What do you think?
Rate this book
Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics
Lucile “Ludy” Godbold was six feet tall and skinnier than a Carolina pine and an exceptional athlete. In her final year on the track team at Winthrop College in South Carolina, Ludy tried the shot put and she made that iron ball sail with her long, skinny arms. But when Ludy qualified for the first Women's Olympics in 1922, Ludy had no money to go.
Thanks to the help of her college and classmates, Ludy traveled to Paris and won the gold medal with more than a foot to spare. Hooray for Ludy!
Based on a true story about a little-known athlete and a unique event in women's sports history.
Thanks to the help of her college and classmates, Ludy traveled to Paris and won the gold medal with more than a foot to spare. Hooray for Ludy!
Based on a true story about a little-known athlete and a unique event in women's sports history.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 8, 2017
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 9, 2021
Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics is a children's picture book written by Jean L.S. Patrick and illustrated by Adam Gustavson. It centers on the true story of an exceptional athlete and a unique competition.
Lucile Ellerbe Godbold was an American track and field athlete. She competed in the long jump and several running and throwing events at the 1922 Women's World Games, also known as the First International Games for Women, and won a gold medal in the shot put and a bronze in the javelin throw; she finished fourth in the 300 m and 1000 m races.
Patrick's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Patrick's folksy account is crisp and packed with facts. Backmatter includes more on Ludy’s life and the Women's Olympics as well as period photos. Gustavson’s evocative illustrations combine oil paintings with gouache on watercolor paper, painting Ludy as a gangly beanpole with an enormously expressive face.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Active from an early age, Lucile "Ludy" Godbold runs and swings from tree branches and plays tug of war with her dogs. Entering Winthrop College in 1918, Godbold was always on an athletic field, as she uses her extra-long arms to cheer on teammates. In her last year on the track team, she tries the shot put, setting a record at over thirty-five feet.
Ludy and her coach immediately hop on a train to New York, where tryouts are being held for a new international meet called the Women's Olympics – an independent competition. In Ludy's tryout, she breaks her own record and earns her spot, though she fears that lack of funds will keep her home. However, the college president intercepts her as she's running by and tells her that the students and faculty have raised what's necessary to send her to France, where this new competition's being held – once again breaking the world’s record – hers.
All in all, Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics is a fascinating biography of a little-known athlete.
Lucile Ellerbe Godbold was an American track and field athlete. She competed in the long jump and several running and throwing events at the 1922 Women's World Games, also known as the First International Games for Women, and won a gold medal in the shot put and a bronze in the javelin throw; she finished fourth in the 300 m and 1000 m races.
Patrick's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Patrick's folksy account is crisp and packed with facts. Backmatter includes more on Ludy’s life and the Women's Olympics as well as period photos. Gustavson’s evocative illustrations combine oil paintings with gouache on watercolor paper, painting Ludy as a gangly beanpole with an enormously expressive face.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Active from an early age, Lucile "Ludy" Godbold runs and swings from tree branches and plays tug of war with her dogs. Entering Winthrop College in 1918, Godbold was always on an athletic field, as she uses her extra-long arms to cheer on teammates. In her last year on the track team, she tries the shot put, setting a record at over thirty-five feet.
Ludy and her coach immediately hop on a train to New York, where tryouts are being held for a new international meet called the Women's Olympics – an independent competition. In Ludy's tryout, she breaks her own record and earns her spot, though she fears that lack of funds will keep her home. However, the college president intercepts her as she's running by and tells her that the students and faculty have raised what's necessary to send her to France, where this new competition's being held – once again breaking the world’s record – hers.
All in all, Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics is a fascinating biography of a little-known athlete.
July 31, 2017
I really enjoyed this slightly fictionalized picture book biography of Lucile Godbold. Not only is it beautifully written and illustrated but the style the author used makes the book excellent for reading out loud. There is both humor and heart in this story of a woman who stepped up to become a champion with the help of her college classmates and instructors. One thing that I especially liked it that when you look at Ludy, you would not immediately think 'great athlete' or 'future shot put champion'. At six feet tall and "skinnier than a Carolina pine" Ludy worked hard to become a talented athlete. I also enjoyed learning about the First Women's Olympics, something I'd never heard of before picking up this book. The author and illustrator should be congratulated on the fine work they've done with this book, including the fun text, informative back notes, and great illustrations.
