Martina & Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports

Gr 2-5—Nonfiction tennis books for kids are in general in short supply, and so are retellings of powerful true rivalries between star players of any sport. Bildner offers kids both in this picture book biography of Martina Navratilova and Chris "Chrissie" Evert. Each woman's story begins in childhood, gently and with minimal text. The book becomes more interesting when the author notes that these two intense rivals were good friends from their first meeting and that each still fought hard to beat the other on the court. They both pushed to be the very best, and then they relaxed together—except for a few years when Navratilova had a coach who wouldn't allow her to be friends with a rival. They met in the finals of the French Open twice, intense duels that Evert won; Navratilova decided then that friendship was more important—and to this day they remain close friends who support each other's off-court charity work. Though Evert and Navratilova are long retired and largely unknown to most kids, their tale imparts a timely moral: friendship and kindness are what matter most. That said, this is likely a shelf-sitter despite a good narrative, strong illustrations, and great factual support that includes a bibliography for students doing reports. VERDICT Though a quality selection for students who need role models and for tennis players seeking idols to emulate, this title will require some handselling on the part of librarians.—Dorcas Hand, formerly at Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Bildner (Marvelous Cornelius) and Helquist (The Doll People's Christmas) offer a gripping dual biography of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, two athletes who could not be more different, despite their shared talent. "Chrissie was this All-American girl," writes Bildner. "Patience and poise and precision." Martina, meanwhile, "was all emotion, all the time." Bildner's conversational narrative creates an instant bond with readers ("Keep in mind, this was during the Cold War. You know what the Cold War was, right? No?") as Helquist deploys a series of play-by-play action scenes that capture the speed and intensity of their many tennis matches. But just as important as their competition was the unexpected bond the two women formed off the court: Bildner holds Evert and Navratilova up as an example of how friendship need not always play by the rules. Ages 7-10. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Mar.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

This spirited, engrossing story, containing an inspiring message and enough information for the fact- hungry, is a fantastic addition to all sports collections, particularly ones needing more titles featuring women in sports.
—Booklist (starred review)

The lively prose and Helquist's action-packed, in-your-face acrylic-and-oil illustrations yield a work as engaging as an actual Evert-Navratilova match. The dramatic cover and well-designed pages will draw readers in and make them feel they have courtside seats. A fine sports story.
—Kirkus Reviews

Nonfiction tennis books for kids are in general in short supply, and so are retellings of powerful true rivalries between star players of any sport. Bildner offers kids both in this picture book biography of Martina Navratilova and Chris "Chrissie" Evert...Though Evert and Navratilova are long retired and largely unknown to most kids, their tale imparts a timely moral: friendship and kindness are what matter most.
—School Library Journal

Bildner (Marvelous Cornelius) and Helquist (The Doll People's Christmas) offer a gripping dual biography of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, two athletes who could not be more different, despite their shared talent...just as important as their competition was the unexpected bond the two women formed off the court: Bildner holds Evert and Navratilova up as an example of how friendship need not always play by the rules.
—Publishers Weekly

The book captures the importance of a friendship that prevailed between athletes even during their heated rivalry. And isn't that the beauty of sports?
—Sports Illustrated Kids