She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner

She Persisted

by Rita Williams-Garcia, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds!

In this chapter book biography by Rita Williams-Garcia, the award-winning author of One Crazy Summer, readers learn about the amazing life of three-time Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner--and how she persisted.

Considered the fastest woman of all time, Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo Jo, set two world records in 1988 that still stand today. But getting there wasn't easy, and Flo Jo had to overcome many challenges along the way.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Florence Griffith Joyner's footsteps and make a difference!

Genres: Biography, Sports, History, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, African American

80 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2021

About the author

"I was born in Queens, N.Y, on April 13, 1957. My mother, Miss Essie, named me 'NoMo' immediately after my birth. Although I was her last child, I took my time making my appearance. I like to believe I was dreaming up a good story and wouldn’t budge until I was finished. Even now, my daughters call me 'Pokey Mom', because I slow poke around when they want to go-go-go.

"I learned to read early, and was aware of events going on as I grew up in the 60s. In the midst of real events, I daydreamed and wrote stories. Writing stories for young people is my passion and my mission. Teens will read. They hunger for stories that engage them and reflect their images and experiences."

Author of four award winning novels, Rita Williams-Garcia continues to break new ground in young people's literature. Known for their realistic portrayal of teens of color, Williams-Garcia's works have been recognized by the Coretta Scott King Award Committee, PEN Norma Klein, American Library Association, and Parents' Choice, among others. She recently served on the National Book Award Committee for Young People's Literature and is on faculty at Vermont College MFA Writing for Children and Young People.

Reviews

[Traci Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very straightforward book for young people on Flo Jo and her career.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am huge fan of the She Persisted series. This idea was born as a picture book that celebrates notable women in order to inspire girls, and children of all genders. I’m really glad they launched into early chapter books, as that’s sadly a big hole in children’s publishing. (Those are books for newly independent readers ages 6-9. This one clocks in around 60 pages.)

This volume about Florence Griffith Joyner appealed to me because it’s by one of my favorite writers for young people. Rita Williams-Garcia brings her characteristic energy and warmth to this account of an Olympic hero. It’s definitely inspiring. Shoot, maybe I will put on some sneakers and run!

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Just move on." Advice from Florence Griffith Joyner's mother that served her well through her lifetime. When things don't go your way, don't dwell on them. Just move on. This may mean setting new goals or working harder toward a goal you've yet to accomplish and it definitely means ignoring the haters. This emerges as a clear, strong theme in this title of the She Persisted series as Williams-Garcia tells the story of Joyner's many accomplishments as an athlete, fashion & trend setter, and human being.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Track star Flo-Jo, who set two world records for speed and won five Olympic medals, three of them gold, did things her way. Readers will relish this engaging biography of the girl who grew up racing jackrabbits and setting her own pace through life. Her formative years and collegiate career contained many challenges, but Florence Griffith Joyner never gave up, training hard and even willingly trying new training techniques to shave seconds off her time in a race. She also loved making her own fashion statement on the track with nifty nail colors and designs as well as track clothing that was stylish and afforded her an avenue of self-expression. The biography contains several quotes from its subject as well as vignettes from various points in her life, making readers feel as though they are spending time with someone who knew her well and appreciated her for all her accomplishments as well as everything she was. The fact that she encouraged youngsters to be better than she was is quite impressive.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Penguin Random House Audio for the complimentary audiobook!

