She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game
Lively stories of girls who broke barriers, smashed records.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game is the third book in Chelsea Clinton's She Persisted series, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. One-paragraph mini-bios of well-known athletes like Mia Ham, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Venus and Serena Williams mix with lesser known champions, including a star in the Paralympic Games. The book shows how they overcame challenges -- from childhood illnesses, economic hardship, injuries, and disabilities to racism and sexism -- to achieve greatness. All because they persisted.
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What's the Story?
The opening spread of SHE PERSISTED IN SPORTS: AMERICAN OLYMPIANS WHO CHANGED THE GAME imagines diverse kids exploring a sports museum filled with statues and paintings of female athletes in various sports -- golf, fencing, tennis, ice skating, track, gymnastics, wheelchair racing, and more -- all of which will be featured in the profiles to come. The text explains that it's "not easy to be a girl athlete. ... These woman athletes made their sports dreams real. They persisted." From there on, the book offers mini-bios of 16 Olympians.
Is It Any Good?
This inspiring collection of mini-sports bios showcases the Olympic accomplishments of 16 American girls and women from 1900 to the present. The one-paragraph profiles are diverse, concise, lively, and substantial. And Alexandra Boiger's illustrations work perfectly with the text to highlight each athlete's personality, achievements, and historical impact. The clear message to work hard, follow your dreams, and never give up will be easily understood by even the youngest readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the athletes who broke barriers who are featured in She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game. Which ones had you heard of before? Did you know that some had to fight to be accepted in their sport?
Have you ever been told you can't do something because you're a girl? Why would someone think that?
Have you tried any of the sports mentioned in the book? Which ones do you think you'd like to try? Which ones look like the most fun? Which ones look the hardest?
Book Details
- Author: Chelsea Clinton
- Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Philomel
- Publication date: September 21, 2020
- Number of pages: 32
- Last updated: September 25, 2020
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For kids who love sports and stories about strong girls
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