Olympic Black Women [Hardcover]

Martha Plowden (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

From its beginnings in ancient Greece as a celebration of the gods to its rebirth in 1896 as a tool for peace through universal understanding, the Olympics have awed and inspired the world with man's athletic prowess. Held continually since 1896 with the exception of 1916 and 1940-44 during the two world wars, the Olympics continue to be the highest measure of human physical ability. In this book the author focuses on an area not often covered in Olympic History -- the African-American women who have competed through the years.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Since 1932, when the first black woman participated in the Olympics, black women have become an increasing force in the games. Plowden's highlights many of these women, with a historical outline accompanying biographical details on selected black women. While the sketches may prove too brief to use as in-depth research material for middle-school reports, this title's overall value will appeal to any studying Olympic figures. -- Midwest Book Review

The ancient Greeks excluded women from the Olympics. When the modern games were reinstated in 1896, the ban was continued. Women were finally allowed to participate in the 1900 Olympics, but it was not until 1932 that the first African-American women were selected to participate in the Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Since that eventful year, more and more black women have participated in the Olympics. Now they compete in all areas of track and field, tennis, basketball, rowing, volleyball, and figure skating.

This book highlights some of the accomplishments of these Olympic medalists and attests to their magnificent representation of our country abroad. With a brief biographical outline and a listing of each award won, Martha Ward Plowden brings to life some of the world's greatest athletes. Included is a timeline of participants in each Olympics, a listing of Olympic sites through the years, a glossary, and suggested reading. An excellent text for history classes, Olympic Black Women is a tribute to the accomplishment of Olympic women throughout the years. Martha Ward Plowden is a middle-school media specialist in Atlanta, Georgia. Her findings in the area of women in black history led to the writing of Famous Firsts of Black Women, now in its second printing. She is formerly coeditor of Library Trends and holds degrees in library media services.

Ronald Jones is a freelance artist whose works include the 1992 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Congo Square poster. He is artistic director of The Neighborhood Gallery in New Orleans, which promotes the works of local black artists. -- From the Publisher

About the Author

Martha Ward Plowden is a respected librarian and middle-school media specialist. Along with holding a master's degree in library service from Clark Atlanta University, she also possesses specialty degrees in library science and media from Georgia State University.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing (November 30, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565540808
• ISBN-13: 978-1565540804
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,709,605 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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