As I said when I read my first one of these She Persisted chapter books last month, I know I'm not the intended audience but I still really enjoyed listening to this one. The timing on this one is especially good considering the upcoming Olympics and topics currently in the headlines. Of course, FloJo is a familiar name, but I still learned new information about her while listening to this audio. At a little under 30 minutes, it wasn't hard to fit this audio into my day. I'll keep these books in mind if I need gift ideas for someone more in the target audience. In the meantime, I'm just enjoying some supplemental education and great narration by Janina Edwards.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the She Persisted biography series.
Readers meet Florence Griffith Joyner and learn of her childhood and commitment to being her best. She told her classmates she wanted to do "everything" when she grew up. She succeeded in meeting her goals and pushing beyond them. She didn't give up and pushed to train and win an Olympic gold medal in track and field. In fact, she won three and two silver ones. Readers, especially young women, can also be guided by the driving principles of Flo Jo's life.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The She Persisted mini chapter book biography series are perfect for elementary and intermediate age students interested in learning about the featured person for an assignment or just for an informative read about important women in history. I had heard the name Fo-Jo in relation to sports, but that was about it. I tend to mentally tune out when sports are mentioned. However, this book did what any great non-fiction book does, made me want to learn even more. What a remarkable woman whose life ended too soon when she had so much more color and shine to add to this world.

[Jenn Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series - this was a good one. I knew the name FloJo, but honestly didn't know any specifics before this book. Didn't shy away from how segregation and racial tensions impacted her early life. As always I appreciate the end matter - how readers can be inspired to persist and a robust reference section.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I certainly didnt expect to get teary eyed with this title but dang it Flo Jo, she was the BEST! Her determination, character, and passion for the Lord gave me all the goosebumps. I also loved seeing how Jesse Owens and Sugar Ray Robinson's commitments to give back to their community helped Flo Jo and she continued that same work. This title and others in the series challenge the reader at the end in ways they too can persist! Perfect non-fiction for early chapter book readers.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story about the life of Florence Griffith Joyner who set two world records in Track and Field events in the 1988 Olympics, records that still stand today. Tells of her childhood goals and how she achieved them. Very encouraging book for children. I enjoyed reading it. Illustrations were lovely.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing woman!

Florence aka Dee Dee was ridiculously talented haha
She ran, she started a fashion line, started foundation, and still made time for family and church. Even when she was doubted at every step she held her head up and did her best and then just let it all go, going on to bigger and better things.
Wish I was as talented and persistent as Florence 😊

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Florence Griffith-Joyner a.k.a. Flo-Jo, notably the faster female sprinter of her time. Rising up from humble beginnings, to the colorful outfits and long nails on the court, then motherhood and her untimely death.

This is definitely one that I would recommend to young ladies, especially those interested in track and field.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this one, and Rita-Williams Garcia is a splendid author -- expertly weaving Florence's early life and family into her larger story. Fascinating to hear about her love of fashion and fingernails.

[Ashleu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore these series. May they be checked out as often as any book that features a "big head" (If you know, you know.)

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting biography about Joyner, if not overly engaging. Pretty par for the course for these She Persisted chapter books.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief biography that reads almost as a story. Needs a timeline and index to make it a better resource for biography projects. And desperately needs pictures of the stylish Flo Jo.

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully beautiful addition to the series 💚💚💚

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

its an amazing book and its pretty short too. its amazing for younger readers!

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

How fun to get to know more about her!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading through all of the She Persisted series biographies. While they're all great, this one had me actively crying, so whatever this just tapped into for me is incredible!

[Stacy Stosich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a middle grade book, but it was a nice overview of Flo Jo's life. I liked the part about her racing jack rabbits in the desert.

[Rene Del Bosque Moncayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fue la miujer más rápida de mundo y tiene su propio estilo de ropa

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really interesting! There was so much I didn't know about FloJo and I loved listening to this with my girls.

[Emily Mellow · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a kids' book! And it's alright, it's fine, but I just feel that maybe FloJo deserves something more written about her.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My older son has been reading all of the books in this "She Persisted" chapter book series, so I have been reading each book after he finishes them. Each book in the series is written by a different author, and this book on Florence Griffith Joyner was one of my favorites. I actually knew very little about this athlete, besides the fact that she won Olympic Gold for the USA. Her story is very moving. She came from a poor upbringing in California with many brothers and sisters, and persevered despite many obstacles. I didn't know about her interest in fashion and that she subsequently designed a lot of her running outfits. She retired abruptly from running after the 1988 Olympics and unfortunately, she passed away at a very young age. Her story is a powerful one and I enjoyed learning about how she became one of the best Olympics athletes out of the US.