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Athletes Who Made a Difference
Simone Biles: Athletes Who Made a Difference
Simone Biles has been the face of women's gymnastics since she first entered the international stage. In addition to winning a record seven Olympic medals, 30 World Championship medals, and 19 world titles, she has become a superstar outside the gym for her public bravery. For being an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and fair treatment for athletes, Biles earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. This graphic biography reveals the moments that have defined her life as a gymnast and an activist.
32 pages, Library Binding
Published August 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 4, 2024
I haven’t read many biographical comics, so picked this one up out of curiosity. I read it as an ebook, so I didn’t initially realize that 1) it’s directed at younger readers, 2) it’s very short.
While Fredrick’s illustrations are solid, as a comic it falls very flat overall. 98% of the story is a summary told in past tense, like someone reading off the Wikipedia summary of Simone Biles’ life in monotone. I would rather learn about someone’s life story and their choices in the present tense.
I understand the editors and author felt they had to cram in decades of Biles’ life into 36 pages, and it was informational. But it wasn’t moving, and I wonder how much younger readers get out of texts like this. Perhaps more interesting than a textbook (or a wiki article) due to the illustrations, but less interesting than a factual documentary or an embellished movie?
I didn’t know of Simone Biles before reading this biography because I live under a rock, but (thanks to having friends who enjoy sports) I do at least know who LeBron James is. And Muhammad Ali. So I’m a bit curious to read either of their biographies in this same “Atheletes Who Made a Difference” graphic novel series to see if their stories are also told in the past tense and whether they read any differently now I know to adjust my expectations.
Art: ★★★★⭐︎
Plot: ★★★⭐︎⭐︎
Characters: N/A ?
While Fredrick’s illustrations are solid, as a comic it falls very flat overall. 98% of the story is a summary told in past tense, like someone reading off the Wikipedia summary of Simone Biles’ life in monotone. I would rather learn about someone’s life story and their choices in the present tense.
I understand the editors and author felt they had to cram in decades of Biles’ life into 36 pages, and it was informational. But it wasn’t moving, and I wonder how much younger readers get out of texts like this. Perhaps more interesting than a textbook (or a wiki article) due to the illustrations, but less interesting than a factual documentary or an embellished movie?
I didn’t know of Simone Biles before reading this biography because I live under a rock, but (thanks to having friends who enjoy sports) I do at least know who LeBron James is. And Muhammad Ali. So I’m a bit curious to read either of their biographies in this same “Atheletes Who Made a Difference” graphic novel series to see if their stories are also told in the past tense and whether they read any differently now I know to adjust my expectations.
Art: ★★★★⭐︎
Plot: ★★★⭐︎⭐︎
Characters: N/A ?
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October 21, 2024Pull quote/note
"hacker: a person who uses computers to gain information or achieve a goal" I realize this is the glossary of a book for children, but even so, that's an odd definition
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews