Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull

Krull, Kathleen. (1996). Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the
World’s Fastest Woman. Ill. David Diaz. Orlando, FL: Voyager Books
ISBN: 9780152020989

This is the biography of one young African-American woman overcomes premature birth, multiple illnesses as a toddler, and polio before the age of five to walk again, run again, and win it all at the Olympics. Wilma Rudolph is the type of role model our children need. She never gave in or gave up.

This story is written in a simple style, that in engaging and fast moving. It begins with birth and fills in just enough detail to understand the mountainous obstacles facing this courageous young woman. The illustrations supplement the text. They are done as snapshots or pictures in frames surrounded by the everyday black and white/sepia photos of the era. Each picture is bright and colorful. The figures are clear and expressions fit the moods from wistfulness to pride.

It has won numerous awards, including ALA Notable Children’s Book, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, and Jane Addams Book Award Winner, just to name a few.
At the end of the story is an epilogue, giving some information about Wilma after her Olympic win. This gives a further view into the character’s life. All in all, it is a delightful, uplifting, and triumphant story, written for the lower grades. However, it would interest any age group.

Looking at websites devoted to Willa Rudolph show that the information is accurate. Krull’s style is narrative. She gives information that will (or should) urge students to ask questions. Krull states that during their weekly bus ride for treatment they ride in the back, “the only place blacks were allowed to sit.” She does not bemoan the fact nor does she play it up. It is stated in a matter-in-fact tone.

From Publishers Weekly"No one expected such a tiny girl to have a first birthday," begins this inspiring biographical sketch of a legendary track stars. Born in 1940 in Tennessee, the chronically sickly though "lively" Rudolph contracted polio just before her fifth birthday. Though not expected to walk again, the fiercely determined girl persevered with her leg exercises; by the time she was 12, she no longer needed her steel brace. Eight years later, Rudolph represented the U.S. in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, where, despite a twisted ankle, she became the first American woman to win three gold medals during a single Olympic competition. Krull's (Lives of the Musicians) characteristic, conversational style serves her especially well here. Through her words the nearly superhuman Rudolph seems both personable and recognizable. Rendered in acrylic, watercolor and gouache, Caldecott Medalist Diaz's (Smoky Night) imposing, richly hued illustrations have a distinctive, cubist feel. The artist's bold design superimposes this art against sepia-toned photographs of relevant background images: playground sand, wooden fence slats, the gravel of a running track. This juxtaposition yields busy, effectively textured pages, flawed only by the text's curiously embellished font-the letters look as though they have been speckled with either ink blots or dust. A triumphant story, triumphantly relayed. Ages 7-12. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library JournalKindergarten-Grade 5? The story of Wilma Rudolph, the prematurely born black child who, despite suffering from polio, became the first woman to win three Olympic gold medals. The narrative could very easily slip into sentimentality. It is to Krull's credit that though her telling is affecting, it is also crisp and matter of fact, very much in the spirit of Rudolph's deep day-to-day determination. However, the real impact of this book lies in the potent melding of powerful prose with Diaz's stunning artwork. His watercolor and acrylic illustrations with definite black outlining create a stained-glass effect, and the paintings themselves are backed on sepia photographs that relate to the text. For example, narrative about Wilma's bus trips to Nashville is matched with an illustration showing the girl and her mother at the back of the bus. This in turn is superimposed over a photograph of a bus tire. Children will listen raptly to this inspirational tale, which is especially appropriate for this Olympic year.Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This book could be used in a cornucopia of themes. It is a stand alone book for general reading. It could begin a unit on African-American studies. It would enhance any study of Olympic athletes. It would be a profound addition to any disability themes. And it would make a fine addition to a biographical study of Wilma Rudolph’s life and achievements. It could be a spectrum extreme when studying childhood illnesses, especially polio. Which other famous Americans contracted Polio and triumphed over or in spite of their illness.