Author: Shana Corey
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Year: 2009
Location: Knox County Public Library- Lawson McGhee
Awards: Bank Street College Best, Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book finalist, Parents Magazine Best Books, Junior Library Guild
Summary: Annette Kellerman was the founder of water ballet and first to wear a female racing swimsuit and this is her story. Her parents were music teachers but Annette learned to swim early in order to strength her weakened legs. She invented water ballet and tried to do an exhibition in London. To get people to realize that girls could be athletes, she attempted to swim the English Channel. Even though she didn't make it all the way to France, everyone was impressed and started to call her the mermaid queen. Eventually many women started following Annette's lead and wearing the racing suits to the beach. The swirling text choices along with the spiraling illustrations resemble water. The spreads are gorgeous with vibrant, rich colors, each based on either a warm or a cool palette.
Classroom Ideas: Biography, classroom study of women pioneers, women's rights,
Extras: Author's note with a photograph of Annette Kellerman, Sources quotations
