In 1936, in front of 110,000 spectators at the Olympic Stadium in Germany, Jesse Owens blew away the competition in the 100-meter final to claim the title of "World's Fastest Man." He won the gold medal in front of Germany's brutal dictator, Adolf Hitler, defying the Nazi leader's racist ideology. Owens won three more gold medals at the Olympics and returned to the United States a hero. Author Jeff Burlingame explores the life of one of the greatest and most influential athletes in American history, from his humble childhood to his legacy on and off the track.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
August 19, 2013 -
Formats
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781464502590
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781464502590
- File size: 11173 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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Booklist
February 1, 2011
Grades 6-8 From the African-American Biography Library series, this book opens with Jesse Owens celebrated victory in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, when he triumphed in the 100-meter dash and Hitler refused to congratulate him. In a more nuanced historical account than many books offer, Burlingame looks at different interpretations of the days events and comments on how Owens own account changed over time. He also makes clear that the runner did not leave racism behind when he left Hitlers Germany but encountered it repeatedly in the U.S. as well. After the dramatic opening chapter, the book offers a chronological account of Owens life, covering his sickly childhood in rural Alabama, his familys move to Cleveland, his training as a runner, and his sometimes difficult life after retiring from sports. On every page, color brightens the headings, backgrounds, bordered photos, sidebars, and boxed quotes. Back matter includes a chronology, chapter notes for the many quotes, and lists of books and websites for further reading. An engaging biography of a significant American athlete.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.) -
The Horn Book
July 1, 2011
Beginning with his historically significant accomplishments at the 1936 Olympics in Germany--"Hitler's Olympics"--this accessible (if somewhat superficial) biography provides basic information on the early life, career, and legacy of the great African American track-and-field star Owens. Numerous archival photographs and occasional sidebars provide historical context. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
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Formats
- OverDrive Read
- EPUB ebook
Languages
- English
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