Jesse Owens: Track-and-Field Champion

Children's Literature

This biography introduces the African-American track and field champion and his triumphant career in the 1930s. In addition, it points out how Owens later used this success to help others succeed in athletics. The good selection of black and white photos spans Owens' life, is fully captioned and set against colorful text pages lends authority to the text. In addition, a "Fast Facts" section gives readers vital statistics, education, and major awards. The text ends with a timeline, glossary, internet sites, recently-published books for further reading, and an index. This title, like the others in the "Fact Finders" biography series, features carefully-controlled vocabulary, short and direct sentences, photos that match the text to aid in comprehension, and an uncomplicated design. 2005, Capstone Press, Ages 7 to 10.
—Susan Hepler, Ph.D.