Written by: Megan Reid
Illustrated by: Laura Freeman
HarperCollins Publishers, 2020. Biography
Althea Gibson was the quickest, fastest, tallest girl in Harlem in the 1940's and she was fearless. She could never sit still and would play any sport with anyone. She was good at everything she tried but the sport she liked best was paddle tennis. She loved the sound the ball made when it hit the tight strings of her racket. She worked hard and spent years improving her skills and finally in 1950 she became the first black American to compete at the US national championship. However, she never gave up on her dream to eventually play internationally and compete in the championship game at Wimbledon. Finally in 1957 she was allowed to compete and became the first ever black person to win a championship at Wimbledon.
This picture book biography tells Altheas journey with vivid illustrations that capture her personality and drive to become the best during a difficult time in civil rights history. It took more then skill alone for her to succeed but this well researched book explains her determination to prove to the world that she could become the best regardless of the color of her skin. A great book for middle grade tennis enthusiasts and anyone who wants to learn more about this remarkable woman.
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