The Quickest Kid in Clarksville

From School Library Journal K-Gr 2-A story about teamwork and perseverance, this homage to the great Wilma Rudolph takes place in 1960 at about the time of the homecoming parade for the Olympian, which occurred in Clarksville, TN-the first integrated event in that town. Young Alta idolizes the great runner and practices her own gait using a rhythmic chant: "Wil-ma Ru-dolph." When she meets a girl with a competitive spirit and brand-new sneakers, Alta has to remind herself that Wilma Rudolph overcame obstacles greater than worn-out shoes. On the day of the parade, a banner that Alta is making is too bulky for one person to carry the whole way, and the new girl, Charmaine, offers a solution-the girls and their friends run an Olympic-style relay to get the banner to the parade site on time. Morrison's full-bleed watercolor illustrations give an effective sense of time and place and render the characters movement well. An author's note provides brief biographical material emphasizing Rudolph's athletic achievements and her role in integrating her hometown. VERDICT A solid addition for large collections.-Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence, RIα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "Sweet and inspiring."--Kirkus Reviews"Sweet and inspiring."--Kirkus Reviews"A story about teamwork and determination."--Publishers Weeky"A story about teamwork and determination."--Publishers Weeky"Gentle tribute to the legend of the pathbreaking African-American sprinter Wilma Rudolph."--The New York Times"Gentle tribute to the legend of the pathbreaking African-American sprinter Wilma Rudolph."--The New York Times"Ratty old sneakers and a little competition won't keep Alta from running toward her Olympic dream."--FamilyFun Magazine"Ratty old sneakers and a little competition won't keep Alta from running toward her Olympic dream."--FamilyFun Magazine"A spunky tribute to friendship and determination."--Champagne-Urbana News Gazette"A spunky tribute to friendship and determination."--Champagne-Urbana News Gazette"Partly a book about kids learning to make friends, and partly a history lesson about Wilma Rudolph."--Design Mom"Partly a book about kids learning to make friends, and partly a history lesson about Wilma Rudolph."--Design Mom"An engaging, lively story."-The Horn Book Magazine"An engaging, lively story."-The Horn Book Magazine"All children will relate to the powerful lessons about jealousy, determination, confidence, dreams, and friendship."--Booking Mana"All children will relate to the powerful lessons about jealousy, determination, confidence, dreams, and friendship."--Booking ManaCool Mom Picks' 10 Most Empowering Books for GirlsCool Mom Picks' 10 Most Empowering Books for GirlsCharlotte Observer Best Books of the YearCharlotte Observer Best Books of the Year"A story with spunk to spare."--Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast"A story with spunk to spare."--Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast"There's a lot of sass and attitude inside this book, and charm all over."--Las Vegas Review Journal"There's a lot of sass and attitude inside this book, and charm all over."--Las Vegas Review Journal Pat Zietlow Miller began her writing career in college as a sports reporter and has had a fascination with Wilma Rudolph ever since. Pat is the author of several picture books and lives in Madison, Wisconsin.Frank Morrison is the Coretta Scott King Honor Award–winning illustrator of many books for young people. He lives Atlanta, Georgia. Read more