Serena: The Littlest Sister

by Karlin Gray, Monica Ahanonu (Illustrations)

Before Serena Williams became one of the biggest names in sports, she was the littlest of five girls in her family. While sharing a room and playing tennis with her older sisters, Serena had to figure out how to be her own person—on and off the court. This empowering biography showcases the rise of the youngest Williams sister and how her family played a part in her path to becoming the strong woman and star athlete she is today.

Bold, colorful illustrations highlight the tight sisterhood and tennis action of Serena’s childhood and teenage years. This true story about a tennis icon will inspire littlest siblings everywhere to forge their own path and leave their mark.

SERENA: THE LITTLEST SISTER will be published by PageStreet Kids in Summer 2019—the 20th Anniversary of Serena Williams’ first Grand Slam victory at the U.S. Open.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, African American, Family

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 20, 2019

About the author

Karlin Gray is the author of the picture books NADIA: THE GIRL WHO COULDN’T SIT STILL , AN EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY MOTH, SERENA: THE LITTLEST SISTER, and ANNE and HER TOWER OF GIRAFFES as well as the graphic novel MIA AND FRIENDS.
Visit her at karlingray.com.

Reviews

[FM Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I have to give this five stars because my 3.5 year old is OBSESSED. This book is long, but she is happy to read it every morning, possibly twice. I asked her what she likes so much about it and she said the part where Venus trades her gold medal with Serena because she wants it so much, which is a sweet part. Very cool illustrations and well done story about Serena Williams and her family which really makes it seem like growing up in an intense tennis-playing family would be lots of fun. But yeah a great book, especially since it's a kid-friendly memoir and a book about sports, both of which I find hard to find great examples of. But my kid's obsession is what's taking it to five stars!

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd-3rd grade
biographical nonfiction.
What a fantastic book describing a famous tennis player! I love the relationships between Serena and her family. This is a great story that connects to people in our modern times, not from long ago. The illustrations were not my favorite, but they did a great job encapturing the plot and familial relationships. I love that the story incorporates great lessons that the girls were taught from their parents. I also love the deeper values of patience and hard work.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about this powerful, famous, and important tennis player as I read this book to my daughters—I have grown up knowing about Serena Williams, but this biography provided an accessible, entertaining, and inspiring inside look at her childhood (and what led to her being who she is today).

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet picture book about Serena the littlest sister who strived to be a big professional tennis star and the best of them all. Nice portrait of Serena Williams as a little girl, trying to compete with her sisters.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book showing what one can achieve when they put their mind to it and how much a loving and supportive family makes in growing confident actualized full people!

[Lauren Lunt]

Unique book about Serena Williams and how she figured out how to be her own person instead of just Venus Williams little sister. Fun book for all people trying to figure out who they really are

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture book biography. This book is interesting because it focuses on Serena. Her sister Venus (and other family members) is discussed, but the focus is solely on Serena. From sneaking into her first tennis tournament, to winning a major competition before her older sister, this is her story. Beautiful bright illustrations are similar to paper collage but are done in Illustrator.

[Teonna Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books only focus on the relationship Serena has with Venus and do not mention the other three sisters.I appreciated this book for highlighting how Serena was encouraged and molded by all of her sisters.
Some of my favorite lines are:
"Whatever you become, you become in your head first."
"If you can't for you, do it for me."

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and gives the history as remembered about the Williams sisters and their father would coach them to become the great players that they are. Did not realize that all the girls partook in learning the game. The art work is very well done also.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book with my daughter.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between her father's coaching, her sisters' encouragement, and the tennis partner she found in Venus, Serena attributes her success on the court to her family. A moving, inspiring, love-filled bio.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Serena Williams’ journey to tennis stardom, focusing on family first.

An extensive bibliography and author’s note is included.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read every Williams sister book for kids and this might be the best one

[Ellee Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copyright date: 2019
Star rating: 5
Award: N/A
Genre: Nonfiction
Summary w/ themes: This book is about Serena Williams, who is a famous tennis player. The book includes facts about her life with tennis and how each of her sisters grew up playing tennis, even though Venus and Serena were the only two to make it to fame. This book has themes of tennis, sports, family, and trying your hardest.
Use for future classroom: This would be a fun read aloud if we talk about sports or people of color that play sports.
Thoughts of book: I enjoyed this book. I learned a few new things, I never knew that Serena and Venus had three other siblings. I liked the illustrations and thought that they helped to portray the story and what was written.