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Synopsis
After listening to the radio broadcast of the heavyweight championship boxing fight of his hero, Joe Louis, a young African American boy realizes that he can emulate the boxer' ...
Children's Literature
African American Sammy dreams of being a heavyweight boxing champ just like his hero Joe Louis. He carries Joe's picture with him for inspiration. Sammy's friend Ernie is trying to teach him to box. In exchange, Sammy helps Ernie with his schoolwork. The problem is Sammy is no good as a boxer no matter how hard he tries. Ernie encourages him not to give up his dream. Sammy's father and Mister Jake, the owner of the country store, explain that Joe Louis was a farm boy too and had to work hard to be a boxer. Not only did he have to be good at boxing, but he had to convince the world that just because he was black didn't mean he couldn't box well. The whole neighborhood gathers at Mister Jake's to hear the fight between Louis and James Braddock. Joe Louis's win is important for them because it shows the world the color of your skin doesn't mean you can't do well at whatever you choose. Sammy finally admits he will never be a champion boxer, but Joe Louis has proved that he can be a champion at something else as long as he doesn't quit trying. The illustrations are lovely oil paint on canvas paper and the story is nicely told, if a bit didactic. Reviewer: Sarah Maury Swan