Soccer World: Mexico (Explore the World Through Soccer) by Ethan Zohn & David Rosenburg
Review by Chris Singer
About the authors:
Ethan Zohn is a professional soccer player, a philanthropist, and a lecturer. He was the season winner on Survivor: Africa. He is a cofounder of the African AIDS/HIV project Grassroot Soccer, and he has hosted the environmental travel series Earthtripping. He lives in New York City.
David Rosenberg is an award-winning television and book author. He has written for the shows Rocket Power, Rugrats, and The Wild Thornberrys, and he has developed animated children’s programming for Walt Disney and Klasky Csupo. He was a contributor to the anthology Male and Female Under 18. He lives in Toluca Lake, California.
About the book:
Following professional soccer player Ethan Zohn on another global adventure, this entertaining and educational handbook explores the cultures and customs of Mexico. From a walking tour of Mexico City and visits to the ruins of the country’s ancient civilizations to a once-in-a-lifetime butterfly migration sanctuary and colorful Lucha Libre wrestling, this investigation explores the real Mexico, avoiding the commonplace tourist traps and border towns. Activities presented in each chapter include learning Spanish, science and math projects based on Mayan cultures, creative writing and art exercises inspired by Mexican folk art and celebrations, and even simple traditional recipes. Staying true to its series, this installation provides the opportunity to research a charitable project in Mexico and make a difference in this wonderful country.
My take on the book:
If you're a parent of a young soccer player, Ethan Zohn and David Rosenberg's Soccer World: Mexico is an excellent way to get him or her interested in reading and learning about Mexican culture.
In this book, the reader follows Ethan and his friend Gabriel in Mexico City through an exploration of Mexico's culture and history. Throughout the book, there are also various projects: a recipe for avocado salsa, beeswax candles, composting, making your own currency system, and a water filter, as well as the opportunity to learn new Spanish vocabulary.
The book closes with a section called "Make A Difference." Here, readers are encouraged to find a project in their community to give back too. Ethan even encourages readers to e-mail with news about their project.
Families will enjoy working together on the activities in this book. If parents and their young reader enjoy this book, there's also several other books in the series: Soccer World South Africa and Soccer World Spain. Soccer World Mexico and Soccer World Spain are also available in Spanish.
