Fourth Down and Inches by Carla Killough McClafferty-ESSENTIAL

McClafferty, Carla Killough, Fouth Down and Inches: Concussions and Football’s Make-or-Break Moment. Pgs. 96. Carolrhoda Books, 2014. $20.95. INFORMATION.

When the 1905 Football season ended, 19 players were dead and many others were critically injured. Outraged public led the game to be at a make-or-break moment. In order to keep the game, coaches, players, fans and the President of the United States, decided they had to do something or the would lose Football. Today, there is an injury crisis almost as bad occurring: traumatic brain injury. Concussions are on a rise and that may only be the tip of the iceberg. With invisible injuries, like traumatic brain injury, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This book explores not only the history of football, but also current research on concussions and brain injuries as well.

A great, in-depth look at a current topic. Included are primary sources, photographs, and interesting, detailed diagrams. The layout is well-done and the text is not only engaging, but informative as well. With sources for further reading, a bibliography, and an index, this book could easily be used to meet common core goals. MS, HS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.