This Skirt Won't Work! - by Jennifer Cooper (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Imagine trying to play tennis in a long dress, or swimming laps wearing heavy petticoats! That's how it used to be for girls and women in sports... until a few found a better way! See how women like cyclist Kittie Knox, swimmer Annette Kellerman, and Albertine LePensee and her Canadian hockey teammates flouted convention and risked scandal to wear things they could move in. They sewed their own knickerbockers, donned sleek swimsuits, and shortened skirts, and in the process helped change society's ideas about what women and girls could wear-and do!"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Imagine trying to play tennis in a long dress, or swimming laps wearing heavy petticoats! That's how it used to be for girls and women in sports... until a few found a better way!

See how women like cyclist Kittie Knox, swimmer Annette Kellerman, and Albertine LePensee and her Canadian hockey teammates flouted convention and risked scandal to wear things they could move in. They sewed their own knickerbockers, donned sleek swimsuits, and shortened skirts, and in the process helped change society's ideas about what women and girls could wear--and do! Features back matter with cool facts about each woman and team, as well as a look at women athletes today who continue to take a stand for clothes that are more comfortable and inclusive.

Review Quotes

"A light historical look at women who bucked societal conventions to wear athletic gear, allowing them to be faster and better." -- School Library Journal

"The battle over inclusive athletic wear may be far from over, but this design history aptly shows how some athletes' hard-won freedoms live on." -- Publishers Weekly

"An entertaining overview." -- Youth Services Book Review