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America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle
Trudy Ederle loved to swim, and she was determined to be the best. At seventeen Trudy won three medals at the 1924 Olympics in Paris. But what she planned to do next had never been done by a She would swim across the English Channel in fourteen hours and set a world record.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
5 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
David A. Adler
400 books202 followersDavid Abraham Adler is an American children's author. He was born in New York City, New York in 1947. He graduated from Queens College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics and education. For the next nine years, he worked as a mathematics teacher for the New York City Board of Education, while taking classes towards a master's degree in marketing, a degree he was awarded by New York University in 1971. In that same year, a question from his then-three-year-old nephew inspired Adler to write his first story, A Little at a Time, subsequently published by Random House in 1976. Adler's next project, a series of math books, drew on his experience as a math teacher. In 1977, he created his most famous character, Cam Jansen, originally featured in Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, which was published that year.
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 23, 2022
What's on your To Do list today? On August 6, 1926, for Gertrude (Trudy) Ederle it was to swim across the 21 miles of the English Channel -- her second attempt. At the time, she was just nineteen-years-old and her fourteen hour, thirty-one minute time was a record breaker. There were many who did not believe a woman could accomplish such a feat. Trudy Ederle refused to give up despite very rough waters and probably swam an additional fourteen miles to reach her destination. Her swim inspired women all over the world then and still is today.
November 19, 2021
America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle is a children's picture book written by David A. Adler and illustrated by Terry Widener. It is a picture book biography of the first woman who swam the English Channel.
Gertrude Caroline Ederle was an American competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and world record-holder in five events. On August 6, 1926, she became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Among other nicknames, the press sometimes called her "Queen of the Waves".
Adler's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Adler places this biography in its cultural context, reminding readers that women and girls were expected to stay at home in this era and were excluded from many activities – especially sports as they were deemed the weaker gender. Widener’s stylized illustrations successfully evoke the period of the 1920s with a wide range of beautiful blues, greens, and grays depicts the various forms of water and seem thickly applied, deliberately contrasting with the flatness of the human figures.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Gertrude Ederle learned to swim at age seven when, after falling into a pond and nearly drowning, her father decided that teaching his daughter to swim was essential. It immediately became apparent that Trudy had a great talent – she won her first big race at fifteen, swam from lower Manhattan to Sandy Hook, New Jersey at sixteen, breaking the men’s record along the way, and won three medals at the 1924 Paris Olympics. In 1925, Trudy made her first, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to swim the English Channel and in 1926, on her second attempt, she became the first woman to successfully swim the 20-odd mile body of water.
All in all, America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle is a wonderful biography about the Queen of the Waves – Gertrude Ederle.
Gertrude Caroline Ederle was an American competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and world record-holder in five events. On August 6, 1926, she became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Among other nicknames, the press sometimes called her "Queen of the Waves".
Adler's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Adler places this biography in its cultural context, reminding readers that women and girls were expected to stay at home in this era and were excluded from many activities – especially sports as they were deemed the weaker gender. Widener’s stylized illustrations successfully evoke the period of the 1920s with a wide range of beautiful blues, greens, and grays depicts the various forms of water and seem thickly applied, deliberately contrasting with the flatness of the human figures.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Gertrude Ederle learned to swim at age seven when, after falling into a pond and nearly drowning, her father decided that teaching his daughter to swim was essential. It immediately became apparent that Trudy had a great talent – she won her first big race at fifteen, swam from lower Manhattan to Sandy Hook, New Jersey at sixteen, breaking the men’s record along the way, and won three medals at the 1924 Paris Olympics. In 1925, Trudy made her first, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to swim the English Channel and in 1926, on her second attempt, she became the first woman to successfully swim the 20-odd mile body of water.
All in all, America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle is a wonderful biography about the Queen of the Waves – Gertrude Ederle.
July 24, 2011
This is an interesting picture book biography of the first woman to swim the English Channel, with a record time. From the beginning, she obviously had a natural aptitude for swimming, and also a lot of determination and ambition. This biography covers the time from her young childhood when (and why) she learned to swim, including her early successes, her Olympic medals, and her attempted then successful channel swim, and the additional information at the end continues with what happened to her. An integral part of the book is the information about how women were seen and treated at that time, how Gertrude bucked tradition and how she was inspirational for her female contemporaries.
