Scan barcode
Reviews
Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E. Ransome
waterviolite's review against another edition
4.0
This picture book shows how Venus and Serena Williams grew up to become tennis stars, including practicing in neighborhoods where they needed to duck out of the way of gunshots and other struggles, in addition to their successes and support for one another.
heatherbermingham's review against another edition
5.0
Great introduction to the story of Venus and Serena Williams who are old enough now that kids might not know much about their early days. I really like that the book doesn't sugarcoat the difficult parts of their story - as children, stopping practice to drop to the ground because of nearby drive-boys, racism they faced, particularly in their early days when the first showed up in a game/tour that had historically been extremely white. In the end, the focus of the book is really on the bond between the two sisters. Definitely will be purchasing for use in the classroom. Also love the back matter - more details about their activism/charity work, a bibliography, and suggestions for other books and interviews to read.
ashleyaewert's review against another edition
3.0
This mini biography tells the story of the Willams sisters and how they dominated a primarily white sport all while still remaining best friends and supporting one another. Very cool collage like illustrations
jshettel's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this simple yet informative bio about the Williams sisters! Beautiful illustrations and interesting endnotes.
azajacks's review against another edition
4.0
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
katieckb's review against another edition
4.0
This is a picture book about the Williams sisters. It details their childhood and the challenges they have overcome to accomplish great success in their tennis careers and in other aspects of their lives.
maidmarianlib's review
4.0
A great biography of the Williams sisters touches on racism and their bond as sisters.
shayemiller's review against another edition
4.0
This is a lovely picture book biography that shares the lives of Venus and Serena Williams. When they were children, the neighborhood laughed at their father for dreaming big for his daughters. But he wasn’t about to give up — both he and his wife got on the courts with their daughters and worked with them. The girls ran track to improve their speed while practicing ballet to improve flexibility. And I was surprised to learn their father bused in loads of neighborhood kids to taunt the sisters while they practiced, purposefully asking them to say mean things to build up the sisters’ emotional skin.
“Nothing can keep me from celebrating when my best friend wins a match.”
-Venus Williams
It’s clear to see that, while highly competitive with one another, they were also the very best of friends. It brought tears to my eyes to read about the time Venus sprinted off the court and up into the stands to grab her camera and capture Serena’s victory against her. What excellent examples of athletic dedication AND human character!
The artwork in this book was rendered in cut paper, pencil, and acrylic paints.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
“Nothing can keep me from celebrating when my best friend wins a match.”
-Venus Williams
It’s clear to see that, while highly competitive with one another, they were also the very best of friends. It brought tears to my eyes to read about the time Venus sprinted off the court and up into the stands to grab her camera and capture Serena’s victory against her. What excellent examples of athletic dedication AND human character!
The artwork in this book was rendered in cut paper, pencil, and acrylic paints.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
heatherberm's review
5.0
Great introduction to the story of Venus and Serena Williams who are old enough now that kids might not know much about their early days. I really like that the book doesn't sugarcoat the difficult parts of their story - as children, stopping practice to drop to the ground because of nearby drive-boys, racism they faced, particularly in their early days when the first showed up in a game/tour that had historically been extremely white. In the end, the focus of the book is really on the bond between the two sisters. Definitely will be purchasing for use in the classroom. Also love the back matter - more details about their activism/charity work, a bibliography, and suggestions for other books and interviews to read.
tashrow's review
5.0
The childhood of Venus and Serena is told in this picture book biography. As the youngest of the Williams children, they started playing tennis alongside their older sisters. Then they became the two who continued on. Growing up in Compton made their practices more challenging, including sometimes having to stay down when guns were fired in the neighborhood. The two remained dedicated to their sport, quickly climbing the ranks and becoming ranked players. Trained from a young age to ignore the taunts from the crowd, the two of them became two of the best players of all time, both in doubles and singles. There has been drama when the two sisters had to play one another in tournaments and still they showed a joy in one another’s accomplishments even when they were the loser.
A look at two girls who shared their father’s dreams for them, putting in the hard work, showing resilience and silencing critics. The book focuses on Venus and Serena themselves and also on the way that they have supported one another through wins and losses, staying close and being true sisters. The illustrations are exceptional works of collage that have strong colors and graphic elements that pop on the page. Small touches add interesting details, like the girls’ socks being made from paper with words and lines.
Beautiful, strong and inspiring, this look at two modern legends is a pleasure. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
A look at two girls who shared their father’s dreams for them, putting in the hard work, showing resilience and silencing critics. The book focuses on Venus and Serena themselves and also on the way that they have supported one another through wins and losses, staying close and being true sisters. The illustrations are exceptional works of collage that have strong colors and graphic elements that pop on the page. Small touches add interesting details, like the girls’ socks being made from paper with words and lines.
Beautiful, strong and inspiring, this look at two modern legends is a pleasure. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
More...