Discover the incredible true story of “The Original Mermaid,” Annette Kellerman, a girl who wanted to dance, swim, and feel free—and who grew into a woman who fought for the right to do just that!
Annette loved to dance and twirl and pirouette. But when she got sick and had to start wearing braces on her legs, Annette stopped dancing. Until, one day, her dad took her swimming. Annette could finally dance again—in the water! She water danced her way to England, where she performed water ballets, attempted daring dives, and competed in swim races. When she competed against men (and won!), she realized it wasn’t fair that women had to swim in full skirts, so she made her own swimsuit, and fought for the right to wear it.
Experience the journey of an independent and determined young woman, who swam, danced, dove, and designed so she could live her life feeling free.
More on Annette Kellerman, with photographs. Author’s note. Sources. Full-color digital illustrations.
Book Genres Autobiography/Biography, Picture Book, Sports
Canadian Rights Yes
Dewey B
Title alpha Annette Feels Free: The True Story of Annette
Level Sports Elementary Plus
Pages Count 40
Genre Nonfiction
Topics Annette Kellerman (1886–1975). Women swimmers. Athletes with disabilities. Australia. Sports and recreation. Swimsuits. Activism.
Lexile AD800L
Trim Size 12" x 9"
JLG Span Winter
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2022-09-12
JLG Release Date Dec 2022
Minimum grade 1
Maximum grade 4
Reading level Elementary
Format Print
Sports Elementary Plus (Grades 1-4)
Sports Elementary Plus
Sports Elementary Plus (Grades 1-4)
For Grades 1-4
Welcome to an exciting world of sports-themed fiction and nonfiction sure to win over your elementary sports fans. Have a few reluctant readers? These action-packed titles are a great way to get them in the game. And with 14 books per year, sports fans will be entertained all year long.