From School Library Journal
Grade 4 Up Knudson hyperbolizes in the beginning of the book, describing nearly every activity in Brown's early years with unnecessary overstatement ("Her brown hair flowed behind her as she raced. Every hair stayed in place!" or "She smiled instead of cried every time she got spanked. No one was going to hurt her!"). Later Knudson relaxes her style, developing it into an insightful text. For example, she shows Brown's reasons for choosing a coach, staying with a coach, and changing coaches on the long route toward championship. The text does not dwell on individual wins or losses, but gives a composite of Brown's life and various races along the way. Lightly touching on strategy, Knudson briefly describes some techniques Brown used in the cross country marathon. Although intended for elementary grade children, this will appeal to older reluctant readers, particularly those who are interested in track. Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, Va.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
A biography emphasizing the running career of the woman who overcame many personal and professional hurdles to compete as a marathon runner in the 1984 Olympic Games.
