A runner since childhood, Jamaican Shelly Ann Price was baffled at a young age when her grandmother called her a promise. Shelly continued to run through adolescence, and was selected to represent Jamaica in the 2008 Olympics. An eventual three-time Olympian and holder of six Olympic medals, Shelly Ann Price set numerous women's track records in competitions all over the world. As an adult, she came to understand why her grandmother and others described her as a promise: To her nation and her supporters, to her family, and to herself, she was a promise to "always be the best I can be." (Ages 5-9)

An inspiring children's picture book about the indomitable spirit of Jamaican eight-time Olympic medal winner Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce

"Pryce, who earned her fame as an illustrious athlete before putting pen to paper, remains an influential voice for young men and women the world over...She lives the promise entrusted to her."
--Jamaica Gleaner

A 2021 CCBC Choices Selection!

“A retelling of Jamaican Olympic gold medalist Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce’s uplifting journey to stardom, the charming picture book encourages young readers to stay steadfast with determination to achieve their dreams.”
--Island Origins Magazine

"Shelley Ann’s colorful book provides fun-filled reading children will delight in exploring. Illustrated by Rachel Moss, vivid images of her triumphs in runaway races will entice any child, athletic or not."
--Caribbean Life

"I Am a Promise...takes readers on a journey from [Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce's] childhood to the Olympics. It's her story about dreaming big and turning those dreams into reality."
--New York Amsterdam News

"A choice pick for school and public library children's collections, highly recommended."
--Midwest Book Review

I Am a Promise takes readers on Shelly Ann's journey from her childhood in the tough inner-city community of Waterhouse in Kingston, Jamaica, through her development as a young athlete, to her first Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter sprint in 2008.

The story charts how Shelly Ann's commitment to hard work as well as the encouragement of loved ones helped her achieve her dreams against great odds and challenging life experiences. Most importantly, I Am a Promise encourages young readers to believe in themselves and to maximize their own promise to the world.