About this item
From "ankle breaker" to "zebra," How to Speak Football includes over 125 football terms paired with amusing illustrations that decode the words and phrases that fly around the field. The "Sidelines" sections sprinkled throughout the book will teach you fun trivia about the history of the sport, the stories behind football players' nicknames, the most famous touchdown celebrations, and much more! The terms included in the book range from the well-known, like "blitz" and "punt," to the more uncommon such as:-Alligator arms: A term coaches, players, and television commentators frequently use to describe -- and disparage -- a receiver who keeps his arms protectively tucked in close to his ribs, instead of stretched out to catch the ball.
About the Author
Award-winning author
Sally Cook's ability to tell stories, love of words and passion for sports serves readers of all ages. Her most recent work: a delightful 4-book series with illustrator Ross MacDonald decodes sport-specific lingo and captures the culture of our most popular games. How to Speak Soccer will be published April 11, 2017 How to Speak Football and How to Speak Golf follow How to Speak Baseball (co-written with James Charlton) and precedes How to Speak Football (fall 2016) and How to Speak Soccer (spring 2017) . All are illustrated by Ross MacDonald.
Yankee Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers explores how George Steinbrenner's quick decision to give a chance to a hardworking kid from the streets leads to miracles on and off the field. Sally co-wrote the book with Ray Negron, who had a front row seat with the franchise for 30 years in roles ranging from batboy to community advisor.
Another Season: A Coach's Story of Raising an Exceptional Son co-authored with legendary football coach Gene Stallings, tells the story of a father's relationship with his son who had Down Syndrome. The book was a New York Times bestseller and reissued with a new Afterword in October 2009.
Sally's children's books are equally engaging. Hey Batta Batta Swing!: The Wild Old Days of Baseball, illustrated by Ross MacDonald, takes a zany look at how baseball has changed over the years and was named 2007 Parents Choice Silver Award Winner and Junior Library Guild Selection.
Her captivating picture book, Good Night Pillow Fight, illustrated by Laura Cornell, was named Best Bedtime Book by Nick Jr. magazine and was a Main Selection of Children's Book of the Month Club.
Beyond books, Sally was an Associated Press reporter. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, Family Circle, Family Life, Parenting, McCall's and Stagebill.
When not writing, Sally serves as special advisor for the book club at Project Sunshine, a nonprofit organization that provides free social, educational and recreational programs to children living with medical challenges.
Sally lives in New York City.
