Trailblazer: Lily Parr, the Unstoppable Star of Women’s Soccer

Rah-rah spirit permeates Dale and Coroa’s account of the life of British soccer player Lily Parr (1905–1978). Parr’s career, which began on factory teams, lasted 31 years, even though the English Football Association banned women from competing on its properties in 1921—a year after she and her teammates played before a crowd of 53,000. Though Dale notes the obstacles Parr and her teammates faced, she presents scant context to help readers unfamiliar with the history of soccer and of sexism contextualize Parr’s achievements, instead emphasizing her talent (“No one in England, not even a man, had a more powerful shot”). Coroa’s slick digital illustrations feature wide-eyed women in striped jerseys active on the pitch. Colorful circles dot the spreads, presenting facts: “Lily was one of the greatest goal-scorers in history.” Ages 7–8. (Aug.)