Perfect Match: The Story of Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton
Perfect Match is the true story of the friendship between 1950s tennis players Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton. When Althea Gibson first dreamed of joining the big American tennis league (The United States Lawn Tennis Association), she was denied because she was Black. Angela Buxton dreamed of joining the best tennis clubs in the United Kingdom, but she was rejected because she was Jewish. Angela heard that Althea was coming to London to compete in a tournament — Angela wasn’t going to miss it. If Althea didn't let hatred stop her from playing the game she loved, Angela wouldn't either. They eventually became doubles partners and champions by sticking to their strengths, working as a team, and ignoring the discrimination of the time.
Available for purchase where books are sold!
I’m very proud to announce PERFECT MATCH is a Junior Library Guild selection.
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“Dubbin's well-chosen details, combined with Amanda Quartey's expressive illustrations, make Perfect Match an upbeat story of interracial friendship and triumph."
- Jewish Book Council
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“While there are many excellent picture books about overcoming discrimination, this book addresses not only those obstacles faced by an African-American athlete but also by a Jewish athlete in the UK. The book delivers on so many levels: sports, women, racism, teamwork. Young readers as well as parents and teachers will love this little-known story of triumph over adversity.”
-Silvia Lopez, children’s picture book author of Una Más, One More; José and El Perro; José and El Fútbol; José and Feliz Play Fútbol; and Pacho Nacho
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"Recommended for history, sports, and biography collections looking for excellent picture books that ably diversify their offerings for this age group."
- School Library Journal
“Dubbin deftly relates a story that takes place over many years of Althea and Angela’s lives, and shows how racism and antisemitism impacted them, in ways that are accessible for a picture book audience. Young sports fans will appreciate how Dubbin depicts the strategies Althea and Angela use to go from playing singles to playing together. The way that Angela goes from admiring Althea to becoming her friend and then playing alongside her at the highest level will inspire young athletes.
Amanda Quartey’s seemingly simple illustrations capture the colors and space of tennis settings and the actions of athletes. The warmth of her depictions are part of what make the friendship between Althea and Angela come through in such a heartfelt way.
An Author’s Note provides biographical information beyond the scope of the story. Action photos of Althea and Angela, individually and together, further bring the book’s subjects to life. A note on the back page lets readers know a little about the author’s sources, which include an interview with Angela Buxton herself.
Perfect Match will be an enjoyable and effective catalyst for discussion for any sports-loving family and/or in first- to fourth-grade classrooms discussing antisemitism, racism, friendship, teamwork, or the history of the twentieth century.”