Book Title: Wilma Unlimited
Author: by Kathleen Krull
Grade Level: 3
Type: Nonfiction
Topic: Biography/African-American
Lexile: AD730
Discussion Questions
- What kind of person was young Wilma Rudolph?
- She was determined and independent (e.g., she managed to get around by herself by hopping on one foot).
- She never gave up (e.g., she practiced her exercises even when they hurt).
- She was thoughtful and tried not to worry her family.
- She was brave for attempting to walk alone in front of her whole church.
- How was Wilma’s walk down the aisle at church similar to her final lap in the Olympic relay race, and how was it different?
- Wilma had to concentrate, try her best, and use every bit of her strength both times.
- A large crowd was watching her and supporting her (by singing in church and by cheering at the Olympics).
- She amazed the crowd and defied the odds both times.
- In church, Wilma struggled to walk, while at the Olympics, she became known as the fastest woman in the world.
- Why do you think the author titled the book Wilma Unlimited? Is it a good title?
- A "limit" is something that stops or restrains. Something or someone that is "limited" cannot go farther or make any more progress. The author calls Wilma "unlimited" in order to show that she was not bound or stopped by any limits. In spite of her problems, she went farther (and faster!) and was more successful than anyone ever dreamed possible. She proved she was "unlimited."
- Also, as explained in the Author’s Note, Wilma Rudolph started a company called "Wilma Unlimited" to help support causes that she believed in.
- How might Wilma Rudolph’s life be different if she were born today instead of in 1940?
- Most children in the U.S. now take a vaccine which prevents polio, and the disease has been virtually eliminated in this country.
- Today, Wilma would not have to travel 50 miles to find a hospital that agreed to treat black patients.
- Wilma and her mother would not have to sit at the back of the bus.
- Wilma would not be prevented from attending school because she could not walk.
- Why do so many people admire Wilma Rudolph?
- She had many difficulties to overcome, including illness and prejudice, but she did not let this stop her or discourage her.
- She set goals and stuck to them even when it was painful, both as a child and as an adult.
- She was a great athlete and the first American woman to win three Olympic medals.
- After her Olympic victories, she tried to help and inspire others to reach their goals.