Ever since she picked up a tennis racquet, Billie Jean King has made it her mission to champion equality for women in sport, as well as in all walks of life.

Her journey led her to lift 39 Grand Slam trophies, triumph at the Battle of the Sexes against Bobby Riggs, and rally together women’s tennis players to form the Women’s Tennis Association.

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But even after hanging up her racquets, her story continues to inspire, and it’s now been crafted into a children’s picture book titled “I Am Billie Jean King”.


Written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Chris Eliopoulos, “I Am Billie Jean King” is a part of the New York Times bestselling series “Ordinary People Change the World”, which chronicles the life of a significant historical figure in a simple, conversational, playful way, always focusing on a character trait that makes the hero a role model for kids.

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The book focuses on King’s lifelong fight for gender equality, and highlights other important figures who champion the same cause like TV personality Ellen DeGeneres and tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.


“One of the reasons I love ‘I Am Billie Jean King’ by Brad Meltzer is because it helps teach kids about inclusion and equality,” King said in an Instagram post, adding: “I hope you all enjoy reading my story.”

“I Am Billie Jean King” is available now in stores and online, and is published by Penguin Random House.