Wilma Rudolph: Volume 27
Little People, Big Dreams Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (350)
What’s inside...
Dive into the inspiring journey of Wilma Rudolph, a remarkable athlete who overcame childhood polio to win three Olympic gold medals in track and field. Part of the beloved series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, this book introduces young readers to determination, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself. With engaging illustrations and accessible storytelling, it's perfect for children learning to read and looking to be inspired by a true story of triumph and perseverance. Parents will appreciate the emphasis on overcoming obstacles, fostering a sense of hope and strength in young minds. New in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Wilma Rudolph, the remarkable sprinter and Olympic champion. Wilma was born into a family with 22 brothers and sisters, in the segregated South. She contracted polio in her early years and her doctors said she would never walk again. But Wilma persisted with treatment, and she recovered her strength by the age of 12. At school, Wilma showed a talent for basketball and sprinting, earning the nickname 'Skeeter' (mosquito) as she ran so fast. Wilma was in college when she went to the 1960 Olympics. She not only won gold in sprint events, but also broke world records with her sprinting skill. She had beaten polio to become an Olympic champion. She is a huge inspiration to many women in sports around the world. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the athlete's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Wilma Rudolph
Discussion points
How do you think Wilma felt when she overcame her challenges?
What qualities do you admire in Wilma and why?
How did Wilma's determination change her life and the lives of others?
Can you think of a time when you worked really hard to achieve something? How does that relate to Wilma’s journey?
What have you learned from Wilma’s story that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Wilma’s challenges and triumphs, relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of resilience and perseverance, using examples from the book to highlight how they can be applied in real-world situations.
Highlight the historical context of Wilma's achievements, explaining how her victories were significant at her time.
Ask your child to think about people in their own lives who inspire them like Wilma and discuss the traits that make those individuals special.
After reading, consider watching a documentary or interviews about Wilma Rudolph to reinforce the book’s themes and offer a deeper understanding of her life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: The story illustrates how Wilma Rudolph overcame her physical disabilities and societal challenges to become an Olympic champion.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether in their studies, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Equality and Respect
Explanation: Wilma Rudolph's journey highlights the struggles against racial and gender discrimination, emphasizing equality and respect for all.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to treat everyone equally regardless of race, gender, or any other differences, promoting a harmonious community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Support Systems
Explanation: The book shows how the support of family, friends, and mentors was crucial in Wilma's success, underlining the value of a strong support network.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and rely on the support from their family and friends, and also be supportive towards others.
Example Lesson: Health and Determination
Explanation: Wilma’s early health challenges and her determination to strengthen her body through physical activities is a key aspect of the narrative.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in physical exercise and take care of their health, which is foundational to achieving their dreams.
Example Lesson: Inspirational Role Model
Explanation: Wilma Rudolph serves as a powerful role model, teaching the value of aiming high and dreaming big.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to set ambitious goals for themselves and work hard to achieve them, just like Wilma did.