Illustrated by
Paul Meisel.
Anxious to be like his martial-arts idol, rabbit Chip joins a karate class. He sits impatiently through lessons on martial-arts history and breathing techniques; it's only when he displays the "spirit of karate" that he's finally rewarded with a yellow belt. This lengthy tale requires a certain amount of patience to get through, but the appealing cartoon animals lend enthusiasm to the story.
32 pp.
| Farrar
| October, 2003
|
TradeISBN 0-374-33977-5$$16.00
(3)
K-3
A young girl, angry at the bullies who harass her brother, changes her mind about revenge once she begins karate, which teaches students "to be sure enough of oneself to avoid a fight." The straightforward text focuses on karate's physical and mental components. The illustrations, though just this side of garish, capture (through facial expressions and a repeated dragon motif) the serenity and strength the girl gains.
32 pp.
| Doubleday
| April, 2001
|
TradeISBN 0-385-32742-0$$12.95
(4)
K-3
Reluctant at first, a boy agrees to try karate and finds he enjoys it. He describes some of the conventions of the sport (including special vocabulary, exercises, and the belt system) and how karate improves his confidence and grades. The boy's transformation is well portrayed, and though amateurish, the unpretentious pen-and-ink illustrations have energy and a naive charm. Glos.
40 pp.
| Knopf
| May, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-375-80157-X$$16.95
|
LibraryISBN 0-375-90157-4$$17.99
(3)
1-3
Bushi, a Japanese schoolboy, is constantly bullied until he chances upon the magical black belt of a karate master. Thrown back through time into a feudal era of samurai and bandits, Bushi learns enough karate firsthand to defend himself against the school bully later when he returns to his own time. The story is fluid and satisfying, as are the detailed illustrations.
74 pp.
| Clarion
| September, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-395-98031-3$$15.00
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Dan Yaccarino.
Fifth-grader Alex signs up for karate lessons in order to protect himself from the new boy at school, whose large size has Alex convinced he's a bully. In a well-crafted chapter book with just the right amount of humor and suspense, Myers tells a satisfying story about making friends with the (perceived) enemy. Yaccarino's illustrations match the light tone and help break up the text for young readers.