Fall 2024

Perfect Match

The Story of Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton

  • Interest Level: Grade 1 - Grade 5
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

When Althea Gibson first dreamed of joining the big American tennis leagues, she was denied because she was Black. Angela Buxton dreamed of joining the best tennis clubs in Britain, but she was rejected because she was Jewish. When Angela heard that Althea was coming to Britain to compete, she skipped school to see the match. If Althea didn’t let hatred stop her from playing the game she loved, Angela wouldn’t either.

At the French Championships in 1956, Angela told Althea about her dream of winning Wimbledon with a doubles partner. To win as a team, they would have to stick to their strengths—together.

Format Your Price Add
979-8-7656-0300-0
$14.99
979-8-7656-3180-5
$24.99
979-8-7656-4556-7
$34.99
979-8-7656-4555-0
$6.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 1 - Grade 5
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Category Diverse Books: Feminism, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning, Sports
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Kar-Ben Publishing ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2024-09-10
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF007100, JNF054120, JNF053140
Dewey 796.342092/52
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Features Author/Illustrator note, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Lori Dubbin

Lori Dubbin is a writer and a former early childhood educator. She enjoys researching and writing about unsung heroes who have contributed to our world in remarkable ways. She hopes her stories show young readers that kindness, teamwork, and persistence can make a difference. She and her husband have three grown sons and live in Miami, Florida.

Illustrator: Amanda Quartey

Amanda Quartey was born and raised in London. At age fourteen, she moved to Ghana, where she studied art, returning to the UK to study graphic design. Amanda has built a professional illustration portfolio and loves every bit of her illustration career!

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Perfect Match

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Reviews

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“Althea and Angela’s love of the game of tennis is as obvious as the challenges they face in the eyes of adversity. Readers will be cheering for their successes long after the last page is turned. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature

Booklist

“Quartey’s painted scenes as well as the photos at the end capture the two in vigorous action and posing arm in arm.” —Booklist

Jewish Book Council

“Dubbin’s well-cho­sen details, com­bined with Aman­da Quartey’s expres­sive illus­tra­tions, make Per­fect Match an upbeat sto­ry of inter­ra­cial friend­ship and triumph.” – Jewish Book Council

School Library Journal

“Recommended for history, sports, and biography collections looking for excellent picture books that ably diversify their offerings for this age group.” - School Library Journal