Breaking Through: How Female Athletes Shattered Stereotypes in the Roaring Twenties

In this well-researched account, Macy (The Book Rescuer) profiles female athletes in the 1920s who paved the way for future generations of women. Each chapter begins with a spotlight of a single athlete whose story opens up a larger understanding of the decade. Archival photographs and news stories add further context, as do additional sidebars, timelines of other notable events from each year, and short “Trailblazer” biographies of accomplished women. Along with inspiring accounts of how the athletes debunked common beliefs about what women could or should be able to do, the profiles reveal the complex barriers of racism as well as sexism. For example, Sportswoman magazine, started in 1924, celebrated the accomplishments of female athletes but focused mainly on upper- and middle-class white women, skipping events and athletes at historically black colleges. An epilogue covers opportunities that followed the passing of Title IX, and a timeline of “Defining Moments in Women’s Sports” begins with the impact of cycling on women’s lives in the 1890s. While young researchers may be the most obvious audience for this title, the attractive design and compelling subject will likely entice young browsers as well. Ages 8–12. [em](Feb.) [/em]