Parents' Guide to

She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game

By Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Lively stories of girls who broke barriers, smashed records.

Book Chelsea Clinton Picture Book 2020
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A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

The opening spread of SHE PERSISTED IN SPORTS: AMERICAN OLYMPIANS WHO CHANGED THE GAME imagines diverse kids exploring a sports museum filled with statues and paintings of female athletes in various sports -- golf, fencing, tennis, ice skating, track, gymnastics, wheelchair racing, and more -- all of which will be featured in the profiles to come. The text explains that it's "not easy to be a girl athlete. ... These woman athletes made their sports dreams real. They persisted." From there on, the book offers mini-bios of 16 Olympians.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This inspiring collection of mini-sports bios showcases the Olympic accomplishments of 16 American girls and women from 1900 to the present. The one-paragraph profiles are diverse, concise, lively, and substantial. And Alexandra Boiger's illustrations work perfectly with the text to highlight each athlete's personality, achievements, and historical impact. The clear message to work hard, follow your dreams, and never give up will be easily understood by even the youngest readers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the athletes who broke barriers who are featured in She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game. Which ones had you heard of before? Did you know that some had to fight to be accepted in their sport?

  • Have you ever been told you can't do something because you're a girl? Why would someone think that?

  • Have you tried any of the sports mentioned in the book? Which ones do you think you'd like to try? Which ones look like the most fun? Which ones look the hardest?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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