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Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics Paperback – July 30, 2019

by Jean L. S. Patrick (Author), Adam Gustavson (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 30 ratings
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Lucile “Ludy” Godbold was six feet tall and skinnier than a Carolina pine and an exceptional athlete. In her final year on the track team at Winthrop College in South Carolina, Ludy tried the shot put and she made that iron ball sail with her long, skinny arms. But when Ludy qualified for the first Women's Olympics in 1922, Ludy had no money to go.

Thanks to the help of her college and classmates, Ludy traveled to Paris and won the gold medal with more than a foot to spare. Hooray for Ludy!
 
Based on a true story about a little-known athlete and a unique event in women's sports history.
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  1. Reading age
    6 - 9 years
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    1 - 4
  5. Dimensions
    9.06 x 0.13 x 11 inches
  6. Publisher
    Charlesbridge
  7. Publication date
    July 30, 2019
  8. ISBN-10
    1623541689
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1623541682
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

The true story of an exceptional athlete and a unique competition. Active from an early age, Lucile "Ludy" Godbold runs and swings from tree branches and plays tug of war with her dogs. "Six feet tall and skinnier than a Carolina pine," the young white woman enters Winthrop College in 1918. Always on an athletic field, she uses her extra-long arms to cheer on teammates. In her last year on the track team, she tries the shot put, setting a record at over 35 feet. Ludy and her coach immediately hop on a train to New York, where tryouts are being held for a new international meet called the Women's Olympics, an independent competition. In Ludy's tryout, she breaks her own record and earns her spot, though she fears that lack of funds will keep her home. But one day, the college president intercepts her as she's running by and tells her that the students and faculty have raised what's necessary to send her to France, where this new competition's being held—and where she clobbers her own previous world record. Who knew? Patrick's folksy account is crisp and packed with facts. Gustavson's evocative illustrations combine oil paintings with gouache on watercolor paper, painting Ludy as a gangly beanpole with an enormously expressive face. Backmatter includes more on Ludy's life and the Women's Olympics as well as period photos.
—Kirkus Reviews


“No one really knows how Ludy’s arms got so long,” begins the story of the tall and long-limbed Lucille “Ludy” Godbold, whose physical build led to a successful stint as a shot-putter. At Winthrop College in South Carolina, Godbold’s track coach suggested she try the shot put. Godbold enjoyed and excelled at the sport and made the U.S. Women’s Olympic team in 1922. However, when she lacked the funds to travel to France, college staff and students donated money so she could go. Godbold traveled to Paris and took home the gold. Folksy, descriptive text, which includes regional colloquialisms, will entertain readers. The acrylic illustrations are energetic, and the palette and style of dress of the depicted individuals are appropriate for the time period. Godbold’s arms are often shown extended in activity, making them appear even longer. Most drawings fill a single page, with text and smaller inset pictures on the facing page. Full spreads are devoted to big events, such as Godbold winning the gold. Though stylized, Gustavson’s artwork deftly captures Godbold’s likeness. More information about the athlete and the Women’s Olympics, an author’s note, and a couple of black-and-white pictures are appended. VERDICT A charming, down-home introduction to a female athlete, and a great addition to any public or school library. 
--School Library Journal

About the Author

Jean L. S. Patrick is the author of several books for children, including The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth (Carolrhoda Books). Jean has also written a weekly children's book column for the Daily Republic in Mitchell, South Dakota, since 1989.


Adam Gustavson has illustrated several picture books, including the award-winning Good Luck, Mrs. K! (Margaret K. McElderry) and Dirty Rats. Adam lives in West Orange, New Jersey.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Charlesbridge; Reprint edition (July 30, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1623541689
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1623541682
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 9 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 4
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.06 x 0.13 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 30 ratings

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  1. Adam Gustavson

    Adam Gustavson

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    Adam Gustavson is the author and illustrator of the critically acclaimed picture book, The Froggies Do Not Want To Sleep (2021, Charlesbridge). His artwork has appeared in over thirty books for children, as well as magazines, public murals, and galleries.

    He serves as an adjunct professor at both the Fashion Institute of Technology, in New York, and Rowan University, in Glassboro, NJ. Since 2014, he has co-owned the Renaissance Art Studio in Millburn, NJ, with his wife (and manager) Denise, offering individual art lessons in a variety of media.

    He lives, paints, teaches, writes, and plays several musical instruments in New Jersey, with his wonderfully quirky family and their neurotic poodle.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Jean L. S. Patrick

    Jean L. S. Patrick

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
30 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jan L.
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly written, brilliantly illustrated
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
One of the best non-fiction picture books I have read in a great while. Patrick distills the events into the perfect plot arc, and we love the suspense of the Olympics even though we assume she'll win. The illustrations are some of the best out there--Ludy comes alive in all of her charm and gawkiness. A spectacular book for boys and girls, athletes and non-athletes. A tribute to determination and using all of our selves and our characteristics for the best!
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JMG
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful tribute
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
Thank you for writing this book.
A wonderful tribute to my great aunt Ludy!
I purchased a few copies as gifts.
-Jennifer Godbold
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Barbara Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book!!
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2019
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A precious book!! The authors captured Miss Ludy. I should know because she taught me PE at Columbia College many years ago and I knew her well. She was dear to all of us.
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Shelley
5.0 out of 5 stars I love, Luddy and her long arms that turn to ...
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017
Verified Purchase
"Thunderin' Cannonballs!" "Cloud Bustin' Cantaloupes", Jean Patrick has broken all records for one enchanting picture book. I love, Luddy and her long arms that turn to "noodles" when she lifts up her dumbbells to train. Truly, one of the those stories that, though designed for children, delights adults. Don't miss this one.
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KC Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars It's always great fun to read a biography about a little-known personality.
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2019
Verified Purchase
I really like biographies, particularly those that spotlight 'regular' folks who achieved noteworthy accomplishments. The author included interesting details that really bring 'Long-Armed Ludy' to life.
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Andrew G.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story for kids!
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2019
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Great story of an important pathfinder in the greater womens' equality narrative. My little boys love the story and the illustrations.
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Jennifer Barnes
5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic nonfic picture book - a must for classroom sports collections!
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017
Verified Purchase
Patrick sheds light on an incredible true story. So excited to think that more kids will be aware of Ludy's determination, hard work, and achievements.
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Maebert a Bobb
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2017
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Well done and historically accurate!
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