Soccer World: Mexico by Ethan Zohn & David Rosenberg

Soccer World: Mexico

by Ethan Zohn & David Rosenberg

Publisher: Nomad Press

ISBN-13: 978-1934670552

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Summary:

Ethan continues his adventures around the world, this time meeting up with his young soccer-playing friend Gabriel in Mexico City as they explore the culture and customs of our neighbors to the south. From a walking tour of Mexico City to visits at ancient civilization ruins; from an amazing once-in-a-lifetime butterfly migration sanctuary to colorful Lucha Libre wrestling - Ethan and readers experience the real Mexico, away from the tourist traps and border towns.

Activities generated from each chapter are wide-ranging, including learning Spanish, science and math projects based on the Mayan cultures, creative writing and art projects borrowed from Mexican folk art and celebrations, and even a few simple recipes. As in all Soccer World adventures, readers will have the opportunity to research a “give back” project in Mexico and, through their efforts, make a difference in this wonderful country.

My Review:

I love receiving books for my boys to review, especially Doodle, my 6 yr old. He loves reading and he loves soccer so Soccer World: Mexico was the best combination!

When we received the book, my son dug right in. I had actually heard about this series some time ago when I saw Ethan Zohn discussing his cancer recovery. I had remembered him from Survivor and wanted to catch up on his life. When I saw this book offered through The Product Review Place Blogger Select Group, I knew I had to find out more! So glad I did.

The best part, Doodle had just started soccer through Community Ed. He also loves learning Spanish words. This is where this book is so fantastic for kids. It dives not only into the sport of soccer in other countries, but it’s a cultural experience.

What did we learn from Soccer World: Mexico? We learned where Mexico is located, what the history is like, interesting facts about Mexico, basic Spanish words, foods they eat, a couple crafts, and an eco-challenge.

This is the first book that any of my kids wanted to ever try an activity that was included. Sure they’ve had Activity books, but not a book that had one specific activity that had to do with a culture. Funny part is, Doodle wanted to make salsa, which he specifically kept calling Mexico Salsa, not to be confused with Salsa from Germany or Finland. hahaha It just cracked me up. Here’s a look at us working on the activity:

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Thankfully the last day of soccer they were able to play outside even though the weather was drizzly. Doodle absolutely loves the sport and learned a new aspect of it through Soccer World: Mexico.

Another great part is that we’re avid Survivor fans and this book came at the perfect time of us watching Survivor Villains vs. Heroes.

Doodle sent an email to Ethan Zohn asking him questions about the book. He absolutely loves interacting with the authors and takes it very seriously. Here’s Ethan’s Response:

Dear Ryan:
I am so glad to get your email and that you enjoyed my Soccer World books.  I hope you understand that I am very busy getting ready for the World Cup, so I can't answer all your questions.

The great thing about being a soccer player is that I meet people from all over the world. The Spanish words in the book I learned from my friend who was born and raised in Mexico. I never played an official game of soccer in China, but I did walk the Great Wall to help raise funds for charity which was cool.

Keep reading and learning and thanks for writing.
Ethan

About the Author:

Ethan Zohn is a professional soccer player known for his nice-guys-finish-first win on “Survivor: Africa.” Since then, Ethan has become a full-time philanthropist and lecturer, investing his million-dollar winnings in co-founding the African AIDS/HIV project GrassrootSoccer. He currently travels around the world talking to students about the importance of giving back to the world. Ethan has also served as a host for the MSG Soccer Report, the Fox Soccer Channel, and the environmental travel series “Earthtripping.” He has also been named one of Katie Couric’s Cancer Ambassadors, inspiring others through his own battle with Hodgkins’ Lymphoma.

David Rosenberg is an award-winning television and book author. Along with many sitcom scripts, he wrote for the classic Nickelodeon series RUGRATS, ROCKET POWER and THE WILD THORNBERRYS (Environmental Media Award nominee), along with developing animated children’s programming for Walt Disney and Klasky Csupo. He was a Humanitas Award finalist - honoring writing which promotes human dignity and meaning - and won a Media Access Award for co-writing a ROCKET POWER episode dealing with disability issues. He is currently represented on book shelves by THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR joke book, various MADLIBS, and was a contributor to the MALE AND FEMALE UNDER 18 anthology as well as authoring numerous national magazine articles.

About the Illustrator:

Shawn Braley, Shawn Braley is an award-winning illustrator. He attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, Inc. He specializes in cartoon and editorial illustration. Braley is also a world traveler, musician, cat owner, and comic art collector. He lives in Southern Vermont. http://www.shawnbraley.com

I’d like to thank Andy from Nomad Press and The Product Review Place Blogger Select for the review copy of Soccer World: Mexico. The opinion of this book is completely from our family’s experience.