  | Ice breaker : how Mabel Fairbanks changed figure skating Author: Vina, Rose | |
| Price: $21.88 | ||
Summary:
In the 1930's, only white figure skaters were allowed in public ice rinks and to compete for gold medals, but Mabel Fairbanks wouldn't let that stop her. With skates two sizes too big and a heart full of dreams, Mabel beat the odds and broke down color barriers through sheer determination and athletic skill. After skating in ice shows across the nation and helping coach and develop the talents of several Olympic champions, Mabel became the first African-American woman to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
| Illustrator: | Almon, Claire |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.90 Points: .5 Quiz: 512274 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (-) (08/15/19)
School Library Journal (10/01/19)
Booklist (09/01/19)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/01/2019 Mabel Fairbanks was born in an era when people of color weren’t allowed in many public spaces. Coming from humble beginnings, she ultimately became an influential figure in ice-skating events around the world. Viña’s text highlights Mabel’s perseverance; growing up, she was denied over and over again entering white skating places, but she persisted. At a local skating rink, the manager finally allowed her to skate once “the white skaters were done training.” Later, an entertainment manager named Wally Hunter noticed Mabel’s talent and built an ice tank in her home so that she could skate anytime she wanted. The story goes on to show how, as Mabel aged, she continued to break down barriers in support of future generations. Almon’s digital illustrations have an accessibly modern look, yet the soft color palette gives a vintage vibe. Sports fans will love this inclusive and inspiring look at how one girl’s determination enabled her to live out her dreams in a challenging period of American history. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 10/01/2019 PreS-Gr 2—As a young black girl skating in the 1930s, Mabel Fairbanks was denied entry to skating clubs and competitions. After years of touring in the ice-skating entertainment industry, Fairbanks became a coach to skaters of diverse racial and financial backgrounds. She fought for her students of color to be allowed entry into the clubs and competitions that previously denied her inclusion. Fairbanks finally gained recognition and became the first African American inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. While Fairbanks's tale deserves telling, this title falls flat. The organization is at times choppy, particularly at the beginning, where the narrative shows Fairbanks transitioning from a homeless child to working as a live-in babysitter in just two page spreads. Considering the intended young audience, some passages include too much detail and too few clear transitions. The muted cartoonish style of the digital illustrations is designed to appeal to young readers, but the lack of clean lines and dynamic elements results in an unfinished look. VERDICT Although this biography is a lackluster account, Mabel Fairbanks is an inspiring subject whose story is likely to appeal to many young people. Her story of perseverance and activism is little known, so many libraries will want this picture book biography on their shelves simply to acknowledge the overlooked contributions of an inspiring black woman and athlete.–Elizabeth Lovsin, Deerfield Public Library, IL - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
