Game, Set, Sisters!: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams (Who Did It First?)

by Jay Leslie (Author) Ebony Glenn (Illustrator)

Game, Set, Sisters!: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams (Who Did It First?)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

A stirring picture book biography of Venus and Serena Williams that celebrates their achievements...and their sisterhood.

This is the story of two sisters... who took the tennis world by storm, who achieved everything possible in the sport...and then some, and who stood by one another through thick and thin. Featuring illustrations by Ebony Glenn, Jay Leslie's Game, Set, Sisters! The Story of Venus and Serena Williams tells the inspirational story of two of the most beloved athletes in history. It takes us from their beginnings on a crumbling Compton tennis court to their shining achievements on the most prestigious stages and shows us that despite being served the most challenging hardships in life--illness, family, loss, racism--Venus and Serena always continued to swing back stronger.

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School Library Journal

Gr 2-4--Sisterhood is explored in this picture book biography of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. From their early days on the broken-down tennis courts in Compton, CA to their rise as superstars, these two sisters always had each other's backs. While the narrative explains the obstacles and successes they faced in their profession, the main focus is the strength of the bond between Venus and Serena and their three older sisters. This is a portrait of their relationship and how it impacted their lives as tennis players. The text provides an accessible introduction to the girls who became respected athletes. The colorful digital illustrations enhance the narrative structure of the text. VERDICT A strong picture book choice that features engaging artwork and an inspirational narrative. Fans of Venus and Serena Williams will be familiar with the basics of the sisters' background but will see the importance of their sisterly bond and how it helped them overcome obstacles.--V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elem. Sch., Raleigh, NC

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

An inspiring biography of athletes, friends, partners, and sisters. —Kirkus Reviews
Jay Leslie

Jay Leslie graduated from Duke University with degrees in English, international comparative studies, and religion. After writing for Issa Rae Productions and being shortlisted for Chimamanda Adichie's Farafina Trust, she co-authored a project on James Baldwin with Duke professor Dr. Adam Hollowell. She is also the author of Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the World. She lives in Berlin, Germany.

Ebony Glenn
is the illustrator of Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins and Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles, among others. With a passion for great storytelling, she aspires to make art that will bring more beauty, wonder, and magic into people's lives.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781250307408
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Henry Holt & Company
Publication date
March 30, 2021
Series
Who Did It First?
BISAC categories
JNF019070 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Family | Siblings
JNF007100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Sports & Recreation
JNF054120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Sports & Recreation | Racket Sports
Library of Congress categories
United States
Sisters
Tennis players
Williams, Venus
Williams, Serena
African American women tennis players

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