Scan barcode
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
Only at the very end do the authors bemoan that when we talk about Babe is usually "Ruth" not "Didrikson" and this book attempts to correct that. It would have been interesting had that thread carried through the book, because she truly was famous and yet we don't get a full sense of that fame. They also seem to pull some punches when describing this woman who doesn't seem terribly likeable. Her lack of team play is mentioned, but not how she managed to get the track event rules changed (who did the campaigning, Babe? her boss? someone else?) and others reaction to that and other things is muted.
What comes through loud and clear is that she was an amazing athlete at a time when women were actively discouraged from competing (or even learning athletics). Her accomplishments were so varied and inspiring at the time, but we really hear very little about her today.
What comes through loud and clear is that she was an amazing athlete at a time when women were actively discouraged from competing (or even learning athletics). Her accomplishments were so varied and inspiring at the time, but we really hear very little about her today.
coffeechug's review against another edition
4.0
Babe is a good read. Right away I could not believe that I was never exposed to her and her story. Having two daughters of my own I think she is one that my daughters need to read about when they get older.
The book reads very easy. I really enjoyed the visuals and pictures along the way. In addition, there are little snippets of historical events and other little gems to help bring the story into context. It is hard to believe how limited women had it not even a hundred years ago. It is amazing how much change has happened since then.
Her journey is a fast paced, hard driven lifestyle that ended way too short. Anyone who has been asked to fly with Amelia Earhart, play golf with Babe Ruth, and break the barriers and records she accomplished should be known. This is a story for both kids and adults. As an educator her story would be an easy way to teach history with students who don't like history.
The book reads very easy. I really enjoyed the visuals and pictures along the way. In addition, there are little snippets of historical events and other little gems to help bring the story into context. It is hard to believe how limited women had it not even a hundred years ago. It is amazing how much change has happened since then.
Her journey is a fast paced, hard driven lifestyle that ended way too short. Anyone who has been asked to fly with Amelia Earhart, play golf with Babe Ruth, and break the barriers and records she accomplished should be known. This is a story for both kids and adults. As an educator her story would be an easy way to teach history with students who don't like history.
yapha's review against another edition
3.0
Babe Didrikson Zaharias was a pioneering women's athlete. At a time when sports were thought to be detrimental to a woman's health, she proved that women athletes were able to succeed in a variety of sports. She started by playing on women's basketball teams, and then expanded into track and field. She won three medals in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, breaking both world and Olympic records. Finally, she took on golf, and is responsible for the founding of the LPGA. Her life was not easy, and she was not loved by everyone, but she fought hard to stay true to herself. The paths she paved for women athletes are still clear today. Recommended for grades 4 and up.
azajacks's review against another edition
4.0
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
missnicolerose's review against another edition
3.0
I was gifted this book by my brother-in-law and was excited to dig in and learn more about this woman I'd never heard of. While her story is fantastic and it was wonderful to learn about her history, the writing left a bit to be desired.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias might have one of the most interesting athletic stories in history. Basically, any sport she attempted, she excelled at. As someone who is good at exactly zero sports, this in itself was amazing to me. But not only was she an acclaimed athlete, but she was also paving the way for women in sports. Not only was she confident in herself, she also worked to change the rules of sports in order to further her career and the careers of those like her.
The book itself is written in a magazine-style approach, with digestible smaller segments that overlap and work together to tell Babe's tale. The language is approachable, but lacked depth.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias might have one of the most interesting athletic stories in history. Basically, any sport she attempted, she excelled at. As someone who is good at exactly zero sports, this in itself was amazing to me. But not only was she an acclaimed athlete, but she was also paving the way for women in sports. Not only was she confident in herself, she also worked to change the rules of sports in order to further her career and the careers of those like her.
The book itself is written in a magazine-style approach, with digestible smaller segments that overlap and work together to tell Babe's tale. The language is approachable, but lacked depth.
nerfherder86's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent biography of the famous woman athlete who was a champion in basketball, track and field (1932 Olympics), bowling, baseball AND golf! She died of cancer in 1956. Well-written book that shows Babe's personality and determination. Well-designed, with plenty of large black and white photos, and nice side bars in between chapters. Chapter titles are engaging and catchy, such as "Round One" or "Babe Vs. The Boys," "Babe vs. The Rules," etc. Extensive source notes and bibliography. Interviews with teammates. Full of quotes by Babe and others who knew her.
couillac's review against another edition
3.0
An engaging portrait of a fascinating figure. Wallace doesn't sugar coat Babe's competitive nature, or the financial drive behind many of her career decisions. Nonetheless, Babe's incredible athletic ability and passion for competition come through loud and clear. Wallace seamlessly incorporates social history while maintaining the focus clearly on Babe. While she may not have been the best teammate, and she certainly never hesitated to take a ridiculous job if it earned her some money, this bio makes it clear that Babe was extraordinary in her drive, her dedication, and her exceptional athleticism. An illuminating read.
erine's review against another edition
4.0
I was fascinated by this story of Babe Didrikson Zaharias' life. The authors did a great job of providing a balanced look at this sports great, and she came through as a determined, sometimes arrogant, woman who fought very hard to be able to participate in sports.
More...