Perfect Match
The Story of Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton
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 |
|---|---|---|
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979-8-7656-0300-0
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$14.99 | |
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979-8-7656-3180-5
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$24.99 | |
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979-8-7656-4556-7
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$34.99 | |
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979-8-7656-4555-0
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$6.99 |
| 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 |
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
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… View available downloads →
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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
Sydney Taylor Shmooze
“Perfect Match will be an enjoyable and effective catalyst for discussion for any sports-loving family and/or in first- to fourth-grade classrooms discussing antisemitism, racism, friendship, teamwork, or the history of the twentieth century.”—Sydney Taylor Shmooze
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