The value of overcoming adversity: The story of Wilma Rudolph (Value tales series)

In this installment of the ValueTales series, Ann Donegan Johnson praises Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) for overcoming adversity. The book introduces Wilma, a small and sickly child born to a large family in the South. Wilma had to fight hard to get through a number of painful illnesses. Illnesses that killed many other children her age. The determination she learned gave Wilma the discipline to excel at basketball and track. She overcame continuing health problems and set several world records as a runner. Wilma also won three Olympic gold medals. Like other books in the ValueTales series, this book uses a real-life person to exemplify an important value. It is suitable for reading by children in the later elementary school grades. A "Historical Facts" section at the book's end summarizes Rudolph's life in a single-page bio form suitable for adults. Closing quote: "In 1994, Wilma faced her final obstacle: brain cancer. As always, she fought bravely. But this time, she could not win. Wilma Rudolph died in her home on November 12 at the age of 54. Wilma's race in life wasn't a long one, but she had run it so well that no one who hears her story can ever forget the triumph of her life." (p. 62)