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Review: Splash! : Ethelda Bleibtrey Makes Waves of Change

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Written by Elisa Boxer
Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Ann Arbor, MI : Sleeping Bear Press, 2022. Biography. 

When Ethelda was a young girl she got polio, which made it really difficult for her to walk and move. Her doctor suggested that she try swimming and she loved the feeling of freedom the water gave to her. Ethelda went on to have a huge impact on changing laws that had to do with women and swimming and also helped children with other diseases like her, to be able to find solace in swimming. She won multiple gold medals in the Olympics and overcame many obstacles.

This picture book biography is perfect for sports fans and readers who like books about overcoming hardships to accomplish greatness. The illustrations are beautiful and show the emotions of each individual so well. This empowering book has messages of using your influence for good to change the world. 

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