Marvelous Mabel: Figure Skating Superstar
Written by Crystal Hubbard
Published by Lee & Low Books
Released on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 9781620149560
Published by Lee & Low Books
Released on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 9781620149560
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.
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
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