Soccer World Mexico: Exploring the World Through Soccer

By Ethan Zohn, David Rosenberg and Shawn Braley

Following professional soccer player Ethan Zohn on another global adventure, this entertaining and educational handbook explores the cultures and customs of Mexico. From a walking tour of Mexico City and visits to the ruins of the country's ancient civilizations to a once-in-a-lifetime butterfly migration sanctuary and colorful Lucha Libre wrestling, this investigation explores the real Mexico, avoiding the commonplace tourist traps and border towns. Activities presented in each chapter include learning Spanish, science and math projects based on Mayan cultures, creative writing and art exercises inspired by Mexican folk art and celebrations, and even simple traditional recipes. Staying true to its series, this installation provides the opportunity to research a charitable project in Mexico and make a difference in this wonderful country.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nomad Press
• Release date: Apr 1, 2010
• ISBN: 9781619303812

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Ethan would like to dedicate this book to his father, Aaron, who always told him to shoot for the stars; Jenna Morasca for all her love and support; his loving family Rochelle, Lenard, Lee, Delphine, Heidi, Ava, Adin, Oliver, and Isaiah; Paola Peacock-Freidrich; Julian Portilla; and the selfless staff and volunteers of Grassroot Soccer.

David thanks Alex O’Loughlin, Kate Boutilier, Peter Facinelli, and Luca Bella Facinelli for small acts of kindness that made a huge difference; Mitchell Hurwitz, who was the first to ask; Ret. Marine Casey Owens; Kati Pressman and Howard Rosenberg; and Ricardo Dadoo, Arnold Ricalde, and Carolina Lukac for sharing their country. Humble gratitude to Brett Weitzel, Tommy Thompson, Ma Jaya, and Ross McCall for making a difficult journey easier. This book is dedicated to my wife Suzanne Kent for her love; to Ethan for his remarkable spirit; and finally to Paul and Hyla Rosenberg, who started the circle.

Nomad Press

A division of Nomad Communications

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Copyright © 2010 by Nomad Press

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

The trademark Nomad Press and the Nomad Press logo are trademarks of Nomad Communications, Inc.

This book was manufactured by Transcontinental, Gagné

Louiseville Québec, Canada

February 2010, Job #49054

ISBN: 978-1-9346705-5-2

Illustrations by Shawn Braley

Questions regarding the ordering of this book should be addressed to

Independent Publishers Group

814 N. Franklin St.

Chicago, IL 60610

www.ipgbook.com

Nomad Press

2456 Christian St.

White River Junction, VT 05001

www.nomadpress.net

INTRODUCTION

Meet Ethan

CHAPTER 1

The Neighbor Nation

CHAPTER 2

A Trip Back in Time

CHAPTER 3

Magic Mexico

CHAPTER 4

The Past is the Present

CHAPTER 5

Water World

CHAPTER 6

Sports Si!

CHAPTER 7

Saying Goodbye

Glossary

Index

Reviews for Soccer World Mexico

[abreck2-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I think that this is a great book and that it is very resourceful! The central message of this book is clearly identified in the beginning pages of the book through the speaker, Ethan. Ethan portrays the central message to readers that by learning about soccer or sports one can learn a lot about a certain country or culture, in this case, readers learn about Mexico and the Spanish culture. One thing that I think is great about this book is the non-formal tone of the speaker. Miguel starts out the book by inviting readers to join him on an adventure through Mexico and to pack up their soccer gear and get ready to go. I think that this entices readers and makes them more interested to read the book. Another thing that I like about this book is the resources that it provides to readers. For example, on the beginning pages, Miguel tells readers that as his, "travel buddy" they can go to his website and see photos, activities, and projects related to Mexico and the Spanish culture. This is a great use of the Universal Design for Learning in which this book engages readers not only through the text, but also through technology. Another great thing about this book is that it connects factual information with hands on activities. For instance, one page teaches readers how to make a salsa snack using Mexican ingredients. Also, this book includes words to know and important vocabulary for readers. An example of some vocabulary words it includes are: colonial, channels, valley, environmental. This book does a great job of incorporating science, history, culture, and geography all into one.