Ice Breaker

August 15, 2019
Mabel Fairbanks is not found in textbooks, but she made history as the first African American inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. As the book opens, young Mabel is orphaned and homeless in New York City. Taken in by a white family, she provides child care in exchange for shelter. Looking out the apartment window at skaters in the park, she's inspired to save up for skates, and two successive double-page spreads show the excitement and joy Mabel finds on the ice. Subsequent pages reveal that the story takes place in the 1930s, and the phrases "colored are not allowed" and "WHITES ONLY" underscore the segregation of the era. Ultimately a sympathetic rink manager lets her in, and her talent is quickly noticed--but she still can't compete. She continues to work and train hard, her dedication paying off when she's able to showcase her skills in a Harlem nightclub and eventually make her way to Hollywood for a TV show and then to international performances in a supporting role. Unfortunately, her talent doesn't surpass the racism of the time, but as a coach, Mabel promotes change by encouraging her students of diverse backgrounds and advocating for them. The text does an adequate job of portraying both the racism and her determination, but readers will wonder at gaps in the timeline. Almon's bright, cheery illustrations belie the challenges Mabel faced. An important figure; a pedestrian introduction. (Picture book. 4-8)

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October 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-As a young black girl skating in the 1930s, Mabel Fairbanks was denied entry to skating clubs and competitions. After years of touring in the ice-skating entertainment industry, Fairbanks became a coach to skaters of diverse racial and financial backgrounds. She fought for her students of color to be allowed entry into the clubs and competitions that previously denied her inclusion. Fairbanks finally gained recognition and became the first African American inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. While Fairbanks's tale deserves telling, this title falls flat. The organization is at times choppy, particularly at the beginning, where the narrative shows Fairbanks transitioning from a homeless child to working as a live-in babysitter in just two page spreads. Considering the intended young audience, some passages include too much detail and too few clear transitions. The muted cartoonish style of the digital illustrations is designed to appeal to young readers, but the lack of clean lines and dynamic elements results in an unfinished look. VERDICT Although this biography is a lackluster account, Mabel Fairbanks is an inspiring subject whose story is likely to appeal to many young people. Her story of perseverance and activism is little known, so many libraries will want this picture book biography on their shelves simply to acknowledge the overlooked contributions of an inspiring black woman and athlete.-Elizabeth Lovsin, Deerfield Public Library, IL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2019
Preschool-G Mabel Fairbanks was born in an era when people of color weren't allowed in many public spaces. Coming from humble beginnings, she ultimately became an influential figure in ice-skating events around the world. Vi�a's text highlights Mabel's perseverance; growing up, she was denied over and over again entering white skating places, but she persisted. At a local skating rink, the manager finally allowed her to skate once the white skaters were done training. Later, an entertainment manager named Wally Hunter noticed Mabel's talent and built an ice tank in her home so that she could skate anytime she wanted. The story goes on to show how, as Mabel aged, she continued to break down barriers in support of future generations. Almon's digital illustrations have an accessibly modern look, yet the soft color palette gives a vintage vibe. Sports fans will love this inclusive and inspiring look at how one girl's determination enabled her to live out her dreams in a challenging period of American history.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)