America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle

By David Adler

Reading Level: Early Elementary School, Late Elementary School
Genre: Biography
Publisher: Harcourt 2000

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Ederle, known as Trudy, became an international superstar in 1926 when she was the first woman to swim across the English Channel. This book shows the successes and failures and hard work Trudy faced on her quest to swim the Channel. But it also paints a beautiful portrait of the friendship between Trudy and her sister Margaret, who helped design the special goggles Trudy wore on her 35-hour swim.

Award Key

Caldecott Medal

Most distinguished American picture book for children (annually).

Coretta Scott King Award

Distinguished books by authors and illustrators of African descent which promote an understanding and appreciation of the American dream (annually).

Golden Kite Award

Outstanding examples of text, illustration, fiction and nonfiction (four awards annually).

Newbery Medal

Most distinguished contribution to American literature for children (annually).

Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award

Outstanding work of historical fiction published by a U.S. publisher set in the New World.