"When somebody tells me I cannot do something, that's when I do it." -Gertrude Ederle, first woman to swim the English Channel
Veteran author and journalist Ken Rappoport showcases a dozen of the twentieth century's greatest female athletes-from tennis pro Althea Gibson, the first African-American woman to win at Wimbledon, to Susan Butcher, four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Each dramatic, action-packed profile shows how these pioneering women made a lasting impact not only on their sport but also on society by overcoming discrimination against their gender, and sometimes their race, and by challenging popular misconceptions about women and sports.
Young readers will find in each of these women the courage, perseverance, and dedication that made them great athletes during their own times and strong role models for today. A bonus chapter at the end highlights The All-American Red Heads Basketball team.
"Rappoport writes with an accessible, pared-down language that will easily draw readers into the action, beginning each section with a suspenseful, you-are-there account of the athlete just before a great triumph... a fine introduction that students will want for report research or personal inspiration." ?Booklist
"Rappoport writes lively, limited profiles of these athletes...Adolescents interested in the accomplishments of women during the 20th century will find this an entertaining and easy read." ?School Library Journal
"Rappaport recounts the very real hurdles each woman had to overcome and their achievements much as a sportscaster at the Olympics when, a level perfect for ten-to twelve-year olds who are just learning to be all that they can be. The stories are inspiring and useful for young teens." ?Signal Journal
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