May 29, 2018
Patrick, Jean L.S. Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women’s Olympics, Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2017. $17. 9781580895460
Lucille Godbold was six feet tall with very long, very strong arms. She was a powerful athlete and a devoted spectator. The time she was encouraged to try the shot put, she excelled and she loved it. She began to train hard and worked every muscle in her body. She worked so hard that she set a world record in the shot put and made it into an international meet called the Women’s Olympics. She didn’t think she could afford to go, but trained hard anyway. She was floored when she found out that students and teachers at her college were donating money so that she could go to the Women’s Olympics in France. She continued to train on the ship to France, as well as when she arrived. When she saw her competitors at the games, she was very nervous. All she could do was her very best to try to win for herself, her school, and her country.
The text and illustrations in this book are an outstanding pair. The story moves along at a wonderful pace for a biography picture book, sparing unnecessary details, but still giving a full idea of the life of Ludy. I was very engaged and I loved learning about a historical female figure that I hadn’t heard of before. There is more information and an author’s note included in the back of the book.
EL (K-3), EL- ESSENTIAL. Shay, School Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Lucille Godbold was six feet tall with very long, very strong arms. She was a powerful athlete and a devoted spectator. The time she was encouraged to try the shot put, she excelled and she loved it. She began to train hard and worked every muscle in her body. She worked so hard that she set a world record in the shot put and made it into an international meet called the Women’s Olympics. She didn’t think she could afford to go, but trained hard anyway. She was floored when she found out that students and teachers at her college were donating money so that she could go to the Women’s Olympics in France. She continued to train on the ship to France, as well as when she arrived. When she saw her competitors at the games, she was very nervous. All she could do was her very best to try to win for herself, her school, and her country.
The text and illustrations in this book are an outstanding pair. The story moves along at a wonderful pace for a biography picture book, sparing unnecessary details, but still giving a full idea of the life of Ludy. I was very engaged and I loved learning about a historical female figure that I hadn’t heard of before. There is more information and an author’s note included in the back of the book.
EL (K-3), EL- ESSENTIAL. Shay, School Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
May 3, 2018
The book Long-Armed Ludy, by Jean L.S. Patrick is such an inspiring story for elementary students. As students read this story, they will understand the, “twang” used back many years ago with southern ladies and gentlemen. The readers will also receive an understanding of how people used to live and the minimal rights that women had. The story is very well written; the illustrations are so beautiful and unique. It looks like each page was carefully hand-painted, and each illustration can explain the story perfectly. This story encourages readers to follow their dreams and push themselves towards success. By introducing this story to a class of students, teachers can teach the importance of showing encouragement, dedication, and belief in others. During the story, Ludy had many individuals cheering her on and encouraging her to do her best. These individuals helped raise enough money for her to go to the Olympics and obtain her dream. This is a great life lesson for students to encounter because it shows them that they should always lend a helping hand and be encouraging of someone else’s dreams.
Review written by Kara McKinley
Review written by Kara McKinley
March 14, 2018
This picture book tells the story of Lucile "Ludy" Godbold who won a gold medal in the shot put at the first women's Olympics in 1922. She was able to go after her community rallied around her by raising the money to pay her way. It is a really cool story and this picture book does a great job of telling it. The illustrations are a great compliment, helping the reader see how tall Ludy really was and how long her arms were. I very much enjoyed learning about Ludy Godbold and how she helped pave the way for female athletes at the Olympics. I only wish that it had included more about the other events she participated in at the women's Olympics. After researching her, I discovered that she participated in many more events besides the shot put and received other medals. I think this would have added the book in a big way. However, it is still a great picture book biography for kids.
August 31, 2018
I loved this book! You could definitely use this book for a biography over Lucile (Ludy) Godbold and teaching about the history of the Olympics. In this story, we were introduced to Ludy and her unusually long arms. One day at track practice at Winthrop College, Ludy decided to throw the shot put. She was extremely good at it and her coach told her to try out for the Olympics! She set a new record and qualified for the Olympics but she could not afford to go. People at her college all donated enough money so she could go to the Olympics in Paris. When it was time to compete at the Olympics, she set a new record and ended up winning! She was so overwhelmed with all of the support that she got from her fans. I loved the whole storyline of this book and how the underdog can come out ahead!
July 28, 2024
I love the photos included in the back of the book and the additional information found there. I appreciate that a children's book about Ludy exists. However, although being an athlete obviously takes a lot of determination and hard work, I am wary of romanticizing over exercising and/or food restriction, especially in a children's book. In addition to writing that "[Ludy] lifted dumbells 'til her arms turned to noodles. She ran 'til her toes cried for mercy. And she did so many leg squats that her feet disappeared in the dust", Patrick wrote that "The pastry shops smelled like heaven, but Dr. Stewart only allowed them to drool." Due to this concern, I cannot say I would recommend this book.
