Game, Set, Sisters!

February 1, 2021

Gr 2-4-Sisterhood is explored in this picture book biography of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. From their early days on the broken-down tennis courts in Compton, CA to their rise as superstars, these two sisters always had each other's backs. While the narrative explains the obstacles and successes they faced in their profession, the main focus is the strength of the bond between Venus and Serena and their three older sisters. This is a portrait of their relationship and how it impacted their lives as tennis players. The text provides an accessible introduction to the girls who became respected athletes. The colorful digital illustrations enhance the narrative structure of the text. VERDICT A strong picture book choice that features engaging artwork and an inspirational narrative. Fans of Venus and Serena Williams will be familiar with the basics of the sisters' background but will see the importance of their sisterly bond and how it helped them overcome obstacles.-V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elem. Sch., Raleigh, NC

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2021
The latest book in the Who Did it First? series focuses on the lives of tennis-star sisters Venus and Serena Williams. As one would expect, the book spotlights the tennis greats' major successes and challenges in the sport, but it places an equal focus on the relationship among all the Williams sisters: Venus, Serena, Isha, Lyndrea, and the late Yetunde. Leslie moves through her account efficiently, enabling young readers to glean important information about the subjects without bogging them down in details. The book begins with their early days on the tennis court in Compton, California, and continues through 2016, when they opened the Yetunde Price Resource Center in honor of the oldest of the five sisters, who died due to gun violence. In chronicling Venus' and Serena's professional lives, the book does not shy away from the racism that the two faced from other players and tennis fans. Glenn's illustrations represent the subjects well and capture the sisters' signature beads and braids from their early years in the sport. The text falters a bit, failing to reveal why Venus refers to Serena as "Meeka," nor does it locate geographically the Indian Wells tournament the sisters boycotted after receiving racist jeers. Dialogue is unsourced, but the backmatter includes a timeline and additional resources. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 56.3% of actual size.) An inspiring biography of athletes, friends, partners, and sisters. (Picture book/biography. 4-8)

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