School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-The sisters and tennis players extraordinaire give teens advice on everyday living, showing them how to aim high and reach their goals. The 10 rules for success include building a "dream team" (people who support your goals), doing well in school, learning self-respect, valuing friendships, taking care of yourself emotionally and physically, obtaining financial security, and overcoming setbacks. The final chapter discusses the virtues of volunteerism and charity. A color photo appears on every spread. The two women speak candidly about their personal experiences, revealing the values, attitudes, and regimens that worked for them. Never preachy and always practical, this is a welcome addition to most collections.-Ajoke' T. I. Kokodoko, Oakland Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
The powerhouse sisters who stormed the international tennis scene share tips on how they aced their way to the top in Venus and Serena: Serving from the Hip by Venus and Serena Williams, with Hilary Beard. With style and rhythm, they deliver their "10 rules for living, loving, and winning" and back them up with biographical examples ("Sister Rule #1: I don't just daydream-I build a dream team. And I don't let others steal my vision," accompanies a stylish and flirtingly sassy photo of Serena). The siblings describe their childhood, their discipline and their mindset and will likely inspire youngsters to pursue dreams of their own. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Gr. 5-8. Tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams take their lessons from the sport and offer them as advice to readers. In a casual tone, the well-organized book tackles topics such as building your dream, respecting yourself, staying in school, picking the right friends, and taking care of your money. Sometimes point-by-point help is offered (to build your dream, get your parents in your corner; to build your knowledge, be your own fan). With the help of\b cowriter\b Hilary Beard, the sisters come across as friendly, capable, and interested in their audience. Readers get a look into the girls' personal lives and their relationships with their families and each other. What makes this book so enticing is its attractive layout: lots of crisp, color photographs and design elements such as starbursts and silhouettes in different colors. Information about how to get involved with charitable organizations completes the package. --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2005 Booklist