Mighty Moe

This thorough, fascinating biography examines how 20th-century women—and young Maureen Wilton in particular—battled the misconceptions and antagonism surrounding equality for female runners. In 1964, at age 10, Wilton’s older brother brought home a running race ribbon, and she knew that she wanted one, too, even though girls were not permitted to run in organized races at that time in Toronto. Undeterred, Wilton’s parents found a local running club with an open-minded coach. Soon, Wilton was running in races throughout Canada and the U.S., and she eventually came to hold the world record time in the marathon. Dubbed “Mighty Moe” by the press, Wilton proved the novel notion that female athletes could not only run, but run fast. While Wilton is unquestionably the star of this book, Swaby (Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed the World) and debut author Fox intersperse eye-opening anecdotes of other women runners who faced discrimination and opposition. While the gripping chapters jump around in both chronology and focus, they always circle back to the compelling story of Wilton, who, with the support of her parents and coach, unknowingly revolutionized an entire sport for women. Ages 10–16. (Oct.)