Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis' Fleet-Of-Foot Girl

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.)

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