Girl Running

Pimentel introduces Bobbi Gibb, who in 1966 became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, in an affectionate portrait informed by interviews with Gibb herself. In textured collages, Archer creates a cozy community of autumn leaves, spring fields, and quaint rooftops, against which Gibb trains for the marathon. Disappointed after receiving a letter denying her entry to the race (“Women are not physiologically able to run twenty-six miles and furthermore the rules do not allow it”), she disguises herself with a hooded sweatshirt and runs the marathon anyway. Concentric circles radiate from Gibb’s feet some 20 miles in: “Bobbi learns the hard way that you should not race in new shoes,” Pimentel writes; Gibb finishes the race to acclaim, opening the door for other dedicated women runners. A triumphant story of an athlete and spirited individual. Ages 5–8. Author’s agent: Kathleen Rushall, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. (Feb.)