
A parent might reach for this book when their child shows a spark of interest in a new sport, or is trying to find an athletic activity that feels right for them. Total Sports is a visual encyclopedia that explores a massive range of sports, from ancient Greek games to modern Olympic events. It's packed with facts, history, and exciting photos that feed a child's natural curiosity and wonder. By showcasing so many different kinds of physical achievement, it can also bolster a child's sense of identity, helping them see that "being sporty" can mean many things. It’s an ideal non-fiction choice for kids aged 9-14 who love facts and action.
The book is a factual, secular overview of sports. Topics like combat sports (boxing, martial arts) are presented in the context of athletic competition, focusing on rules and skill rather than graphic violence. There may be historical mentions of injuries or rivalries, but the tone is informational, not sensationalized.
An 11-year-old who devours facts and statistics. They might not be a star athlete themselves, but they love watching the Olympics, collecting sports cards, or playing sports video games. They want to be the expert among their friends and are looking for a book they can browse repeatedly.
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Sign in to write a reviewNo specific prep is needed. This book can be handed over directly. Parents might enjoy browsing it with their child to discover new sports together. The content is straightforward and age-appropriate. A parent hears their child say, "I'm not good at sports," after a frustrating gym class. The parent wants to show them that "sports" is a huge category with something for every type of body and interest, not just the few activities played at school.
A 9-year-old will be captivated by the dynamic photographs and "did you know?" style factoids, likely skipping around to their favorite sports. A 14-year-old is more likely to read entire sections, absorbing the history and nuances of the rules, and might use it as a reference for school projects or to deepen their understanding of a sport they play or follow.
While many sports encyclopedias exist, DK's 'Total Sports' stands out for its global scope and historical depth. It doesn't just focus on popular American or European sports but gives equal, visually-rich attention to ancient games and sports from around the world. The connection back to the early Olympics provides a strong historical through-line that is often missing in similar books.
This is a comprehensive, encyclopedic guide to global sports. Organized thematically, it covers major categories like ball games, water sports, winter sports, and combat sports. Each section details the history, rules, key equipment, and notable facts for dozens of individual sports, from mainstream ones like soccer and basketball to more obscure activities like kabaddi and bandy. The book uses DK's signature style: high-quality photographs, infographics, and bite-sized text boxes to make complex information accessible and engaging.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.