Boss ladies of sport by Phillip Marsden

Author and illustrator Phillip Marsden begins his latest book with a message as to the story behind its publication. He was watching the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and was amazed at the talent of the female athletes but also their personality and efforts outside their chosen sport. This led him to think more broadly, and this thoughtful compilation is a great reference book for young readers. The athletes are in alphabetical order using their first name and each have a full page of their own. The graphic style image of the athlete is placed in front of their national flag and above this is an inspiring quote from them. Below the image is a paragraph giving more information about them, their life work and their sport. The Australian athletes presented are Ariarne Titmus, Ash Barty, Ellyse Perry, Jess Fox, Kaylee McKeown, Madison De Rozario, Sam Kerr, Stephanie Gilmour, Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho Del Solar. Interspersed amongst the Australians are athletes from around the world including Simone Biles from the USA, Jade Jones from Britain, Elaine Thompson-Herah from Jamaica and Lisa Carrington from New Zealand as well as many others. There are athletes who have represented their countries in the Para Olympics, basketball, tennis, fencing and some of the youngest athletes to compete including 13-year-old Japanese skateboarder Momiji Noshiya. The last athlete is Yusra Mardini who does not have a national flag as she is a voice for refugees all over the world. Her story is quite amazing.

This is a very timely publication with the recent Olympics being fresh in children’s minds. A worthwhile resource for home, school and public library.

Themes: Females, Role Models, Sport, Sporting Heroes.

Kathryn Beilby