Trudy’s Big Swim by Sue Macy -ADVISABLE

Macy, Sue and illustrated by Collins, Matt Trudy’s Big Swim PICTURE BOOK. 25 pgs. Holiday House, 2017. $16.95

This is the true story of how 20 year old Gertrude Ederle swam across the English Channel in 1926. We first learn that she was a talented swimmer, setting world records and winning Olympic medals. Then we follow her on her long journey across the channel as she faces many setbacks. Large incredible illustrations fill each page.

This illustrations are almost realistic, like watching a movie, some of the best I have ever seen. It wonderful that we see a woman accomplishing things in a time period when women were starting to gain more rights and ability be equal to men. But this book has a ‘moment in time’ feel and I think a better hook for young readers is start with the childhood where the person first learned they loved swimming and the hard work that made that accomplishment so astounding. Includes quite a bit of biographical information at the end, but again leaves out the childhood, which is often what interests student readers the most. Could be use for lesson on accomplished women, swimming, Olympic athletes, and women rights. 

EL(K-3), EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.