I knew of Ederle’s accomplishment; when I was a child and teen I was fascinated by it. I have always loved swimming and the Olympics, and swimming the English Channel was something I found fascinating.
What I didn’t know until I read this book was that Amazing!
There is a very informative author’s note at the end of the book, which includes information about Gertrude in the years after her swim. She is a very inspirational woman and this book does justice to her story.
I wasn’t wild about the art style of the illustrations but their content definitely added positively to the book. I would have loved it if some photographs had been included.
I knew of Ederle’s accomplishment; when I was a child and teen I was fascinated by it. I have always loved swimming and the Olympics, and swimming the English Channel was something I found fascinating.
What I didn’t know until I read this book was that Amazing!
There is a very informative author’s note at the end of the book, which includes information about Gertrude in the years after her swim. She is a very inspirational woman and this book does justice to her story.
I wasn’t wild about the art style of the illustrations but their content definitely added positively to the book. I would have loved it if some photographs had been included.
October 27, 2018
On August 6, 1926, Gertrude Caroline Ederle - a German-American swimmer born in New York City, and known as "Gertie" to her family, and "Trudy" to her friends - became the sixth person to successfully swim the English Channel, and the first woman to do so. In a time when women were considered the "weaker sex," and newspaper columnists (as well as everyday citizens) opined that women belonged in the home, rather than in the water, Ederle not only succeeded in swimming the Channel, but beat her male predecessors by almost two hours (observers commented that, had the weather not been so unfavorable, and the water so rough, her time would have been four hours shorter). Lauded by President Calvin Coolidge as "America's Best Girl," Ederle was given a ticker-tape parade upon her return to New York City.
Obviously, we're not talking about someone who was unknown in their day, or whose achievement was considered insignificant, so if you're wondering why you've never heard of Ederle, don't worry - you're not alone! Until picking up Adler and Widener's picture-book biography - the first title to be devoted to her story, although there have been two subsequent adult books: America's Girl: The Incredible Story of How Swimmer Gertrude Ederle Changed the Nation and Young Woman and the Sea: How Trudy Ederle Conquered the English Channel and Inspired the World - I was also unfamiliar with Ederle. I am glad to have that omission rectified, as hers is an inspirational story, one that has significance for women in sport, but also for an understanding of a particular moment in American history, when records were being broken, and the heroes being lionized by the media weren't just film and music stars, or professional athletes. It's a shame that her story disappeared for so long - although this isn't uncommon with female figures of note, even when their contributions are very significant, and recognized in their day - but I'm glad that it has resurfaced.
America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle is an engaging title, one I recommend to young readers with an interest in swimming or sport, or who enjoy biographies of people who were the "first" in their respective fields, and paved the way for others. Truthfully, I think the narrative is stronger than the artwork (which didn't greatly impress me), but the overall effect is still very appealing!
Obviously, we're not talking about someone who was unknown in their day, or whose achievement was considered insignificant, so if you're wondering why you've never heard of Ederle, don't worry - you're not alone! Until picking up Adler and Widener's picture-book biography - the first title to be devoted to her story, although there have been two subsequent adult books: America's Girl: The Incredible Story of How Swimmer Gertrude Ederle Changed the Nation and Young Woman and the Sea: How Trudy Ederle Conquered the English Channel and Inspired the World - I was also unfamiliar with Ederle. I am glad to have that omission rectified, as hers is an inspirational story, one that has significance for women in sport, but also for an understanding of a particular moment in American history, when records were being broken, and the heroes being lionized by the media weren't just film and music stars, or professional athletes. It's a shame that her story disappeared for so long - although this isn't uncommon with female figures of note, even when their contributions are very significant, and recognized in their day - but I'm glad that it has resurfaced.
America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle is an engaging title, one I recommend to young readers with an interest in swimming or sport, or who enjoy biographies of people who were the "first" in their respective fields, and paved the way for others. Truthfully, I think the narrative is stronger than the artwork (which didn't greatly impress me), but the overall effect is still very appealing!
August 22, 2011
This is the inspiring story of Gertrude (Trudy) Ederle, who became the first woman to swim the English channel in 1926. Not only that, but she beat the record previously set! Ironically, a London Daily News editorial declared women "the weaker sex" on the very day Trudy made her historic swim. Well, Trudy certainly proved them wrong! Indeed, other reporters declared that myth "shattered and shattered forever." Quite remarkable for a young woman whose first experience in the water almost lead to drowning!
