Her Fearless Run: Kathrine Switzer's Historic Boston Marathon
by Kim Chaffee (Author) Ellen Rooney (Illustrator)
Kathrine Switzer changed the world of running.
This narrative biography follows Kathrine from running laps as a girl in her backyard to becoming the first woman to run the Boston Marathon with official race numbers in 1967. Her inspirational true story is for anyone willing to challenge the rules. The compelling collage art adds to the kinetic action of the story. With tension and heart, this biography has the influential power to get readers into running. An excellent choice for sports fans, New Englanders, young dreamers, and competitive girls and boys alike.
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Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5 Chaffee tells the story of Kathrine Switzer, the first registered female runner for the Boston Marathon. This picture book biography begins with her love of running as a child and progresses through her training for the 1967 Boston Marathon to the day of the actual race. Detailed mixed-media illustrations of onlookers showing their disapproval emphasize that Switzer's passion for running was seen as strange. Readers can practically see the wind rushing through her hair, and the resolve on her face is evident. Students will enjoy reading about this remarkable woman who was determined to prove that girls are just as capable as boys. VERDICT An empowering story that belongs in all picture book biography sections.—V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
Kathrine Switzer turned heads when she ran--doing laps around her yard at a time when girls weren't supposed to sweat, competing with the boys' track team in college, and, in 1967, as the first woman to officially complete the Boston Marathon. Chaffee's effective telling of Switzer's iconic story emphasizes persistence, ambition, and discipline--the "pat, pat, pat, pat" of the runner's tread is a repeated refrain--but centers on her love of the sport: "She thought running was magic." When she completes the marathon, eluding an attack by a race official, she is asked why she did it, and says, "I like to run. Women deserve to run too." In Rooney's bright, straightforward illustrations, mixed media renders dramatic moments small (cutting sneakers to accommodate training-swollen toes) and large (the rage-twisted face of the race official), amplifying the empowering message. Ages 8-11. (Apr.)
Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
"[Her Fearless Run] is a perfect complement to Pimental's Girl Running: Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon... Rooney's mixed-media collage composition and vivid color choice convey both the pure joy of running throughout the seasons and the steely determination in Switzer's piercing blue eyes." —BCCB
Kim Chaffee, a life-long New Englander and debut author, is a former second-grade teacher now focusing on writing and being a mom. She holds a BA in history anda master's in education. In addition to blogging about picture books for parents, teachers, and writers, she runs as well as organizes a local annual race. She lives with her family in New Hampshire.
Ellen Rooney grew up watching the Boston Marathon and now spends her time as an illustrator and designer. She has her BFA from the University of Victoria. Apainter, printmaker, collage artist, and debut picture book illustrator, she now resides in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband.JNF007100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Sports & Recreation
JNF054140 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Sports & Recreation | Track & Field
United States
Women runners
Marathon running
Switzer, Kathrine
