Billie Jean King's positive energy and dedication to her endless battle for the simple idea of equality are captured in this profile of the tennis legend.Rockliff opens by showing those childhood moments when King refused to accept "no" as an answer. The unjust policies King encountered throughout her tennis career are shown alongside her hard work and dedication to her sport. The storyline depicts success and struggle in a constant battle, exemplified by her first Wimbledon victory and the sexist press conference that followed it. Through it all, King's actions remained positive and personal, as she used her charisma to move the equality needle forward. The repeated imprecation "Peanut butter!" allows a charming glimpse of the iceberg of frustration she must have felt while still playing harder than anyone else. Baddeley's illustrations capture the tennis action well, but the story is the real attraction. The pacing expertly shows King capturing the hearts and minds of tennis fans by winning the major titles in 1972 only to have to prove herself again in the Battle of the Sexes against Bobby Riggs. The account ends with her victory in that seminal match; the author's note reveals plenty more to this legend's story, including her lesbian identity.A must-read for young equal rights warriors. Your advantage. (Picture book/biography. 4-8)

This lively picture book introduces tennis star Billie Jean King, who emerged as an outspoken supporter of women's equality when she accepted a challenge from provocateur and former tennis star Bobby Riggs and won their much-publicized match. While the narrative tells of King's early struggles, hard work, and successes on the court, it also details the difficulties facing her as a woman athlete in the era before Title IX, when reporters would routinely ask male tennis champs about their game, and then quiz King about her jewelry, hairstyles, and plans for motherhood. The narrative climaxes with her victory over Riggs. Writing in relatively short sentences and occasional speech balloons within the illustrations, Rockliff tells the story simply and effectively, while letting readers draw their own conclusions. Baddeley's colorful artwork, created with ink, watercolor, acrylic, and digital elements, dramatizes the action. Considering King's contributions to the struggle toward equal funding, scholarships, pay, and respect for women in sports, this accessible picture book offers a welcome introduction to this legendary tennis star and advocate for women's rights.