Synopsis
The child of poor Alabama sharecroppers, Jesse Owens always loved to run. In the 1936 Olympic Games in Nazi Germany, he shattered three world records to overcome racial discrimination and disprove Hitler's belief in the superiority of Aryan people. Don't miss the "World's Fastest Human" in his race to the top!
Children's Literature
Biographies of famous athletes sometimes emphasize only the individual's accomplishments as a competitor. While the achievements of an athlete on the field, in the ring, or in whatever venue they competed in may be interesting, what is more enlightening is what that person was like. In this biography of one of the greatest athletes of this century, the reader is confronted by a man who combined both marvelous abilities as a sprinter as well as an inability to find success in other areas of life. Jesse Owens' life is presented as one of striking contrasts. His amazing accomplishments at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, while under the eyes of Adolph Hitler, are described as a great feat not only for Jesse but for all opponents of racism. Conversely, for much of his life, Jesse Owens suffered discrimination, failure, and rejection. This sports biography offers the reader a sad but revealing look at how fleeting glory can be. From the pages of this book, Jesse Owens emerges as a gifted athlete, who failed as a businessman, was charged with tax evasion, and drifted from one occupation to another. Lessons can be learned from this book, not only about Jesse Owens' record setting athletic prowess, but also regarding his struggles to find a place in the sun for himself and his family. Part of the "A&E Biography" series, this is a book well worth reading.