Ederle seemed like a remarkably determined and inspiring individual; I know she influenced the lives of many women of her day, encouraging them beyond the boundaries society had set for them. And she inspired me today. Not only for her swimming abilities but for challenging societal expectations and overcoming other personal challenges. The outstanding Author's Note explains that in 1940 Ederle took a fall and was in a cast for four years!!! Doctors said she would never walk again--but she did! She also battled hearing loss but, again, turned this to opportunity as she taught swimming to deaf children. What a remarkable woman! I'm glad I got to "meet" her though this book. (It might have been a five star book for me had the illustrations been a bit more my cup of tea.)
Those interested in the history of early woman swimmers might also enjoy Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story Of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way To Fame, Fortune & Swimsuit History!.
Ederle seemed like a remarkably determined and inspiring individual; I know she influenced the lives of many women of her day, encouraging them beyond the boundaries society had set for them. And she inspired me today. Not only for her swimming abilities but for challenging societal expectations and overcoming other personal challenges. The outstanding Author's Note explains that in 1940 Ederle took a fall and was in a cast for four years!!! Doctors said she would never walk again--but she did! She also battled hearing loss but, again, turned this to opportunity as she taught swimming to deaf children. What a remarkable woman! I'm glad I got to "meet" her though this book. (It might have been a five star book for me had the illustrations been a bit more my cup of tea.)
Those interested in the history of early woman swimmers might also enjoy Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story Of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way To Fame, Fortune & Swimsuit History!.
February 13, 2017
I didn't care much for the illustrations, but I enjoyed reading about Ederle, about whom I knew very little. I liked the way Adler kept referring to other people's doubts about Gertrude's ability to swim the English Channel--doubts because she was of the "weaker sex". She showed them wrong! I also appreciated that author's note at the end, relating what happened to Gertrude after her record-breaking swim. This is a great inspirational book for young girls, especially athletes. Recommended!
July 29, 2023
Great children's book highlighting the first woman ever to swim the English Channel!
February 6, 2018
This is an empowering picture book about Gertrude Ederle who was the first woman to swim the English Channel. The book outlines how she began swimming as a young child and all of her swimming accomplishments later on in life. This book would be an excellent biography with a strong, female main character to incorporate into a third or fourth grade classroom.
I could see myself using this book to deepen my students' understanding of plot due to the suspenseful story of Gertrude's many attempts to cross the channel. You can have students identify the conflicts that she faced, both internally and externally, within the plot line. I would also use this book to help build my students' understanding of drawing inferences in complex texts. There are several spots within this story where you can draw inferences about Gertrude's motives, how she was feeling, and the message the author was trying to convey. Additionally, I believe that this book could even be used to build classroom community by analyzing how supportive her family and trainers were throughout her journey. This book could open up conversations within your classroom of how your students could support one another.
This book was a WOW book for me as it is a great reminder to all students that you can do anything you set your mind to with determination. It was also incredible to have such an inspiring young woman to be the main character. As both a female and a swimmer, I found Gertrude's hard work and passion for swimming to be really admirable.
I could see myself using this book to deepen my students' understanding of plot due to the suspenseful story of Gertrude's many attempts to cross the channel. You can have students identify the conflicts that she faced, both internally and externally, within the plot line. I would also use this book to help build my students' understanding of drawing inferences in complex texts. There are several spots within this story where you can draw inferences about Gertrude's motives, how she was feeling, and the message the author was trying to convey. Additionally, I believe that this book could even be used to build classroom community by analyzing how supportive her family and trainers were throughout her journey. This book could open up conversations within your classroom of how your students could support one another.
This book was a WOW book for me as it is a great reminder to all students that you can do anything you set your mind to with determination. It was also incredible to have such an inspiring young woman to be the main character. As both a female and a swimmer, I found Gertrude's hard work and passion for swimming to be really admirable.
