(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Sean Qualls. In alternating chapters, three preadolescent African American narrators--Hibernia, Otis, and Willie--reveal their deep private pain. As their lives intersect during the year before Joe Louis wins his heavyweight championship fight, the three young people prove resilient and receptive to friendship. Despite its serious issues, a humorous tone ripples throughout this well-researched, well-voiced historical novel. Reading list.

Reviewer: Betsy Hearne | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2011

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. On the eve of WWII, Joe Louis squares off against formidable German Max Schmeling, a symbol of the Nazi regime. De la Peña's free-verse narrative heightens the historic sporting event's suspense. Nelson's oil paintings vividly capture not only the drama of the fight scenes but also the entire nation waiting with bated breath and quickened pulse for the outcome.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2011

(3) 4-6 This book recounts the life of African American boxing legend Joe Louis. The text follows Louis from his birth into poverty in 1914, his successes in boxing circles, his heavyweight world championship bouts, and finally his acceptance by both blacks and whites as an American sports hero. The many archival photographs personalize and enhance the readable and straightforward text. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Rodney S. Pate. Sammy, a young African-American boy growing up in the 1930s, wants to be a boxer like his hero Joe Louis, but his skills don't match his ambition. Eventually Sammy learns that it is persistence, not talent, that matters. Expressive, colorful illustrations accompany the worthy but heavy-handed story. A one-page historical afterword is appended.

Reviewer: Jack Forman