Children’s book tells story of tennis partners who persevered to play game they loved.
When Althea Gibson dreamed of joining the big American tennis leagues, she was denied because she was Black.
In Britain, Angela Buxton dreamed of joining the best tennis clubs there, but she was rejected because she was Jewish.
Author Lori Dubbin said she discovered their story, and how the two women persevered together, somewhat by accident.
“We had a reference book at home called ‘Great Jews in Sports.’ I was looking through it and found a picture of Angela Buxton in her tennis outfit. When I read the caption I saw that her doubles partner was Althea Gibson. The more I researched about the two of them I realized I’d found a great story,” Dubbin said.
Her new nonfiction children’s picture book is “Perfect Match: The Story of Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton.” She said she was inspired that neither woman let hatred stop her from playing the game she loved.
“I loved writing this book about two determined women who overcame the prejudices of the time through friendship, teamwork and perseverance. Sadly, the story resonates today because we are facing many of the same challenges,” she said.
Dubbin will read from “Perfect Match: The Story of Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton,” at 12 p.m., Sept. 28 during Storytime at Books & Books Coral Gables.
A former early childhood educator, Dubbin said she enjoys researching “about people just outside the framework of history who have made extraordinary contributions to the world and who model kindness, compassion and perseverance for young readers.”
The book, published by Kar-Ben, is illustrated by Amanda Quartey. It is a Junior Library Guild Selection and can be purchased at the event. RSVP HERE FOR FREE.
ARTISAN FAIR IS OCT. 5
The Brockway Memorial Library will host its Seventh Annual Artisan Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 5 at 10021 NE Second Ave., Miami Shores. This popular fall event, with live folk music, will feature more than 24 vendors with food, crafts, jewelry, art, native plants and more. The event is free.
New this year will be an old-fashioned pie contest at 11 a.m. Interested contestants must register with Michelle Brown: brownm@msvfl.gov.
KENDALL CLUBHOUSE OPENS
In August, Key Clubhouse of South Florida opened a second facility in West Kendall to help people whose lives are disrupted by mental illnesses. The new location is at 9000 SW 137th Ave.
“It is our hope that by opening a second location we will now be able to better serve residents in the Kendall and South Dade areas,” said CEO Debra Webb.
“This new location was inspired by an increase in the need for support services for individuals living with mental health illness in Miami-Dade County. Our members will no longer have to travel for hours to receive much needed services offered at the Key Clubhouse.”
Family members can now refer individuals they feel would benefit from the Kendall Clubhouse program. The mission is to “help people with mental illness avoid hospitalization and interaction with the criminal justice system, and find employment in the community.”
Originally founded in 2008 by a group of family members and a young woman with bipolar disorder, the Key Clubhouse is funded by the Department of Children and Families, Thriving Mind of South Florida, Miami-Dade County, several foundations and numerous generous contributors. More at www.keyclubhouse.org
DAY OF PLAY IS SEPT. 28-29
Families can gather at Miami Children’s Museum to celebrate Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play on Sept. 28. Exhibits and activities also include a musical jam session and movement classes, outdoor Frisbee play, and classic games like jumping rope and hopscotch..
Rosh Hashanah with PJ Library is Sept. 29 for a sweet start to the Jewish New Year. A heartwarming story time will explore the traditions of Rosh Hashanah followed by creative art activities.
“We are thrilled to join Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, a celebration that perfectly aligns with our aim to inspire children to play, learn, imagine and create. Play is not just about fun — it’s a vital part of a child’s development, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and physical well-being,” said Deborah Spiegelman, CEO and Executive Director of Miami Children’s Museum. Details at www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.
