Marvelous Mabel — Alleanna Harris

Marvelous Mabel:
Figure Skating Superstar

Written by Crystal Hubbard
Published by Lee & Low Books
Published on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 9781620149560

Mabel Fairbanks leaps midair while ice skating. She wears a pink sweater, pink plaid skirt, pink tights, and white ice skates in front of an icy blue background.

After watching ice skaters glide and spin at a rink in Central Park, Mabel Fairbanks was determined to learn to skate. But in the 1930s, many places didn't allow Black skaters on the ice, so Mabel practiced on a homemade rink in her bedroom! There she learned how to perform sharp turns and whizzing spins of her own creation.

It wasn't long before Mabel needed more room to practice skating, and she returned to one of the rinks that denied her entrance. This time she refused to take no for an answer. She knew that if they just let her on the ice, she would be the most marvelous skater anyone had ever seen. And she was right, as her trailblazing talent continues to influence the sport today.

Written and illustrated with warmth and spirit, this is the true story of how Mabel Fairbanks's determination and grit led her to become America's first Black skating superstar.

Sneak Peek

Mabel Fairbanks was orphaned at eight years old and she took a train to New York City to live with her brother. She worked at her brother's fish stand in Harlem.

Mabel Fairbanks gave away free fish to hungry children. Mabel's sister-in-law told her to leave and she had no place to go.

Mabel sometimes slept in Central Park. One day, a young woman asked her to work for her and help take care of her baby.

Mabel Fairbanks slept in the baby's nursery and she walked the baby through the park everyday. Mabel often watched the ice skaters on the ice rink.

Mabel Fairbanks haggled with a pawnshop owner for an old pair of black skates.

Awards and Lists

Best Biography
Black Kidlit Awards, 2023

Best Children's Books of the Year
Bank Street College of Education, 2023

Honor Award for Multicultural Literature
Skipping Stones Magazine, 2023

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2023

Praise for Marvelous Mabel

"A long-overdue spotlight on a trailblazing athlete. Harris' warm, expressive digital illustrations pair well with Hubbard's straightforward yet inspiring text."
- Kirkus Reviews

"The simple, no-nonsense illustrations coupled with the longer-form writing allows upper elementary school readers a chance to explore not only a moment in American history but an untold moment in sports history."
- Booklist

"Hubbard's narrative spotlights a passionate childhood before abruptly concluding with an early-in-life instance of triumph over prejudice. Sleek digital illustrations by Harris rely on a muted palette in images that showcase Fairbanks's determination."
- Publishers Weekly

"Beautifully crafted kinetic illustrations highlighting New York City's locales and its inhabitants are at their finest, and come to life when Fairbanks skates. Every twist and turn is captured and the movement is dynamic in this book; a pleasure to read and to share. Highly recommended for early nonfiction collections."
- School Library Journal