Champion Citizen

Jean was the first athlete to win the Boston Marathon eight times. And she did it in a wheelchair. Read how this little girl born with spina bifida went from being the kid nobody wanted on their team to jogging with United States presidents and being a member of the Olympic Hall of Fame.


The short stories in these two books will entertain and inspire third-grade readers nationwide with an insight into how these Americans who happen to be champions overcame big obstacles, reached impossible goals, and then worked to guarantee equal opportunity and fair treatment to all people.


At some time while growing up, children will face being left out of a group, losing someone they love, not having enough money, moving to a new school, having their feelings hurt, or making a big mistake. Athletes in our HCCTA Champion Citizen® book series inspire children to find the champion in themselves to succeed in sports and in life.


The entire Champion Citizens® series includes seven books and lesson plans (change to teacher guides) that are flexible enough to be an independent reading program or an intensive six-week reading program in the classroom. Appropriate for after-school programs, home-school students, scout troops, religious groups, youth sports teams or a child who enjoys reading.


Author_Bio: Helen Moser Petersen is the Champion Reads creator and writing producer. She is a nationally recognized tennis leader and former English teacher.


Keywords: Champion, Citizen, Athlete, Overcome, Persevere, Olympics, Wheelchair, Disability, Jean Driscoll, Leadership, Strength