I Am a Promise

November 18, 2019
Assisted by fellow Jamaicans Rousseau and Moss in her picture book debut, sprinter Fraser Pryce, a six-time Olympic medalist, relays her life from childhood until age 21, when she won her first Olympic gold medal. Throughout the narrative, Fraser Pryce questions what people mean when they say she is “a promise,” realizing before the 100-meter race at the 2008 Beijing Olympics that the promise, to herself and her supporters, is “to always be the best I can be.” Part of the refrain (“I ran like a rocket”) alludes to the world champion’s nickname, Pocket Rocket. While Moss’s cartoon illustrations sometimes skew sparse, the tale nonetheless succeeds in conveying Fraser Pryce’s autobiography in a compelling, conversational manner. Back matter includes a selection of facts about Fraser Pryce, as well as a brief overview of her athletic achievements. Ages 4–8.

December 1, 2019

K-Gr 3-Fraser Pryce, who grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, always loved to run. Her noticeable talent was present at an early age and was nurtured by many adults in her life. Her ability was her promise-to herself, to her family, to the people who supported her, and to the country that cheered her on as she represented Jamaica in the Olympics. The straightforward writing is punctuated with occasional moments of rhythm: "I ran to school. I ran to the shop. I ran like a rocket. I ran to be free. I ran everywhere, because that was me." The digital artwork is colorful, with thick black-lined illustrations that reflect the text on the page, but rarely add more to the story. The emotional impact of the narrative is muted somewhat by the lack of detail and specificity in both the text and the artwork (no mention is made of Jamaica in the actual story, and only the most astute readers will know what country she is representing by looking at the flag). VERDICT Young readers may struggle to make a connection with Fraser Pryce and her achievements. A secondary purchase for most libraries.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2019
This autobiographical picture book highlights the challenges and achievements of six-time Olympic medalist Pryce. Young Shelly Ann, she tells us, is both tiny and fast, with big dreams of winning great races. It is her grandmother who first introduces her to the idea that she is "a promise." Puzzled by this but hearing it from others, she runs. Running "to be free," running "without fear," Shelly Ann outpaces every competitor in her school-age years. As Pryce's mother struggles to provide for her family, people in her community continue to validate the promise invested in her by her grandmother. Representing her country, Jamaica, Pryce realizes the promise that so many have recognized in her. "I was a promise to my country and to all who have supported me. A promise to myself and to all those who have loved me." Writing with Rousseau, Pryce offers a text that's accessible to new readers, repetition both underscoring her tirelessness and supporting decoding. Firmly outlined in black and opaquely colored, Moss' images complement this moving story while highlighting both Pryce's determination and the spirit of Jamaica, especially the support of a loving community (all depicted as black, like Pryce). Backmatter includes further facts about Pryce (athletic achievements and other activities) and a short biography. A solid addition to the early biography shelf. (Picture book/biography. 5-8)

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February 15, 2020
Grades K-2 Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce became the fastest woman in the world in 2012, when she ran the 100m in 10.70 seconds. In this inspiration and heartfelt account, coauthored with Ashley Rousseau, the sprinter tells of her journey from a hardscrabble childhood in Kingston, Jamaica, to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she earned her first gold medal at 21. The six-time Olympic medalist acknowledges that it takes a community to raise an athlete, telling of individuals who saw her promise and supported her emotionally and financially. Conveyed in a conversational fashion, this picture-book biography is illustrated with full-color cartoon artwork, while Pryce's medal history, her athletic achievements, and other general facts are presented as back matter. An ending note states that Pryce will donate her book proceeds to her Pocket Rocket Foundation, which provides full academic scholarships for high-school student athletes. This book, which offers material for the youngest readers and extends coverage of Jamaican track athletes beyond Usain Bolt, is a welcome addition to the sports biography bookshelf.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)