Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper
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CCBC Choices 2013
2014-2015 Children's Crown Award
2013-2014 Macy's Multicultural Collection of Children's Literature
2015 Louisiana Readers' Choice Master List
A 2013 CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
2013 Amelia Bloomer list
2013 IRA-CBC Children's Choices
Best Children's Books of the Year 2013, Bank Street College
Tells how Alice Coachman, born poor in Georgia, became the first African American woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Bare feet shouldn't fly. Long legs shouldn't spin. Braids shouldn't flap in the wind. 'Sit on the porch and be a lady, ' Papa scolded Alice. In Alice's Georgia hometown, there was no track where an African-American girl could practice, so she made her own crossbar with sticks and rags. With the support of her coach, friends, and community, Alice started to win medals. Her dream to compete at the Olympics came true in 1948. This is an inspiring free-verse story of the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Photos of Alice Coachman are also included.
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Published: 01/01/2012
Pages: 32
Weight: 0.9lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.50w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780807580356
Age: Ages 4-8
Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 150216 / Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper
Award: Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award - Nominee
Award: South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2011
Booklist 02/01/2012 pg. 82
Publishers Weekly 02/20/2012 pg. 166
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2012
School Library Journal 04/01/2012 pg. 152
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2012 pg. 167 - Recommended, Satisfactory
About the Author
Even as a child, Ann Malaspina liked to write stories. Ann has written numerous books for young people including Finding Lincoln and Phillis Sings Out Freedom. Ann lives in New Jersey with her husband and two sons. www.annmalaspina.com Eric Velasquez, the son of Afro-Puerto Rican parents, was born in Spanish Harlem and grew up in Harlem in New York City. As a child, his love for doodling and drawing was strongly encouraged by his mother. From his grandmother he inherited a love of music and from his father he developed a love of movies. Growing up in this setting, Eric says, "Becoming an artist was a natural choice for me. I have never thought of being anything else." http: //www.ericvelasquez.com/