Ladies First

A dozen of the twentieth-century's greatest female athletes show how they had a lasting impact not only in their sport but also on society.

Veteran author and journalist Ken Rappoport showcases pioneering women, from tennis pro Althea Gibson, the first Black American woman to win at Wimbledon, to Susan Butcher, four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Each dramatic, action-packed profile shows how these athletes overcame discrimination against their gender—and sometimes their race—and challenged popular misconceptions about women and sports.

Young readers will find in each of these women the courage, perseverance, and dedication that made them great athletes during their own times and strong role models for today. A bonus chapter at the end highlights The All-American Red Heads basketball team."Rappoport writes with an accessible, pared-down language that will easily draw readers into the action, beginning each section with a suspenseful, you-are-there account of the athlete just before a great triumph. . . a fine introduction that students will want for report research or personal inspiration."—Booklist

"Rappoport writes lively, limited profiles of these athletes. . . Adolescents interested in the accomplishments of women during the 20th century will find this an entertaining and easy read."—School Library JournalKen Rappoport is the author of dozens of sports books for young readers and adults. He was a writer for The Associated Press for thirty years, covering every major professional and college sport. He died in 2020.