Kathrine Switzer changed the world of running. When she was growing up, girls weren't supposed to sweat — but she did, plenty, as she ran laps around her backyard. She felt like running was magical, giving her joy and freedom that she didn't feel anywhere else. But even as an adult, women weren't allowed to register for the Boston Marathon. Kathrine Switzer couldn't sign up... but K. Switzer did.
This narrative biography follows Switzer as she develops a love of running and eventually becomes the first woman to run the Boston Marathon with official race numbers in 1967. The powerful prose of this picture book drives young readers through the story, while collage art makes it feel like Switzer is really flying across the page. Her inspirational true story is for anyone willing to challenge the rules.
"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." — Publishers Weekly
Recommended Age | 6 - 10 |
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Author | Kim Chaffee |
Illustrator | Ellen Rooney |
ISBN | 1624146546 |
Publication Date | Apr 2, 2019 |
Publisher | Page Street Kids |
Language | English |