Most elite athletes have inspirational stories of how they became
a world-class competitor. For some it’s natural ability plus determination, for
others it’s childhood circumstances paired with unlikely opportunities. KIDATHLETES by David Stabler and illustrated by Doogie Horner is a part of the Kid Legends series and this collection of tales of sixteen famous athletes including these
five female pioneers who are not only relatable but also sure to inspire sporty
girls:
Billie Jean King (The Girl Who Ran on Racket Power)
Danica Patrick (Girl without Fear)
Gabrielle Douglas (Grace under Pressure)
Babe Didrikson Zaharias (A Girl for All Seasons)
Julie Krone (And the Marvelous Mischievous Pony)
I’ve always enjoyed “did you know” articles and books that
share lesser known facts and tidbits. I have to say that KID ATHLETES, a
biographical collection of famous men and women, did not disappoint.
NASCAR driver Danica Patrick may have been squeamish around
bugs and swimming in the ocean as a little girl but at age nine a fearless
Patrick discovered the thrill of driving fast in a go-kart. I learned something
new; I did not know that her mom had worked as a snowmobile mechanic or that she
left high school to move to England and join a race-racing team.
Before the infamous Bobby Riggs tennis match, Billie Jean King had
to overcome roadblocks to competition placed by tennis official Perry Jones (also
known as a “czar”) to compete. She also scrimped and saved loose change to buy her
first tennis racket ($8). I do have a
critique with the opening of this entry: “Before
Billie Jean King, tennis was a sport played by wealthy women in frilly white
dresses She made it possible for anyone, from any background, to dream of one
day winning the U.S. Open or Wimbledon championship.” While Billie Jean
King certainly broke down barriers, Althea Gibson was winning Championships and
breaking down barriers years earlier.
How many kids are drawn to a sport via the influenced of a
sibling? Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas learned how to do a cartwheel from her older
sister and that eventually led down a path to a gold medal in gymnastics at the
2012 Olympic Games. Throughout her career she shows poise and strength on
gymnastics apparatus but choosing to ignore several incidents of bullying shows
a different type of poise and strength.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias, considered the greatest female
athlete of the twentieth century, was tough from the get-go – as a baby she defied
the constrained of her crib and I doubt many athletes also could add to their
resume they performed with a traveling circus.
The first woman to be inducted into the Museum of Racing’s
Hall of Fame, Julie Krone was drawn to a pony named Filly as a child. This is a
heartwarming tale that comes full circle and a delightful introduction to this trailblazing
jockey, especially timely now that we’re in Triple Crown season.
What do these women have in common? They are all amazing
athletes but first they were just a kid who you might have sat next to you in
third grade or who lived in the house down the street. In addition to the
easy-to-read narrative, the humorous drawings make this an entertaining, enjoyable
read.
Great review, Brenda. Sometimes it's difficult as a reviewer to call out concerns but I'm so glad you did. My drawing teacher used to say, "Draw what you see, not what you think you see." In this case I'd say, "Write what is true, not what you think is true."
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