"Playing Pro Sports is a four-volume series exploring life as an athlete in the big leagues of baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. Each of the two books reviewed began with a profile of a well known, world-class athlete in the highlighted sport followed by a brief history of the game. This is followed by a summary of the skills required to excel and the daily routine accepted by the players who make it to the big leagues. Chapters focus on the importance of fitness and nutrition, as well as the danger of injuries, such as concussions. There is also an emphasis on the misuse of supplements, painkillers, and performance-enhancing drugs, all important issues for young, aspiring athletes. Each book concludes with a sample training plan, an equipment diagram, and a glossary of potentially unfamiliar terms. This series is well written, and is presented in a realistic manner. Of particular note, it reminds the reader of the rarity of actually making the big leagues in any sport rather than offering up a pie-in-the-sky, 'follow your dreams' mantra.

Prior to publication, each book in the series was reviewed by a long-time veteran of that sport, and the authenticity that affords is reflected in the content. There is a great deal of visual appeal in the overall appearance of the series; it has drawing power from first glance for young readers (particularly male readers) and should circulate significantly among middle school and younger high school aged readers."--VOYA.