  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 06/01/2018 This picture book begins with Richard Williams buying four-year-old Venus and three-year-old Serena tennis rackets and telling people “the wildest things” about his daughters. Those folks laughed at his vision of two black girls from Compton becoming world-famous tennis champions, but those folks were wrong. Venus and Serena grew up talented, competitive, and emotionally close, while winning singles and doubles events in tennis tournaments around the world. Their occasional rivalry on the court is balanced by the closing quote from Serena, “Tennis is just a game. . .. Family is forever.” Bryant, a sports journalist and the author of several middle-grade books, including Legends: The Best Players, Games, and Teams in Basketball (2017), writes in a straightforward manner about the Williams sisters’ setbacks and triumphs, emphasizing their determination and hard work, as well as their father’s role and the importance of family. Cooper contributes a series of beautiful mixed-media illustrations. Alive with warmth and movement, these luminous, soft-edged scenes portray the sisters gradually growing into strong, capable women. A handsome sports biography. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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