.... Other Biographies
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman
A picture book published by Harcourt, 1996
illustrated by David DiazAwards & Reviews
Jane Addams Picture Book Award
an ALA Notable Book
Booklist Editor’s Choice
School Library Journal Best Book of 1996
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon
ABA’s Pick of the Lists
Parents' Choice Award
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
“Krull’s characteristic, conversational style serves her especially well here. Through her words the nearly superhuman Rudolph seems both personable and recognizable…. A triumphant story, triumphantly relayed.”
--Publishers Weekly“The never didactic text includes a suspenseful and dramatic retelling of Rudolph’s triumphant participation in the 1960 Summer Games in Rome….Both Krull’s words and Diaz’s illustrations are celebrations of an inspiring life that deserves to be remembered.”
---Booklist“Krull tells the inspiring tale in rolling, oratorical prose…. the book as a whole is a dramatic commemoration of quite a heroic life.”
--Kirkus Reviews“A winning biography that highlights perseverance and true heroic courage…. Krull’s understated conversational style is perfectly suited to Rudolph’s remarkable and inspiring story.”
--Horn Book“Inspiring.”
-- The New York Times Book ReviewA “simply phrased, sensitively selective account…. Diaz’s artwork reinforces the mythic-hero aspects of the narrative with deeply framed compositions featuring stylized, statuesque figures of robotic power.”
-- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s BooksOne of 26 selections in Janet Schulman's You Read to Me & I'll Read to You: 20th Century Stories to Share (Knopf, 2001)
Links & Activities
Featured in the KIDZLIT after-school program, complete with Wilma-related activitiesWomen in History, Wilma Rudolph biography
http://lkwdpl.org/wihohio/rudo-wil.htmLink to BookPage interview with Kathleen Krull about Wilma Unlimited
http://www.bookpage.com/9605bp/childrens/kathleenkrull.html
Approximately 38 things to do with biographies in the classroom