November 13, 2017
Think biographies are boring? Then you haven't read this one. This picture book bio of a 1920's female track and field Olympian has lots of personality and humor. With lively language, author Jean Patrick captures Ludy's spirit, based on Patrick's primary source research, as mentioned in the Author Note back matter. She gives brief information about Ludy's (Lucille Godbold) background and then shows her in college making the Olympic trials team. Then, it's on to Paris and the international games. The themes of determination and encouragement make the book well focused. The illustrations also help us see the story and add humor. Readers will be engaged, fascinated, and inspired.
March 18, 2021
Having met Miss Ludy, and having been taught gymnastics by her equally athletic sister, Sarah, and having attended Winthrop, I have to say that I most thoroughly related to this delightfully presented story!
Others have praised the illustrations of Adam Gustavson, and I heartedly agree. Jean L. S. Patrick came to S. C. for her research, and fell in love with what she found about Miss Ludy and had to tell her story and that of the First Women's Olympics.
"More liftin', more runnin', More squattin', more puttin'." Grade school children as well as adults will really enjoy this book.
I recommend that you "give it a ride!"!
Others have praised the illustrations of Adam Gustavson, and I heartedly agree. Jean L. S. Patrick came to S. C. for her research, and fell in love with what she found about Miss Ludy and had to tell her story and that of the First Women's Olympics.
"More liftin', more runnin', More squattin', more puttin'." Grade school children as well as adults will really enjoy this book.
I recommend that you "give it a ride!"!
October 3, 2017
I think it's really cool that the author came across Ludy's story and felt so inspired by it that she decided to write a book. Basically, anytime I read a story about a woman overcoming social odds, I'm always wildly impressed.
Ludy always loved sports and fell in love with shot-putting. She qualified to go to the Women's Olympics in 1922 and when she couldn't afford it, her community rallied around and made it possible.
Cool story.
Ludy always loved sports and fell in love with shot-putting. She qualified to go to the Women's Olympics in 1922 and when she couldn't afford it, her community rallied around and made it possible.
Cool story.
July 5, 2018
This tells the story of Lucile Ellerbe Godbold learning to throw shot-put, training, and winning the 1922 Women's Olympics. I appreciated that the story emphasized how much a part of her college community she was and how the school supported her.
The illustrations here were gorgeous paintings and felt really appropriate to the book. The lines and colors were bold, and the style was very realistic.
The illustrations here were gorgeous paintings and felt really appropriate to the book. The lines and colors were bold, and the style was very realistic.
August 29, 2018
Spectacular pictures, but disappointing text. The author uses lots of country colloquialisms and strange similes (She lifted dumbbells 'till he arms turned to noodles.)
There is nice source material in the back about Ludy complete with photos. There is also some information about The Women's Olympics that I found interesting.
There is nice source material in the back about Ludy complete with photos. There is also some information about The Women's Olympics that I found interesting.
December 19, 2017
I love the folksy voice in this juvenile biography. Illustrations are wonderful, too. The message of self-doubt overcome by determination is powerful, too. Plus the back matter holds: More About Ludy; The Women's Olympics; Author's Note; historical photos.
July 4, 2018
This is an inspiring story that is made even better by the notes about Ludy, the women's Olympics, and Author's Note after the story has ended. Loved the illustrations of the shocked faces throughout the book...priceless.
June 25, 2023
An inspiring picture book biography about a female Olympian. Includes an informative authors note in the back. My daughter and I both enojoyed the story, especially how the community came together to fund her trip to the Women's Olympics.
October 29, 2024
What a fabulous picture book biography! I love the folksy voice and the way I the writing drew me in. I don't follow track at all, but this engaging book was a fun read and taught me lots about women at the Olympics, and Ludy's journey in particular.
September 13, 2017
Excellent book about a little known topic. It is difficult to decide where to catalog this, because it could fit several places.
October 6, 2017
Great story! Who knew there was a Woman's Olympics in Paris in the 1920s...oh the things you learn. I enjoyed the story! Not sure it is an award winner but still an excellent book!!
October 13, 2017
Very entertaining!
February 2, 2018
Another amazing woman! This is a great picture book biography.
April 9, 2018
Poignant and charming biography of a natural athlete and competitor in the first Olympics for women.
May 16, 2018
This was a fun read. The paintings are well done with super writing to match. Told with humor, I enjoyed learning about this strong athlete.
March 12, 2019
A well-written and fascinating account of an athlete I had not previously heard of.
May 1, 2019
Inspiring and entertaining picture book biography. Love the humorous language!
March 13, 2022
We loved this. Great story, excellent illustrations with period details that fascinated the kids.
January 27, 2023
Fun book! The athlete in the book actually went to college at Winthrop and grew up in South Carolina so that was a vibe.
March 27, 2025
Great children’s book on a little known woman who helped (by participating in) the women’s Olympics!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews