The Quickest Kid in Clarksville - by Pat Zietlow Miller Hardcover

About the Book

Growing up in the segregated town of Clarksville, Tennessee, in the 1960s, Alta's family cannot afford to buy her new sneakers--but she still plans to attend the parade celebrating her hero Wilma Rudolph's three Olympic gold medals.

Book Synopsis

It's the day before the big parade. Alta can only think about one thing: Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist. She'll be riding on a float tomorrow. See, Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like Wilma once was. It doesn't matter that Alta's shoes have holes because Wilma came from hard times, too. But what happens when a new girl with shiny new shoes comes along and challenges Alta to a race? Will she still be the quickest kid? The Quickest Kid in Clarksville is a timeless story of dreams, determination, and the power of friendship.

Review Quotes

"A spunky tribute to friendship and determination."--Champagne-Urbana News Gazette

"A story about teamwork and determination."--Publishers Weeky

"A story with spunk to spare."--Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

"All children will relate to the powerful lessons about jealousy, determination, confidence, dreams, and friendship."--Booking Mana

"An engaging, lively story."-The Horn Book Magazine

"Gentle tribute to the legend of the pathbreaking African-American sprinter Wilma Rudolph."--The New York Times

"Partly a book about kids learning to make friends, and partly a history lesson about Wilma Rudolph."--Design Mom

"Ratty old sneakers and a little competition won't keep Alta from running toward her Olympic dream."--FamilyFun Magazine

"Sweet and inspiring."--Kirkus Reviews

"There's a lot of sass and attitude inside this book, and charm all over."--Las Vegas Review Journal

Charlotte Observer Best Books of the Year

Cool Mom Picks' 10 Most Empowering Books for Girls

About the Author

Frank Morrison is the Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winning illustrator of many books for young people. He lives Atlanta, Georgia.

Pat Zietlow Miller began her writing career in college as a sports reporter and has had a fascination with Wilma Rudolph ever since. Pat is the author of several picture books and lives in Madison, Wisconsin.