Missing the Olympics? Midwest author's book named among best with Olympic themes

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — For parents whose kids are missing the Summer Olympics, a Midwest author has a book that can help them get their fix.

Wisconsin’s Pat Zeitlow Miller is a former print journalist turned children’s book author. One of her titles has been picked up by Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that provides a curated selection of books to families with young children, regardless of income.

Her book, “The Quickest Kid in Clarksville,” which was initially published in 2016, was recognized this summer by the New York Times as one of the best children's books with Olympic themes.

“It’s a book about Wilma Rudolph, who was the fastest woman in the world in 1960,” Miller told WBBM Newsradio. “She went to the Olympics in Rome and won three gold medals, which was the first time a U.S. woman had won three golds at one Olympic games.”

As a former newspaper writer, Miller said she's honored to be recognized by the New York Times.

“I think about how few people ever have their name in that newspaper, and it’s kind of amazing,” she said.

Books, she added, have more permanence compared to other forms of media.

“Picture books have so many layers to them, so you never know what layer is going to speak to which reader,” Miller said. “This book has the sports layer; it’s got the civil rights layer; it’s also got this theme of not giving up.”

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