Books in Black History series

Muhammad Ali may have been the greatest athlete of the 20th century. He won two Golden Gloves titles and recorded many victories during his incredible boxing career. In 1960 he won the gold medal for boxing at the Olympics in Rome, Italy. Later, he became and activist and philanthropist, leaving a legacy out of the boxing ring as well as in it. Readers explore the rich life of a great champion who also became a living symbol of hope and peace in this inspiring biography.

A compelling resource for sports enthusiasts, Jesse Owens: A Life in American History places the life and athletic accomplishments of Jesse Owens within the context of race and American history in the early 20th century. The year 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest track and field athletes in intercollegiate and Olympic history. This book examines Jesse Owens' upbringing, religious and spiritual life, and collegiate years and includes an examination of race, politics, and Nazi Germany as a backdrop to the 1936 Olympics. It also considers Owens' personal economic hardships after his triumph at the Olympic Games, his death, and his legacy. This biography series title will appeal to general readers, history buffs, and sports enthusiasts. Chapters are organized around the major developments in Jesse Owens' life, from his birth in Oakville, Alabama in 1913 to his death in Tucson, Arizona in 1980, and all of his groundbreaking athletic achievements in between. Primary source documents, sidebars, a timeline, and a bibliography provide valuable additional information for readers. The final chapter, "Why Jesse Owens Matters," explores his cultural and historical significance.Provides readers with an understanding of race, politics, amateur athletics, and the 1936 summer Olympic GamesDemonstrates how pivotal moments in the life of Jesse Owens worked together to make him a championShows the importance of family, coaches, and friends in Owens' life and careerIllustrates the importance of Owens' performance in the Berlin Olympics and how it created a platform for other African American athletes

Jackie Robinson became the first African American Major League Baseball player, and the story of how he broke baseball's color barrier brings the worlds of sports and history together. How was he chosen to break this barrier, and what struggles did he have to face once he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers? These questions and many more are answered through age-appropriate text, including sidebars that provide additional information about this member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Graphic organizers and photographs enhance the exciting story of a man whose groundbreaking career continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Harriet Tubman is well known for her work as an abolitionist and a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Her life was one of extraordinary suffering and extraordinary courage. This absorbing biography traces her life from childhood years in slavery, through her escape and subsequent work on the Underground Railroad, ending with her final years. Powerful historical images and age-appropriate text supply solid social studies content. Fact-filled sidebars and a timeline enhance the reading experience.

Harriet Tubman is well known for her work as an abolitionist and a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Her life was one of extraordinary suffering and extraordinary courage. This absorbing biography traces her life from childhood years in slavery, through her escape and subsequent work on the Underground Railroad, ending with her final years. Powerful historical images and age-appropriate text supply solid social studies content. Fact-filled sidebars and a timeline enhance the reading experience.

Muhammad Ali may have been the greatest athlete of the 20th century. He won two Golden Gloves titles and recorded many victories during his incredible boxing career. In 1960 he won the gold medal for boxing at the Olympics in Rome, Italy. Later, he became and activist and philanthropist, leaving a legacy out of the boxing ring as well as in it. Readers explore the rich life of a great champion who also became a living symbol of hope and peace in this inspiring biography.