Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman

Wilma Unlimited tells the extraordinary true story of Wilma Rudolph, a Black woman from rural Tennessee who was born prematurely and contracted polio as a young child — leaving her left leg paralyzed — yet went on to become an Olympic champion and the fastest woman in the world. Striking illustrations and inspiring prose trace her journey from a girl told she would never walk again to a record-breaking athlete. This book is an excellent choice for students because it models resilience and determination, introduces an important figure in Black history and women's sports history, and shows how obstacles can be overcome through hard work.

Publishing Details

Author : Kathleen Krull

Illustrator : David Diaz

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture Book

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 44

Size: 11.4 x 8.3 inches

Year Published: 2000

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: 1st Grade

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Biography

Theme: Sports, Black History, About POC, Women in History