WILMA UNLIMITED: HOW WILMA RUDOLPH BECAME THE WORLD'S FASTEST WOMAN

Written by Kathleen Krull
Illustrated by David Diaz

ISBN: 9780152012670

Bibliography:
Krull, Kathleen, and David Diaz. 1996. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman. San Diego: Harcourt Brace.

Plot:
Wilma Unlimited describes how Wilma Rudolph overcame all odds despite being stricken with polio as a child to earn three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics becoming the fastest woman in the world.

Analysis:
"No one expected such a tiny girl to have a first birthday. In Clarksville, Tennessee, in 1940, life for a baby who weighed just over four pounds at birth was sure to be limited. But most babies weren't Wilma Rudolph." This quote captures the essence of this amazing legend as she relentlessly exceeds expectations throughout her life. The straightforward sequence of this factual story follows Wilma Rudolph from birth to the day that she became the first American woman to earn three gold medals at a single Olympics in 1960. The rich illustrations communicate both Wilma’s hardships as well as her amazing accomplishments and echo her determination as she becomes “the fastest woman in the world”.

This motivational story written in simple text will inspire others to seek out their dreams even when setbacks occur. The power of faith and determination are echoed in this story repeatedly as Wilma overcomes illness, walks without her leg brace for the first time, becomes a high school basketball star, and later earns three gold medals at the Olympic Games. An author’s note describes other accomplishments as well including the founding of the Wilma Rudolph Foundation, which she established to help young athletes.

Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “Both Krull's words and Diaz's illustrations are celebrations of an inspiring life that deserves to be remembered. An appended author's note offers additional historical context.”

School Library Journal: “An athlete's determined efforts to succeed against all odds. The dynamic artwork is as fluid and vivacious as Rudolph herself.”

Connections:
*Students can create a timeline of Wilma Rudolph's life.

*Other books about Wilma Rudolph:
Sherrow, Victoria. Wilma Rudolph. ISBN: 9781575052465
Enger, Lee. Wilma Rudolph: Olympic Track Star. ISBN: 9780736854894
Flanagan, Alice K. Wilma Rudolph: Athlete and Educator. ISBN: 9780894343568