A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis

by Matt de la Peña (Author) Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

The magnificent, inspiring story of an AMERICAN SPORTS HERO, by Newbery Award-winning author Matt de la Pena.

On the eve of World War II, African-American boxer Joe Louis fought German Max Schmeling in a bout that had more at stake than just the world heavyweight title. For much of America, their fight came to represent America's war with Germany. This elegant and powerful picture book biography centers on this historic fight in which the American people came together to celebrate our nation's founding ideals.

  • New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book Award
  • Booklist Editor's Choice Best Books of 2011
  • School Library Journal Best Books of 2011
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Review quotes

Awards for A Nation's Hope

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year (2011), A Booklist Top Ten Biographies for Youth 2011, A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2011), A Booklist Editors' Choice Best Book of the Year (2011)

Praise for A Nation's Hope

"Spare, evocative verse melds with the eloquent illustrations to create palpable energy around the fight and Louis's struggle to the top."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Spectacularly illustrated and smoothly cadanced."
—Booklist (starred review)

"Stunning art and dramatic storytelling."
—School Library Journal (starred review)

"de la Pena's tersely poetic narration is riveting, and Nelson's oil paintings draw viewers directly into the ring."
—BCCB (starred review)

Matt de la Peña
Matt de la Pena, an acclaimed novelist, lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Kadir Nelson, New York Times bestselling author and two-time Caldecott Honor winner lives in San Diego, California.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780147510617
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
S
Publisher
Puffin Books
Publication date
December 20, 2013
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Cultural Heritage
JNF053140 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Prejudice & Racism
JNF025210 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/20th Century
JNF007100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Sports & Recreation
Library of Congress categories
-
New York Times
Best Illustrated Book of the Year 2011
Booklist
Top Ten Biographies for Youth 2011
School Library Journal
Best Book of the Year 2011
Booklist
Editors' Choice Best Book of the Year 2011

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