(2) K-3 Illustrated by Michael G. Long. This inspiring biography of Rudolph (1940–1994), the three-time Olympic gold medalist in track, centers on her work as a civil rights activist. After her Olympic success, she traveled throughout Europe and discovered life was different: "In America, they push me around because I'm a Negro. Here in Europe, they pushed me to the front." In Athens at the beaches, all races could swim together; in London any person could sit anywhere on a bus; in Berlin everyone ate together in restaurants. But back home, the community pool did not allow Black people to swim in it; restaurants would not serve Black people; and Black people could only ride in the back of city buses. When the leaders of Rudolph's hometown of Clarksville, Mississippi, planned a celebration honoring her, she refused to attend until Black people could participate in the activities. Facing objections, she persisted and, at least for that day, Clarksville desegregated to honor its hometown celebrity. Davis and Long's inviting text realistically portrays the subject's athletic prowess and her determined commitment to racial equality. Barlow's inventive collages of hand-painted cut paper and various mixed media are well matched to the narrative and wonderfully capture Rudolph's essence. Back matter includes an author's note that provides more information about Rudolph's advocacy and how her early life was shaped by segregation.

Reviewer: Pauletta Brown Bracy | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2024

(4) K-3 Cub Reporter Meets Famous Americans series. Illustrated by Doug Jones. Cub Reporter "interviews" the legendary African American sprinter and Olympic gold medalist. Rudolph responds to simplistic questions about her complicated life in her own hokey "voice" ("Yes, and I was so proud!"). Cartoons of a microphone-holding bear cub alternate with captioned photos that extend information. The premise may work for reluctant readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Frank Morrison. In this engaging, lively story, Alta's self-proclaimed "quickest kid in Clarksville" title is challenged by new-girl Charmaine. But on the day of the parade celebrating their hero, 1960 Olympic track star Wilma Rudolph, the girls collaborate. The text hints at the remarkable fact that Rudolph insisted that the celebrations be integrated; an author's note provides fuller mention and further information about Rudolph's life and achievements.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2016

(4) K-3 Amazing Americans series. The easy-to-read text of this sketchy biography touches on a few important moments in the life of one of America's most decorated female athletes. Rudolph's Olympic accomplishments are noted, as well as her personal triumph in overcoming the effects of childhood polio. Photographs of Rudolph as a young girl and later as an Olympian appear opposite the text in most spreads. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett

(4) K-3 Yo solo biografías series. Illustrated by Larry Johnson. Accessible narratives, including anecdotes chosen for their kid appeal, introduce these important (and classroom-friendly) historical figures to young Spanish-language readers. Although some of the illustrations have a static feel, their colorful warmth enhances the text. In each book, a brief afterword is accompanied by a photograph of the subject. Timeline. Review covers these Yo solo biografías titles: George Washington Carver, Pablo Picasso, and Wilma Rudolph.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 African-American Biographies series. After overcoming double pneumonia, scarlet fever, and polio--all at the same time--Rudolph was left with a crippled leg. Years of physical therapy paid off, and Rudolph went on to win three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics. This biography, though sometimes adulatory, covers both her personal and professional life. Black-and-white photos illustrate the text. Timeline, reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA A & E Biography series. The adequate, if uninspired, prose follows Rudolph from childhood polio victim to three-time gold-medal winner in the 1960 Olympics. Other challenges, including a teenage pregnancy, later marital problems, and the search for a satisfying career, are superficially explored. Standard black-and-white photographs illustrate this biography. Bib, ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Carolrhoda On My Own Books series. Illustrated by Larry Johnson. Though the prose in this easy-to-read biography is uninspired, Rudolph's story isn't. Nearly crippled by polio, Rudolph grew up with her leg in a brace. Through hard work and exercise, she became an Olympic gold-medal-winning runner. Full-color paintings capture the split-second movement of "the fastest woman in the world." An afterword briefly discusses Rudolph's post-running life, and a time line is included.

Reviewer: Amy Timberlake