Martin, Steve. I Like Sports…What Jobs Are There? Kane Miller EDC Publishing, 2020. 978-1-610-67088-1. 48 p. $15.99. Grades 3-6.

Many athletes and sports fanatics out there dream of being a professional and all of the fame and glory and riches that comes with it. In truth, as we know, the odds are minute to make it to that level, but that shouldn’t discount finding a career in sports that can combine passion and talent. This useful and well designed book by Steve Martin and illustrated by Tom Woolley aims to highlight 25 different jobs that elementary students may not consider when discussing careers. Each position has a short personal introduction, then a quick day in the life outline, and a great pros and cons list. The personas shown and sports mentioned are a diverse and inclusive mix across gender and racial lines. A sample of the featured jobs range from trainers to sports journalists and photographers to sports nutritionists, mechanics, and agents. With a perfect job match infographic at the end, aspiring athletes and fanatics may just find their way into the wide world of sports!

THOUGHTS: While I’m not seeing this as a series yet, I can see other books like this helping with career ready assignments. Further research links and databases could even help create a research assignment or poster project. I like the positive nature of the book and leaving athletes open to many opportunities and other skills such as math, health, and communications. Recommended.

796 Sports          Dustin Brackbill, State College Area SD