When Billie Jean King first played the game of tennis she knew it was what she wanted to do with her life. As a young athlete she set a big goal for herself and began to work hard to become the top player in the world. She soon realized that the path would be much different for a young female athlete to become the best at her sport of tennis.
Billie Jean King became known as a player of fast speed on a tennis court with a tough game at the net and a strong backhand. She won many titles and was the first woman athlete to win over $100,000 in prize money. She used her position as a top tennis player to form the Women’s Tennis Association and served as the first president of the organization. King helped the US Open tennis tournament become the first major tournament to offer equal prize money to women and men.
Today, the US Open is celebrating Billie Jean King on the 50th anniversary of her accomplishments for equal prize money at the New York tennis center named in her honor.
Brad Meltzer is the author of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series and he wrote a book about Billie Jean King and her incredible life and career.
What was the inspiration for talking with Billie Jean King for the “Ordinary People Change the World” series?
When we did I AM JANE GOODALL, we asked Jane Goodall for her input. Same with I AM DOLLY PARTON. Since this series is about giving kids better heroes to look up to, we want to always get the facts right. So who better to call than the hero herself? (Note: this is much harder with Abraham Lincoln.)
How did you conduct the interview with Billie Jean King?
We jumped on the phone and spent nearly two hours going through the book scene by scene. She corrected a few locations that had been reported wrong — and even helped with details like the color of her sneakers in particular matches. It was incredible. One of the most thrilling days in series history.
What is an important fact young readers should know about Billie Jean King?
Years ago when a male bully challenged her to a tennis match to prove that men were stronger than women, Billie Jean King never backed down. She took him on, played him, and won. I want my daughter to see that lesson — and I want my sons to see the lesson. That’s what the equality is all about.
How do you feel about this book being banned in some places? Have you spoken with her about it?
I was heartbroken to hear about the book ban. The good news is, when the book was actually read by the entire community and the school board, after all the hearings and back-and-forth, the school board voted unanimously to keep the book in schools. I love that the community fought back for our book.
Is there anything you want to share that wasn’t included in the book?
I wish you could show how many matches she won throughout her career. It’s a staggering number.
Fun fact:
Are you a tennis fan/player?
I am! I love to play. 🙂
You can hear from Brad and listen to Billie Jean King read the book here.
(1) Storytime with Brad Meltzer 🎾 I am Billie Jean King (READ BY HERSELF!) – YouTube
Go to the official site for Billie Jean King to learn more about what she has done and what she continues to do for others.
The Official Website of Billie Jean King
Alice Knisley Matthias writes about food, gardening, family, and education. Her work appears in The New York Times for Kids, TIME for Kids, Washington Post Kids, Highlights and Food Network. She is a regular contributor for Allrecipes, Taste of Homes, Better Homes and Gardens, Birds and Blooms and Family Handyman. Her work for kids has covered subjects like a Master Chef Junior finalist, music and theatre kids at work, how to make food from kitchen scraps and the science of yeast. Alice has a book published with Scholastic titled, “Tasty Snacks in a Snap!” about healthy snacks for kids.
