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)

Althea is nothing but trouble! Everyone agrees: her mama, her daddy, her teacher, even the policeman. But when Buddy Walker, the play leader on Althea's street in Harlem, watches her play paddle tennis, he sees something more: pure possibility. Buddy buys Althea her very own stringed tennis racket, and before long, she's on her way to becoming a great athlete—and to proving that she's more than just trouble.

Althea Gibson was the first African American ever to compete in and win the Wimbledon Cup. Born in 1927, she was a spirited child and became an enormously talented athlete. Sue Stauffacher's lively text, paired with vibrant paintings by artist Greg Couch, captures the exuberance, ambition, and triumph of this remarkable woman. Readers will cheer from the stands as Althea transforms from playground tomboy to Wimbledon champion.