CCBC Choices 2013

2014-2015 Children's Crown Award

2013-2014 Macy's Multicultural Collection of Children's Literature

2015 Louisiana Readers' Choice Master List

A 2013 CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

2013 Amelia Bloomer list

2013 IRA-CBC Children's Choices

Best Children's Books of the Year 2013, Bank Street College



Tells how Alice Coachman, born poor in Georgia, became the first African American woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics.



Bare feet shouldn't fly. Long legs shouldn't spin. Braids shouldn't flap in the wind. 'Sit on the porch and be a lady,' Papa scolded Alice. In Alice's Georgia hometown, there was no track where an African-American girl could practice, so she made her own crossbar with sticks and rags. With the support of her coach, friends, and community, Alice started to win medals. Her dream to compete at the Olympics came true in 1948. This is an inspiring free-verse story of the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Photos of Alice Coachman are also included.