Athletes who changed the game

From the Fearless Firsts series, this collective biography spotlights individuals who have been outstanding in their sport or have broken down barriers of discrimination based on race, gender, or physical disability. Each athlete is introduced in a double-page spread. One page carries biographical information and explains how the person excelled, while the facing page offers an attractive full-page illustration of the athlete. A few entries break the pattern by focusing on teams or celebrating special achievements, such as the history of the Paralympics, the passage of Title IX and its impact over the last five decades, and the petition, signed by more than 50,000 lacrosse players worldwide, demanding that the World Lacrosse league rescind the decision to exclude the Haudenosaunee Nationals teams (an Indigenous Nation whose ancestors originated lacrosse) in the World Games. The writing is straightforward and very readable. Both authors have a background in sports journalism and have written many nonfiction books for middle-grade readers, including biographies for the Who Was? series. An appealing choice for sports fans.