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Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating
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In the 1930s, only white figure skaters were allowed in public ice rinks and to compete for gold medals, but Mabel Fairbanks wouldn’t let that stop her. With skates two sizes too big and a heart full of dreams, Mabel beat the odds and broke down color barriers through sheer determination and athletic skill. Mabel became the first African-American woman to be inducted into
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Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
October 1st 2019
by Albert Whitman Company
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Start your review of Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating
Highly recommended for elementary schools and libraries. This is a touching and inspiring true story of figure skating’s first African-American star, Mabel Fairbanks. Age appropriate and accessible portrayal of racism and discrimination. Touching treatment of her resilience and determination for the sport she loved. This book had me in tears during read-aloud to my children, which speaks to the power of the author’s writing to bring this heroine’s story to life for young readers.
When Mabel a young child living in New York City discovers her hearts joy - ice skating it is all she wants to do. On the ice is where she belongs. But it is 1930 and people of colour were not allowed to skate at the local ice skating rink. Mabel is refused entry, but this does not deter her and she goes on to fulfill her dream. With gorgeous illustrations that show the beauty of ice skating and the human spirit Ice Breaker is a must read book for every child that has ever been told that they
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Oct 09, 2019
Abby Johnson
added it
Mabel Fairbanks was drawn to the ice at a young age, but African Americans weren't allowed to skate in competition. She skated in different entertainment venues and then took up coaching, urging the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club to admit African American members. This is a winning biography about a woman athlete breaking barriers.
I was so glad to learn of Mabel Fairbanks and how she made the world of figure skating more equitable. It broke my heart that she was never able to compete due to racism.
A very well written and illustrated book about a story and lesson in humanity that has no expiration. Wonderful reminder about human relations that all young adults should read...not to mention great for all ages! Nicely done!
Wonderful non-fiction biography about Mabel Fairbanks, a talented and influential African-American figure skater who helped break racial barriers in the figure skating sport world. Very well written and beautifully illustrated, the kids enjoyed this wintery sports book.
This book will leave you wanting to know more of the story.
Excellent book for kids on overcoming obstacles and helping others. It deals with how harmful racism is in a way that a child could understand. This book should be in schools and libraries.
Jul 22, 2019
Rose Viña
rated it
it was amazing
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