Wilma Rudolph Book

A biography of the African-American woman who overcame crippling polio as a child to become the first woman to win three gold medals in track in a single Olympics.

Children's Literature

This is the story of a little girl who would not give up. It begins in the summer of 1946 as six-year-old Wilma Rudolph makes the weekly bus trip with her mother to Nashville for her physical therapy treatment for polio. Not only does she face painful exercises, Wilma must endure the racism and exclusion faced by blacks at that time. At school, she longs to run and play like the other children, who tease her about her brace and her crooked leg. But her large family gives her support, and through exercise and determination, she not only learns to walk and run, but also to compete in races. With the help of a trainer, she competes in the 1960 Olympics and wins three gold medals. She goes on to become an inspiration and mentor to other young black athletes. This Spanish translation from the "On My Own" biography series uses the format of an easy reader, making it accessible to reluctant readers. A time line at the end of the book gives important dates in Wilma Rudolph's life. Larry Johnson's paintings bring to life the hardship, determination, and joy of this remarkable athlete's life.