Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Martina & Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports by Phil Bildner, illustrated by Bret Helquist

Phil Bildner writes about the rivalry between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert with the enthusiasm of the sports lover that he is. This book reads in a conversational way that makes you feel like you're talking to your friends around the watercooler instead of reading a picture book biography.

This book also has the added benefit of having a demonstrable thesis statement to show students as an example of what it means to make a thesis and then support your argument. The thesis being this:

"...these two women formed the greatest rivalry in the history of sports. No, not the history of women's sports -- the history of ALL sports."

I can't wait to share this book with students. I may even challenge them to create their own thesis to argue whether they agree with Phil's or not. I'm sure there will be many students in my neck of the woods who would say that Michigan/Ohio State football is the greatest rivalry in sports, but as long as they can back up their thesis, at least I got them fired up and ready to argue. 

So not only is this a great picture book biography that gets students talking, but it is one that a teacher can approach as a mentor text in a variety of ways. I love when picture books give me easily identifiable writing lessons. 


Martina & Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports by Phil Bildner, illustrated by Bret Helquist
Expected publication: March 14, 2017
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pages: 40
Format/Genre: Picture book biography
Audience: Middle Grade
Disclosure: Advance copy provided by publisher

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