She Persisted: Naomi Osaka

Starred review from May 29, 2017
Mitch McConnell’s dismissal of Elizabeth Warren during a Senate confirmation hearing immediately became a feminist rallying cry. Clinton (It’s Your World) and Boiger (Max and Marla) further transform it into a lovely, moving work of children’s literature that might even win over those cynical about celebrity efforts in that space. Clinton succinctly summarizes the lives of women who “did not take no for an answer”; each story reiterates “she persisted” in bold type and is paired with an inspiring quote. Familiar figures (Helen Keller, Sally Ride) join ones who may be new to some readers, like union activist Clara Lemlich and Claudette Colvin, the teenager whose courageous decision to keep her seat on a Montgomery bus helped “inspire Rosa Parks to make the same choice nine months later.” Boiger’s celebratory watercolors effortlessly mix drama and playfulness: a luminous Harriet Tubman guides escaped slaves to freedom; a few pages later, babies beatifically float around Virginia Apgar as she examines an infant. Clinton’s mother isn’t profiled, but readers will spot her portrait in a gallery scene that opens this polished introduction to a diverse and accomplished group of women. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from January 11, 2021
In this chapter book series opener expanding upon Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger’s She Persisted picture book series, Coretta Scott King Award winner Pinkney (The Red Pencil) presents an accessible portrait of American abolitionist, activist, nurse, and spy Harriet Tubman. In a brief introduction, Clinton explains that she “wanted all of us to see examples of persistence in the face of different challenges to help inspire us in our own lives”; Boiger provides cover art that embodies this sentiment. Pinkney then launches into how Harriet Tubman, born enslaved, persevered not only to gain her own freedom, but helped many others gain liberation through the Underground Railroad. Pinkney’s six-chapter narrative spans from Tubman’s birth until her later years as a spy for the Union Army, allowing readers an in-depth review of Tubman’s life, while interior artist Flint delivers powerfully tender black-and-white mixed media images of Tubman’s journey. With activities and resources “to honor Harriet Tubman’s determination and bravery,” an interactive final section titled “How You Can Persist” challenges young readers to think about how they too can persist beyond the pages of this luminous first installment. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6–9. Agent: (for Pinkney) Rebecca Sherman, Writers House; (for Flint) James Burns, the Bright Agency.

September 6, 2021
In six accessible chapters, Day (who is Upper Skagit), deftly parallels the struggles of the Osage Nation with those of Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief (1925–2013), one of the first American ballet stars. Born in Oklahoma to an Osage father and white mother, Maria Tall Chief faced a variety of hurdles after starting to dance at three years old, including having to learn about her heritage in secret, since Native ceremonies and gatherings were outlawed by the U.S. government until 1978. She also faced racist bullying from classmates and, as a professional dancer, was asked to make her name more sound Russian. Tallchief nevertheless rose to dance solos with the Ballet de Monte Carlos, the New York City Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre, becoming a major star with George Balanchine’s Firebird and receiving prestigious recognitions. Flint contributes simple, appealing b&w ink-and-wash spot illustrations throughout this rich, clear picture of how one iconic Native dancer persisted. Back matter includes a How You Can Persist guide and references. Ages 6–9.

June 20, 2024
Grades 3-6 This middle-grade biography, inspired by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger's She Persisted series, celebrates the feats of tennis star Naomi Osaka. There's plenty of material about her dedication to her craft and endless hours of practice, the overcoming of injuries and setbacks, and Osaka's fierce determination to make to it the top tier of competitive tennis. The text addresses the challenges Osaka has faced as the biracial daughter of a Haitian father and Japanese mother, as a homeschooled kid without any real friends outside the tennis circuit, plus Osaka's much-publicized trepidations concerning the intense scrutiny and endless celebrity availability expected by popular media outlets as they documented her supposed overnight success. Magoon also effectively shows how Osaka gained confidence and became increasingly vocal about the Black Lives Matter movement and mental-health activism as she continued winning majors, established a fashion brand, and had a baby. References and tips for persisting round things out. Osaka is expected to return to competition, so this is an especially timely and inspirational offering.

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July 12, 2024

Gr 2-6-This inspiring early chapter book delves into the life and achievements of Naomi Osaka, a remarkable Japanese professional tennis player. Osaka was born in Japan in 1997 to a Japanese mother and a Haitian American father. When she was three, her family, including her older sister Mari, moved to New York. There, her father became fascinated by the rise of world-class tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. He took on the role of their coach, and Osaka practiced daily under his guidance. Osaka's hard work and dedication paid off. She has been ranked World No. 1 in singles by the Women's Tennis Association, making her the first Asian player to hold this top ranking. Being biracial and multicultural has always been a significant aspect of Osaka's identity, shaping her experiences and public persona. Her challenges and triumphs are accessibly presented in this biography, including her competitiveness, passion for tennis, and attention to self-care. The book features black-and-white illustrations that add to the narrative. The work also includes an introduction, table of contents, references, and a section listing nine ways readers can be persistent in their own lives. It also addresses Osaka's use of her status to support social justice issues, realistically addressing her experiences with racial justice and mental health. Though Osaka is young and still shaping her identity, her story is one of resilience and determination. VERDICT A solid addition to any school or public library collection.-Lynne Stover

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