THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE

In 1961, African-American Olympic star Wilma Rudolph returned to the segregated town of Clarksville, Tennessee, for a Welcome Home parade. Narrator Sisi Aisha Johnson channels the young Rudolph with all her enthusiasm and confidence. Through the story of the fastest runner in town, Miller shows how the power of a sports icon can inspire members of the next generation to strive for their dreams. Johnson adds a certain bravado to the voice of Charmaine, an interloper who challenges Rudolph's winning record. The back-and-forth between the two girls is as realistic as anything heard on today's playgrounds. Johnson's pacing is perfect for the perusing of the book's exquisite watercolor illustrations but sounds uneven if one is just listening. The author's note adds historical context. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2016]