Review by Booklist Review
In 1957, Althea Gibson became the first African American tennis player man or woman to win the prestigious singles championship at Wimbledon. Reid tells of Gibson's path to breaking the color barrier with a focus on her life as an athlete, beginning with her childhood in 1940s Harlem, where she had a reputation for being the best at every sport. Her discovery of tennis led to a hunger to prove herself, in spite of the racial segregation that attempted to hold her back. The text gives gentle examples of how discrimination continued to separate Gibson, even after being accepted into the pro tour in 1950, with more details provided in an afterword from the author. Freeman's illustrations depict the tennis legend as focused, confident, and joyful in her power as she overcomes barriers, earning one success after another on and off the court. With Black tennis players, to this day, making up a stark minority on the world stage, this is a necessary addition to sports collections.--Ronny Khuri Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
As a child in 1940s Harlem, Althea Gibson "reigned supreme" playing stickball, basketball, and paddle tennis: "If she put her mind to it, Althea was always the best. At everything except sitting still." In this picture book biography of the tennis legend, Reid emphasizes Gibson's athleticism and tenacity, tracing her journey from the tennis courts of Harlem's Cosmopolitan Tennis Club, where she did odd jobs to pay for lessons, to winning titles on the elite grass of Wimbledon despite structural racism and prejudice (due to "laws and white people's prejudices... black people could play tennis in their own league, but never with white people"). Reid also acknowledges that Gibson "was so eager to prove herself that she wasn't always kind." Freeman's crisp, stylized illustrations distill dramatic moments into kinetic images. Includes an author's note, a list of important dates in Gibson's life, and a bibliography. A straightforward tribute to an inspiring athlete. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3--Growing up in Harlem, Althea Gibson lived for the summers. Whether playing stickball, basketball, or paddle tennis, she dominated each game with her athleticism and quick reflexes. At 13, Gibson joined the all-black Cosmopolitan Tennis Club, where she went head to head with adults and became an unbeatable powerhouse. She needed new competitors, but this was the segregated 1940s--Gibson wasn't allowed to play tennis against white athletes in their separate clubs. She played in the all-black American Tennis Association for several years, but she wanted more. She hoped to take on the world and compete in international Grand Slams in Paris, Queens, and Wimbledon. In 1950, she was the first black American to break the color barrier in the U.S. championships. She won international matches and later, the singles title at Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958, making her the first black person (man or woman) ever to win that event. Reid's story flows with the grace and power of Gibson herself. The tennis champion is portrayed as a dedicated, competitive, and clever role model. The author's note, in particular, helps to fully flesh out Gibson's character. The expressive and exuberant digital artwork mirrors the tennis champ's liveliness and determination. VERDICT Gibson's story, richly illustrated and expertly told, is done great justice in this inspiring biography. A first purchase for most collections.--Abby Bussen, Muskego Public Library, WI
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Review by Horn Book Review
Groundbreaking tennis player Althea Gibson (1927â€"2003) had an outsize personality and talent to match. From playing stickball in Harlem to becoming the first African American Wimbledon champion, the book covers her perseverance (despite a quick temper and daunting racial discrimination) and eventual triumphs. A concise, clear text tells Gibson's story with verve and immediacy. Digital illustrations add color, drama, and energy. Timeline. Bib. (c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Reid and Freeman celebrate the life of tennis champion Althea Gibson.Debut author Reid takes readers from 1940s Harlem, where "fleet-of-foot" Althea Gibson is the "quickest, tallest and most fearless athlete," all the way to 1957, when she becomes the first black player to win the championship at Wimbledon. Readers get to see Gibson's development from a young athlete, cocksure, assertive, and focused only on winning, to a considerate sportswoman in a league of her own, paving the way for generations of young tennis players coming after her. Framing transitional moments in Gibson's life in medallions, Freeman's somewhat static illustrations encourage the narrative along, keeping pace with the text. The clever placement of Gibson's form playing tennis on top of maps or with the globe represents the reach of her influence across the U.S. and the world. Other double-page spreads emphasize the enormity of the difficulties, specifically racism, Gibson faced while pursuing her dreams. One levels a "WHITES ONLY" sign on one page ever so slightly below Gibson's determined gaze on the other. An author's note fills in more historical and personal context for Gibson's early and later life, and a timeline of important dates with a short bibliography of recommended texts rounds out the exploration of Gibson's remarkable rise to tennis stardom.A measured, well-researched winner. (Picture book/biography. 6-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
