A Nations Hope, Matt de la Pena
A Nations Hope, Matt de la Pena
List: $9.99 | Sale: $7.00
Club: $4.99

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

Author: Matt de la Pena

Narrator: JD Jackson

Unabridged: 7 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/17/2014


Synopsis

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 around the historic fight in which Black and White America were able to put aside prejudice and come together to celebrate our nation's ideals.

About Matt de la Pena

Matt de la Pena's debut novel, Ball Don't Lie, was an ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults and an ALA-YALSA Quick Pick and is soon to be released as a motion picture. de la Pena's second novel, Mexican WhiteBoy, was an ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adult (Top Ten Pick), a 2009 Notable Book for a Global Society, a Junior Library Guild Selection. He currently lives in Brooklyn, NY, where he teaches creative writing.


Reviews

Goodreads review by katsok on June 29, 2011

Four star story, five star illustrations. I'd read someone's grocery list if Kadir Nelson illustrated it. Beautiful book.......more

Goodreads review by Edward on March 18, 2011

de la Pena's text is good but it's Nelson's knockout illustrations that give this picture book biography power.......more

Goodreads review by Terri on June 16, 2020

Joe Louis, the Brown Bomber, fought Max Schmeling for the first time in 1936 and was knocked out in the 12th round. It was a humiliating defeat for Louis and strengthened his determination to work harder and fight smarter. Louis was already a favorite of African Americans when he knocked out Jim Bra......more

Goodreads review by Monica on June 20, 2012

Audience:3rd grade and up. Mainly boys or anyone with an interest in boxing legends. Also for those interested in sports during World War 2 or Jim Crow America. Appeal:The story is written in verse which adds interest. It's an inspiring story of whites and blacks coming together in a time where hatre......more

Goodreads review by Monica on June 20, 2012

Audience: preschool and up, boys, history lovers, sports fans Appeal: This book reads more like a story than an informational text, so I would say it is fast-paced and there are characters that can be easily related to in the story. The book features large illustrations on every page depicting what i......more