Review by Paul Walter (Children's Literature):
Of course everyone looks at his free kicks and his passing, but he tackles back and works hard for the team. He is brilliant, and sometimes it goes unnoticed.” It would be easy for hard work and diligence, the less-glamorous, behind-the-scenes work of David Beckham to go unnoticed because of this lethal scorer’s mythical shroud. While this title in the “People to Know Today” series certainly does touch on Beckham’s fundamentals and dedication, there is a blurry line drawn between Beckham the soccer phenom and Beckham the celebrity. With a combination of skill, a trademark corner kick, ferocious promotion and a celebrity wife, Beckham and his family attract attention, money and fans wherever they go. That is why you can forgive the text’s inability to separate the two facets of Beckham. While the layout is not flashy, nor eye-catching, the text is fluent and straightforward. Also included every three or four pages the green-shaded asides, which explain everything from European soccer league structure to the Beckhams’ charity work, are useful and provide a bit of a visual break. Unfortunately the pictures don’t do their part to offer a visual hiatus from the extensive text. The pictures are often small, somewhat sparse, and often lag a page or two behind their relevance. As it has been difficult for professional soccer to catch on in America, this book is not likely to attract new fans with its layout or narrative. For those already caught up in Beckham hysteria, though, this title offers thorough insight into his rise, talent and celebrity status. 2008, Enslow Publishers Inc. Ages 10 to 13. ( )