April 23, 2019
Used for Final
Born in 1906, Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle was already at a disadvantage compared to men. Many women were kept out of stores and restaurants and some were not allowed to vote in their state because people thought woman were meant to stay home with the family. At the age of seven, Trudy started swimming and instantly fell in love. She continued to become more competitive with swimming, and in 1924 she won three medals with the United States Olympic team. By 1925, she had set twenty-nine U.S. and world records, but she was not done, she was determined to take on the English Channel, a twenty-mile swim in the rough and cold waters from England to France. This was something only five men had finished, and many people were positive Trudy would not be able to do it simply because she was a woman and they were weaker then men. Even when the water was rough and stormy, and people told her she should stop swimming for her own safety, Trudy would not. She ended up beating the men’s record by almost two hours and women all over the world celebrated with her.
This book makes readers feel like they are with her on her journey. You get to experience her highs and lows with her and ultimately end on a high note. It teaches students the meaning of hard work and chasing your dream. It also educates them to be kind it what they say about others.
Born in 1906, Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle was already at a disadvantage compared to men. Many women were kept out of stores and restaurants and some were not allowed to vote in their state because people thought woman were meant to stay home with the family. At the age of seven, Trudy started swimming and instantly fell in love. She continued to become more competitive with swimming, and in 1924 she won three medals with the United States Olympic team. By 1925, she had set twenty-nine U.S. and world records, but she was not done, she was determined to take on the English Channel, a twenty-mile swim in the rough and cold waters from England to France. This was something only five men had finished, and many people were positive Trudy would not be able to do it simply because she was a woman and they were weaker then men. Even when the water was rough and stormy, and people told her she should stop swimming for her own safety, Trudy would not. She ended up beating the men’s record by almost two hours and women all over the world celebrated with her.
This book makes readers feel like they are with her on her journey. You get to experience her highs and lows with her and ultimately end on a high note. It teaches students the meaning of hard work and chasing your dream. It also educates them to be kind it what they say about others.
October 2, 2019
Another woman whose accomplishments we've not heard of unless we are in her field. Gertrude Ederle nearly drowned when she was a child, so her dad worked to teach her to swim. She found her element. She started swimming competitively at 15, and the next year, she set a record swimming from Manhattan to Sandy Hook...she bested all the men who'd swum that route. She then took on the big one: the English Channel. On her second try, she also beat every man's record...She got a ticker-tape parade in New York, and it appears that the world promptly forgot all about her. The notes in the back tell of the toll her life took -- she lost most of her hearing -- maybe because of measles, maybe because of her Channel swims. She fell and spent FOUR YEARS in a cast, and was confined to a wheel chair. But she taught herself to walk again. She spent years teaching deaf children to swim...I'm sorry that was not included in the picture book.
December 29, 2024
Normally I wouldn't go for the illustration style used in America's Champion Swimmer, but I thought it worked well with the tone of the book and Ederle's story. What an interesting life Ederle led! It was really cool to see how much family support she had, and I loved following the twists like: Ederle's first attempt to cross the English Channel ended because her coach didn't think she could make it due to bad weather and got her disqualified... so she got a new coach and tried again.
Apparently there was a movie released earlier this year about Ederle (Young Woman and the Sea) so I guess this was a timely pick!
Apparently there was a movie released earlier this year about Ederle (Young Woman and the Sea) so I guess this was a timely pick!
December 5, 2017
This book name is “GEETUDE EDERLE”by Terry Widener , this book is talking about a girl love swim so her father teaches she how to swim /
In the beginning , the girl win in her first swimming race , she is the first place .
In the middle , this girl have the second race , this is a very big race , but in that day the weather is bad , it is raining , all the people with out her are leave, but she did’t leave .
In the end , she finished the game and was respected by all.
In the beginning , the girl win in her first swimming race , she is the first place .
In the middle , this girl have the second race , this is a very big race , but in that day the weather is bad , it is raining , all the people with out her are leave, but she did’t leave .
In the end , she finished the game and was respected by all.
December 14, 2017
This is a good book it talk about a girl’s dream is to be a good swimmer, but at that time people don’t think woman can be a good swimmer but she never give up. One time the town she live, make a swimming race, swim in the cold water and she win, and then people think maybe she can create the highest record. So she leave the town go to another country for swimming race. When other person doesn’t believe you, don’t give up do the best to show them you can do it.
December 3, 2019
This book is the story of swimmer Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle and her record breaking life. She was born in 1906 and began swimming at the age of seven. She broke a number of records, beat men’s records, and by 1925 had set twenty-nine United States and world records. She wanted to swim the English Channel. Only five men had done this ever. At a time when women were said to be the weaker sex, many people doubted she could do it. In August 1926 she accomplished her goal.
