What a Kick: How a Clutch World Cup Win Propelled Women's Soccer (Captured History Sports)
History of sports Series
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
The 1999 Women's World Cup final was a pivotal moment in women's sports history. After a scoreless match and two overtimes, the outcome hinged on penalty kicks between the USA and China. With the penalty score tied at 4-4, American player Brandi Chastain scored the winning goal. Her celebration and the iconic image of her joy became a symbol of the arrival of women's sports on the global stage, proving that they deserved the same recognition as men's sports.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
76 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the World Cup win impact the perception of women's soccer globally?
What challenges do you think the players faced during their journey, and how did they overcome them?
How do events like the World Cup inspire individuals and communities?
What qualities do you admire most in the players, and why?
How can this story inspire you in your own life or sports endeavors?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the perseverance and teamwork displayed by the players. Ask them to relate the story to their own experiences with team sports or group activities. Highlight the historical significance of the event and its impact on women's sports, fostering a deeper understanding of gender equality in sports. Share personal experiences or stories about sports and resilience to create a more relatable discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: The narrative chronicles the journey of women's soccer leading up to a pivotal World Cup win, highlighting the players' relentless effort and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by consistently working hard towards their own goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of teamwork as it describes how players supported each other on and off the field to win the World Cup.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Equality and empowerment
Explanation: This book showcases the rise of women's soccer, advocating for gender equality in sports and inspiring young readers, especially girls, to pursue their passions without limitations.
Real-World Application: Children can strive to treat everyone equally and stand up against gender biases, promoting fairness in every aspect of their lives.
Example Lesson: Handling victory and defeat gracefully
Explanation: Through the ups and downs faced by the team, children learn about the grace in handling both success and setbacks.
Real-World Application: This teaches children resilience and sportsmanship, important traits that can help them navigate both their successes and challenges effectively.
Example Lesson: Importance of passion and dedication
Explanation: The players' love for soccer and their dedication to the sport is a central theme, demonstrating how passion can drive success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to identify what they are passionate about and to pursue those interests with dedication and enthusiasm.