Sunday, September 24, 2023

Annette Feels Free: The True Story of Annette Kellerman by Katie Mazeika - ESSENTIAL

Annette Feels Free: The True Story of Annette Kellerman, World-Class Swimmer, Fashion Pioneer, and Real-Life Mermaid by Katie Mazeika
. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster), 2022. $19. 9781665903431

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Annette Kellerman was an Australian girl at the turn of the century, who, due to a childhood illness, turned to swimming as therapy. She became a champion swimmer and invented “artistic swimming.” The book focuses on her contributions as a pioneer for women in the athletic field of swimming and the radical change in swimsuits for women. Annette is presented as a role model of discovering your passion and following it.

This is a delightful picture book biography. There are few points of data to slow down the action, so the story shines through. Even though not many specifics are mentioned, the book includes a bibliography showing Mazeika has done her research. Mazeika has a very positive tone and her admiration for Annette Kellerman shines through. I think this book introduces Annette Kellerman to the new generation as a heroine to emulate. I do wish the author had included a date at some point as a reference for the events. Life story of a groundbreaking woman/ One of the swimsuit illustrations show a Muslim woman in a swimsuit with head covering

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian 

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