This book is a good book for demonstrating perseverance and empowering women for elementary schoolers. Trudy was doubted, told she couldn’t do it, and was told that women would always be the weaker sex. Despite all of this, she accomplished a goal nobody thought she would be able to. She was an inspiration to women all across the world and the United States.
This book is a good book for demonstrating perseverance and empowering women for elementary schoolers. Trudy was doubted, told she couldn’t do it, and was told that women would always be the weaker sex. Despite all of this, she accomplished a goal nobody thought she would be able to. She was an inspiration to women all across the world and the United States.
June 14, 2021
F&P Book Club. F&P has a fascination with Gertrude Ederle as this is the 3rd book I've read about her. Her story is an intetesting one tho. As this book says, she laid to rest the idea that men were superior to women in every area as she became the first woman to swim the English Channel and did so in hours less than the men.
December 3, 2023
Wow! What an absolutely powerful book that shows the strength and endurance of women. Thank you David A. Adler for writing this amazing book. We hope to see many more inspiring books like this one in the future. Some books are entertaining. Some books can change the world. This is one of those books!
September 1, 2017
My 7 year old (and me!) loved this story of how "Trudy" overcame many obstacles to swim the English Channel. We especially loved the details and illustrations that added to our understanding of the experience. Fantastic page of notes from the author at the end of the book add to the story.
November 13, 2017
David Adler does a great job and telling this story of Trudy Ederle in an age-appropriate fashion. Ederle was the first woman to swim the English Channel, helping to change the mind of a nation on its view of women. Again, it is told in a way that will be easy for children to understand.
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January 23, 2020Great book that shows Trudy's passion and persistency regardless of what other's say. She defies gender stereotypes, this would be great for early elementary grades. Would be a valuable reading to teach others to treat others the way they want to be treated.
January 19, 2018
Great book for kids of both gender.
December 5, 2019
This is a good swimming illustration book.
October 4, 2020
2nd book about Gertrude Eberle I've recently read by this author, more detail in this one. What an inspiration she must've been to girls in the U.S. and around the world. Wonderful read!♡
January 16, 2021
Very good it’s about the first woman who swam the English Channel beating all the men and the men’s records. She rubbed herself in motor oil!
March 16, 2021
An empowering picture book biography. Ederle's remarkable achievement is inspiring to read. The whole family found this tale of dedication and perseverance to be an enjoyable read.
February 15, 2024
Adler Assignment # 1
Brilliant biography of swimmer Ederle who was the first woman to swim the English Channel and in what was then a record time.
Well recommended.
Brilliant biography of swimmer Ederle who was the first woman to swim the English Channel and in what was then a record time.
Well recommended.
November 15, 2010
Title: America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle
Author: David A. Adler
Illustrator: Terry Widener
Interest Level: K - 2
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.4
Lexile® measure: 580L
DRA: 28
Guided Reading: M
Topics:
* Character and Values
* Culture and Diversity
* Social Studies
* Sports
Summary: Trudy Ederle loved to swim. And she was determined to be the best. At seventeen Trudy won three medals at the 1924 Olympics, in Paris. By the time she turned nineteen, Trudy had set twenty-nine U.S. and world records. But what she planned to do next had never been done--by a woman. She would tackle the most difficult swim of all time: the twenty-one miles of cold, choppy water that separate England from France. Trudy's historic fourteen-hour swim across the English Channel set a world record. She defied those who said it couldn't be done. And with her courage and endurance, Trudy Ederle became a symbol for women everywhere.
Review: This is a great picture book to help students to better understand the meaning of courage and perseverance. Ms. Ederle did not give up and because of her strong commitment and passion, was able to accomplish her dream of swimming across the English Channel. The picture book provide information about Trudy in regards to her past as a young Olympian, her twenties, and what she is doing presently. It is somewhat biographical because it allows the reader to understand Trudy's life. A good book for character education.
