Jesse Owens

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9 --A factual narrative that presents the life of the track-and-field great, from his early years in Oakville, Alabama to his death in 1980. Gentry details Owens' numerous athletic achievements and records as well as his struggles and successes beyond the track. Good quality black-and-white photographs help chronicle his achievements, even though the photographs are not always located adjacent to the descriptive text. Anyone looking for books on black Americans, Olympic history, track and field, or just a good biography will find this an informative and readable choice. --Janice C. Hayes, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro