Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull, Author, and David Diaz Illustrator

This is the true story of Wilma Rudolph and how she triumphs over overwhelming odds. She became the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympics.

This is the true story of Wilma Rudolph and how she triumphs over overwhelming odds. Wilma was a tiny, little, premature baby born in Tennessee in 1940. She lived in a time that only certain hospitals would treat African-American patients – and that hospital was fifty-five miles away. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity.

When Wilma was just five years old she was crippled by polio. She couldn’t attend school because she couldn’t walk, and yet she didn’t just let her life pass her by. She refused to believe them and instead told them that she would walk and run. With the help of her loving family and a very strong and single-minded mother she persevered. By the time she was 12 she was able to give up her steel leg-brace. But mostly it was her unbeatable attitude that leads her to learn to walk, and then run, and led her to victory in the 1960 Olympics.

She became the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympics.

A beautiful story that you will want to read with your daughter.

The beautiful work of Caldecott Medal-winner, illustrator David Diaz makes this a wonderful book to add to your library.


Note: This book is from my personal library.
Age Range: 6 - 9 years
Grade Level: 1 - 3
Paperback: 44 pages