Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 07/01/2017 Gr 2–4—"No one really knows how Ludy's arms got so long," begins the story of the tall and long-limbed Lucille "Ludy" Godbold, whose physical build led to a successful stint as a shot-putter. At Winthrop College in South Carolina, Godbold's track coach suggested she try the shot put. Godbold enjoyed and excelled at the sport and made the U.S. Women's Olympic team in 1922. However, when she lacked the funds to travel to France, college staff and students donated money so she could go. Godbold traveled to Paris and took home the gold. Folksy, descriptive text, which includes regional colloquialisms, will entertain readers. The acrylic illustrations are energetic, and the palette and style of dress of the depicted individuals are appropriate for the time period. Godbold's arms are often shown extended in activity, making them appear even longer. Most drawings fill a single page, with text and smaller inset pictures on the facing page. Full spreads are devoted to big events, such as Godbold winning the gold. Though stylized, Gustavson's artwork deftly captures Godbold's likeness. More information about the athlete and the Women's Olympics, an author's note, and a couple of black-and-white pictures are appended. VERDICT A charming, down-home introduction to a female athlete, and a great addition to any public or school library. —Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Library, WA - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2017 In 1917, tall, lanky Ludy Godbold leaves her home in rural South Carolina for college, where she excels on the track team. A swift runner, she also sets an American record for shot put. This victory earns her a cherished place on the U.S. team traveling to Paris for the 1922 Women’s Olympics. With financial support from students and faculty, she sails to France. Though she worries about having the skills to be competitive, Ludy sets a new world record in women’s shot put. The narration works hard to achieve a folksy Southern charm that’s sometimes effective here (“she was six feet tall and skinnier than a Carolina pine”), but often overdone, particularly in the constant, repetitive dropping of final g’s (“All that liftin’ and runnin’ and squattin’ paid off”). Gustavson’s impressive artwork includes large oil paintings as well as spot illustrations in gouache. The beautifully composed pictures create a strong sense of Ludy’s personality and emotions, while providing a period context for her story. A handsome introduction to a little-known American athlete. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

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