Pro Wrestling

Pro Wrestling is a high/low book that describes the sport, gives some history and sprinkles in some fun facts. All of this information is presented in short paragraphs with highlighted words that might be unfamiliar and are defined in the glossary. Photos typically spread over two pages and text is attractively inserted within. Wrestlers are varying in ethnicity and gender. This book is part of the Arena Events six-book series.

Pro wrestling is a big deal, even among the younger crowd. Many students are avid fans and this book will be a favorite. Written as a high interest/lower level volume, it will certainly attract its target audience of 3rd-6th graders, as well as those above and below. Pro wrestling has been around for sixty years and it doesn’t appear to be diminishing in popularity. So, the pop culture aspect of this book is somewhat moot. It should be relevant for some years to come. Update your sports section with this one!

Hacksaw: The Jim Duggan Story

Jim Duggan (1954-), a wrestler, was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame.  This book tells his story from childhood to becoming a professional wrestler and entertaining crowds around the world for 30 years.  Includes a few pictures.  A good biography with his personal values of family, hard work, appreciation for his fans and audiences and strong American patriotism come out as the story is told.

Santino Marella

A non-fiction, Hi/Lo book about World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion, Santino Marella.  This short biography of Marella features full color photographs, statistics, signature moves and career history.  A table of contents, index, glossary and “to learn more” page round out the book.
The publisher states that this book is intended for grades 3rd – 7th, but advanced 2nd grade readers interested in this subject would enjoy the book as well.