She Persisted: Naomi Osaka

Gr 2-6–This inspiring early chapter book delves into the life and achievements of Naomi Osaka, a remarkable Japanese professional tennis player. Osaka was born in Japan in 1997 to a Japanese mother and a Haitian American father. When she was three, her family, including her older sister Mari, moved to New York. There, her father became fascinated by the rise of world-class tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. He took on the role of their coach, and Osaka practiced daily under his guidance. Osaka’s hard work and dedication paid off. She has been ranked World No. 1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association, making her the first Asian player to hold this top ranking. Being biracial and multicultural has always been a significant aspect of Osaka’s identity, shaping her experiences and public persona. Her challenges and triumphs are accessibly presented in this biography, including her competitiveness, passion for tennis, and attention to self-care. The book features black-and-white illustrations that add to the narrative. The work also includes an introduction, table of contents, references, and a section listing nine ways readers can be persistent in their own lives. It also addresses Osaka’s use of her status to support social justice issues, realistically addressing her experiences with racial justice and mental health. Though Osaka is young and still shaping her identity, her story is one of resilience and determination.