Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson by Sue Stauffacher (2007) is success story. On the first page we read that Gibson “was the tallest, wildest tomboy in the history of Harlem.” She played stick ball, basketball, and anything with a paddle. One day, someone recognized her potential and bought her a tennis racket. Gibson's initial attempts at tennis drew attention. A member of "the ritziest tennis club in Harlem” invited her to learn tennis with all its social complexity. It was a struggle because Althea was nothing but trouble. Nevertheless, she persisted and eventually became the first African-American to win the Wimbledon Cup. This book has an author's note at the back which expresses gratitude to the people who helped Gibson become a success story. It recommends her autobiographies I Always Wanted to be Somebody and So Much to Live For. Also www.altheagibson.com. The illustrations by Greg Couch capture Althea Gibson’s energy.
