Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-Foot Girl

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A spirited picture book biography about Althea Gibson, the first blackWimbledon, French, and U.S. Opentennis champion, from debut author Megan Reid and Coretta Scott King Honorwinning illustrator Laura Freeman.Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis Fleet-of-Foot Girlchronicles this trailblazing athletes journeyand the talent, force of spirit, and energy that made it possible for her to break barriers and ascend to the top of the tennis world.

Althea Gibson was the quickest, tallest, most fearless athlete in 1940s Harlem. She couldnt sit still! When she put hermind to it, the fleet-of-foot girlreigned supreme at every sportstickball with the boys, basketball with the girls, paddle tennis with anyone who would hit with her.

But being the quickest, tallest, most fearless player in Harlem wasnt enough for Althea. She knew she could be a tennis champion.

Because of segregation, black people werent allowed to compete against white people in sports. Althea didnt care. She just wanted to play tennis against the best athletes in the world. And with skill and determination, she did just that, eventually becoming the first black personman or womanto win a trophy at Wimbledon.

Share this nonfiction picture book biography with young readers interested in sports, American history, and African American pioneers. A strong choice for the classroom and for homeschooling.

Reviews

Reids story flows with the grace and power of Gibson herself. The expressive and exuberant digital artwork mirrors the tennis champs liveliness. School Library Journal (starred review) "A well-researched winner." Kirkus Reviews "A necessary addition to sports collections." ALA Booklist

Author Bio

Megan Reid works in books and television. She's lived in seven states and two countries, but now she's happy to be based in New York with her dog, Luna. Meg is also the author of Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-Foot Girl. Laura Freeman has illustrated over thirty children's books, including Hidden Figures written by Margot Lee Shetterly, the Nikki & Deja series by Karen English and Fancy Party Gowns by Deborah Blumenthal. She received her BFA from the School of Visual Arts. In addition to illustrating books and editorial content, her art can be found on a wide range of products, from dishes and textiles to greeting cards. Laura Freeman lives in Atlanta with her husband and their two children.