She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 3—The series' latest picture book spotlights female sports icons who overcame sexism and proved how unwavering determination can lead to success. The text celebrates a diverse group of 16 women who became Olympic stars in 13 different sports. They often faced obstacles, such as childhood illnesses, disabilities, racial and religious prejudice, and restricting gender roles. Featured athletes include golfer Margaret Ives Abbott, swimmer Gertrude Ederle, track and field star Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias, runner Wilma Rudolph, wheelchair racer Jean Driscoll, soccer player Mia Hamm, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, volleyball teammates Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings, gymnast Simone Biles, and fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad. Boiger's cheerful illustrations are rendered in pen and watercolor. The verso features the subject depicted as a child and a short biography, which describes the particular challenges she faced and her accomplishments. The recto shows the adult athlete wearing Olympic medals around her neck and a quote from the athlete. This design choice emphasizes these encouraging words more than the layout of the previous books in this series. VERDICT An appealing reminder that, with perseverance, girls can be athletes—or whatever else they choose.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD Praise for She Persisted in Sports : "An appealing reminder that, with perseverance, girls can be athletes—or whatever else they choose." -- School Library Journal Chelsea Clinton is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World ; She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History ; She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game ; Don't Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe ; It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going! ; Start Now!: You Can Make a Difference ; with Hillary Clinton, Grandma's Gardens and Gutsy Women ; and, with Devi Sridhar, Governing Global Health: Who Runs the World and Why? She is also the Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation, where she works on many initiatives, including those that help empower the next generation of leaders. She lives in New York City with her husband, Marc, their children and their dog, Soren. You can follow Chelsea Clinton on Twitter @ChelseaClinton or on Facebook at facebook.com/chelseaclinton. Alexandra Boiger (www.alexandraboiger.com) has illustrated nearly twenty picture books, including She Persisted and She Persisted Around the World , both by Chelsea Clinton; the popular Tallulah series by Marilyn Singer; and the Max and Marla books, which she also wrote. Originally from Munich, Germany, she now lives outside of San Francisco, California, with her husband, Andrea, daughter, Vanessa, and two cats, Luiso and Winter. Follow Alexandra on Instagram @alexandra_boiger. Read more