Perfect Match

"In the 1950's, everything in the world of competitive tennis was white
- the outfits, the balls, even the players.
Except Althea Gibson."

In America, top notch player Althea Gibson was repeatedly denied membership in the top tennis league because of her skin color. Across the sea, in England Angela Brittan was denied membership in all the top tennis clubs because she was Jewish. This book chronicles how booh women overcame the prejudicial barriers and how they became friends and became pairs champions. Lori Dublin's simple text is easy to understand and young sports fans will enjoy this book. Amanda Quartey's illustrations are bright and colorful. Dubbin enjoys writing about little know people who have made great contributions to the world. This book shows the parallel experiences of discrimination that two women experienced and how they made a difference. Today professional sports include athletes of all colors and heritages. This story of friendship shows how hard work, dedication and teamwork can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, but I can honestly recommend this book for any youngster who loves sports and for kids who like to read biographies. It is a great example of "girl power" as these women make great role models. Teachers will want a copy for their classroom. It is not only great for free reading time but It can be used for Women's History Month, Black History Month,or Jewish Heritage Month.

Review coming soon!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Opinions are mine.

Excellent picture book about the partnership between Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton. Both women faced discrimination in tennis and overcame it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for the eARC!

"Perfect Match" is an excellent portrayal of two extraordinary tennis players who both faced different versions of segregation. One inspired the other and both worked together to become champions.

As girls and teens, each girl just wanted to play the game she loved but was prevented by unfair rulings. When African American Althea Gibson broke through and was able to play in tournaments, she inspired British Jewess Angela Buxton to work even harder until she was able to represent her country on Tour. They became good friends and even became partners in tennis doubles. When they worked together and to their strengths, they were nearly unbeatable.
The illustrations by Amanda Quartey are fun, simple, brilliantly colorful, and delightful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Lerner Publishing Group/Kar-Ben Publishing ®via NetGalley. Thank you! Available Sept 10, 2024
#Althea Gibson #Angela Buxton #ProTennis @CBCBook #BlackHero #JewishHero #1950s

This was a very interesting true story about two tennis players who became great friends and a doubles tennis team. A great read for all ages!!

Loved this story and didn't know about Angela and Althea. A great message for children to follow their dreams and go against adversity (and also the very important message about the history of racism and antisemitism in our world). The illustrations were great. Great book!

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me read an advance copy in exchange for a review.

I know of Althea Gibson but I had never heard of Angela Buxton and did not realize what they accomplished together. Gibson was denied entry into tennis clubs and associations due to her color. Across the water in England, Buxton was experiencing the same discrimination as she was Jewish. They eventually became friends and won the Wimbledon and French Open women's doubles championships. This would be a perfect book for Women's History Month!
Has a brief bio on each athlete at the end.