Author: David A. Adler
Illustrator: Terry Widener
Interest Level: K - 2
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.4
Lexile® measure: 580L
DRA: 28
Guided Reading: M
Topics:
* Character and Values
* Culture and Diversity
* Social Studies
* Sports
Summary: Trudy Ederle loved to swim. And she was determined to be the best. At seventeen Trudy won three medals at the 1924 Olympics, in Paris. By the time she turned nineteen, Trudy had set twenty-nine U.S. and world records. But what she planned to do next had never been done--by a woman. She would tackle the most difficult swim of all time: the twenty-one miles of cold, choppy water that separate England from France. Trudy's historic fourteen-hour swim across the English Channel set a world record. She defied those who said it couldn't be done. And with her courage and endurance, Trudy Ederle became a symbol for women everywhere.
Review: This is a great picture book to help students to better understand the meaning of courage and perseverance. Ms. Ederle did not give up and because of her strong commitment and passion, was able to accomplish her dream of swimming across the English Channel. The picture book provide information about Trudy in regards to her past as a young Olympian, her twenties, and what she is doing presently. It is somewhat biographical because it allows the reader to understand Trudy's life. A good book for character education.
February 8, 2015
This book is fantastic! It is a compelling biography about a girl who was a pioneer for her time. The story takes place in an era where being a female was tough, but being a female athlete was even more challenging. Gertrude Ederle fights the constraints of her expected gender role and becomes an outstanding swimmer. She is the first female to ever swim across the English Channel and becomes a role model to girls and boys around the world.
America's Champion Swimmer would be a great story for a read aloud in a 3rd or 4th grade classroom. The over - arching themes of perseverance, grit, following your dreams, and breaking stereotypes are great to teach students of this age. Aside from the moving story, the illustrations are also extremely intriguing and beautiful to keep students engaged. After doing a read aloud, students could do a mini writing assignment, project, or play to show their understanding of some of the main themes.
I would definitely recommend this book to any child looking for inspiration to follow their dreams.
America's Champion Swimmer would be a great story for a read aloud in a 3rd or 4th grade classroom. The over - arching themes of perseverance, grit, following your dreams, and breaking stereotypes are great to teach students of this age. Aside from the moving story, the illustrations are also extremely intriguing and beautiful to keep students engaged. After doing a read aloud, students could do a mini writing assignment, project, or play to show their understanding of some of the main themes.
I would definitely recommend this book to any child looking for inspiration to follow their dreams.
November 5, 2009
America’s Champion Swimmer, Gertrude Ederle is a picture book for K-4. It is a beautiful tale about “Trudy” and how she was the first woman to swim the English Channel. This book tells the story of how she learned how to swim because she almost drowned. Her father tied a rope around her waist, put her in a lake, and told her to swim like a dog! She soon became a talented swimmer and she won many races including the Olympics. Trudy won many U.S. and world records. She craved to swim the English Channel, which at that time had only been completed by 5 men and no women. Everyone thought that she couldn’t do it. A newspaper article said that women will, “remain forever the weaker sex.” When she tried a first time, she and was pulled out of the water after 9 hours by her trainer. Then she tried again on a cold, rainy day. She swam the entire Channel and returned home as an idol and inspiration for women all over.
December 4, 2007
Summary: Gertrude was an olympic medalist in swimming. She was a natural in the water. Her ultimate goal was to swim across the English Channel. Only men had done it before her and she wanted to try. Her first attempt was foiled by her coach reaching in the water and touching her. On her second try not only did she make it across, but she also did so faster than any man had ever done it before. When she arrived on land the city through a giant celebration for her achievments.
Response: As a female swimmer it was really fun to read this story. It proves how female athlets have the ability to compete with men, and reach victory. I would tie this book into a unit on olympic history or even the history of women.
Response: As a female swimmer it was really fun to read this story. It proves how female athlets have the ability to compete with men, and reach victory. I would tie this book into a unit on olympic history or even the history of women.
January 4, 2016
An inspiring picture book biography of Gertrude Ederle from David A. Adler and Terry Widener recounts in brief the life of the first woman to swim the English Channel....and set a new record! Widener's vibrant illustrations are charming. Adler succinctly presents Ederle's accomplishments in a straightforward manner, which makes the challenge of swimming the English Channel more dramatic and real for the reader. There's a nice afterword that relates what happened to Ederle after her channel swim. This book should serve as an excellent introduction for children who want to learn more about a woman who lived well into her nineties and was for a time as famous and admired as any hero of her generation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews