Nothing But Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson

by Sue Stauffacher and Greg Couch

As a girl, Althea Gibson didn’t care much about school or following the rules,... read more

As a girl, Althea Gibson didn’t care much about school or following the rules, but “Give her a stick, a paddle, a hoop, or a ball, and Althea Gibson was good to go.” Althea grew up to become the first African American to compete and win at Wimbledon. Her journey from wild girl to women champion is chronicled in this lively picture-book biography. When Althea’s mentor, Buddy Walker, first spotted her playing ball, he saw “pure possibility.” It was Buddy who arranged for Althea to learn tennis, and who later helped Althea understand that following rules didn’t mean she had to change who she was or how she played. “With Buddy’s help, Althea realized she could dress up in white and act like a lady, and still beat the liver and lights out of the ball.” Sue Stauffacher’s fresh, spirited writing is paired with Greg Crouch’s energizing art, which is full of color and motion. (Ages 5–9)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2008

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