Building on the popularity of the Animal Showdown series, these exciting sports matchups are bound to captivate young readers. Each title includes an introduction and four engaging chapters packed with fascinating details about each athlete’s early life, their journey to becoming a professional, c­areer highlights, and notable statistics. A thrilling conclusion determining who would win in a head-to-head competition is sure to spark controversy and discussion between young sports fans. Vibrant pages are brimming with colorful graphics, dynamic photos, and exciting facts that showcase the athletes’ exceptional skills and accomplishments.

What would happen if two sports phenoms from different eras went head-to-head? That’s for readers to decide in the All-Star Smackdown series, but each fact-and-stat-packed volume contains the information necessary to draw a well-considered conclusion—and perhaps fuel a lively debate. Each title opens by plunging readers into an epic moment in each of its chosen stars’ careers, always pairing a legend with a current athlete playing the same position. Short chapters peppered with photos and trivia lay out each player’s personal history and path to the pros as well as their greatest moments. The final chapter offers a stats-based recap to help readers crown one player as the GOAT. Aaron Donald vs. Reggie White pits these famous defensive linemen against each other, paying special attention to their prowess in sacking quarterbacks. LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan sees two of basketball’s best scorers tear up the court and repeatedly make history. In Patrick Mahomes vs. Peyton Manning, these NFL quarterbacks make insane passes, nab awards, and excel in “leading their teams to comebacks.” The WNBA gets its due in Tina Charles vs. Lisa Leslie, which follows the many victories of these two centers, who also happen to be scoring machines. Some sports knowledge is assumed as terminologies are casually tossed around, making these conversation-inciting books ideal for established fans.