The Golden Girls of Rio

Author: Smith, Nikkolas

Features:

• SKY PONY

Format: Picture Book

Number Of Pages: 32

Details:

The summer Olympic games in Rio were groundbreaking for so many American women athletes.The US gymnastics team completely dominated, led by fierce little Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time. Katie Ledecky shattered long-held swimming records and left competitors in her wake—if they were even close enough. Michelle Carter, in high style, changed the perception of strong women, and was the first American woman to win gold in the shot put. And Simone Manuel, the first African American woman to win an individual gold in swimming, has inspired a whole new generation of swimmers.  The Golden Girls of Rio is the story of how a group of very different little sporty girls—from around the country and from varying backgrounds—became the premier women athletes of today. And how these gold medalists—Golden Girls—and their teammates captured the world’s attention by their miraculous athletic achievements at the Rio Olympics. From School Library Journal Gr 3–5—Girls all over the world were captivated and inspired by the performance of Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, Michelle Carter, and Simone Manuel during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil. These athletes showed the world what big dreams, hard work, and determination can accomplish. Smith follows these amazing gymnasts from childhood dreams to winning the gold at the Rio games. While there were numerous women who competed at the Olympics, this title focuses primarily on Manuel, the first African American woman to win a medal in an individual swimming event; Biles, the most decorated American gymnast of all time; Carter, the first American woman to win a gold medal in shot put; and Ledecky, world record holder in multiple swimming events. Smith's striking illustrations are simple but bold and perfectly reflect his artistic background as a concept artist at Walt Disney Imagineering. Unfortunately, the actual text is not nearly as outstanding and detracts from the overall quality of the work. The narrative does not flow and is often choppy as Smith moves from one girl's story to the next. In addition, the ending feels rushed and unfinished. VERDICT While the subject matter may be in demand, this is at best an additional purchase.—Joy Poynor, formerly at Rogers Public Library, AR

About the Author:

Nikkolas Smith is a native of Houston, Texas, and is a master of architecture recipient from Hampton University and current theme park designer at Walt Disney Imagineering. He also creates freelance concept art, activist art paintings, and Hollywood movie posters. After hours, Nikkolas leads youth mentoring on Saturdays, with the kids of Compton and Watts, California, giving lessons in digital painting and life skills for success. ...

EAN: 9781510722477

Release Date: 15-11-2016

Languages: English

Item Note: Great shape- pages are unmarked and sharp. Hardcover Used - Very Good Ships fast! 2016

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood

Binding: Hardcover