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20th out of 82 books
—
165 voters
A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis
by
Matt de la Pena (Goodreads Author) ,
Kadir Nelson
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 asi...more
Hardcover, 40 pages
Published
January 20th 2011
by Dial
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*Illustrations were incredible; The Author/Illustrator fight card was a cute touch.
*70,000 people to attend a fight at Yankee Stadium in 1938 was incredible to me.
From Richie's Picks review:
A NATION'S HOPE provides a good introduction to Joe Louis, who was world heavyweight boxing champion from 1937 to 1949 and is considered by some to be the first African American to achieve the status of nationwide hero. He achieved this status because of his boxing victory over Nazi Max Schmeling in Yankee S...more
*70,000 people to attend a fight at Yankee Stadium in 1938 was incredible to me.
From Richie's Picks review:
A NATION'S HOPE provides a good introduction to Joe Louis, who was world heavyweight boxing champion from 1937 to 1949 and is considered by some to be the first African American to achieve the status of nationwide hero. He achieved this status because of his boxing victory over Nazi Max Schmeling in Yankee S...more
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 Braddock to win the heavyweight championship of the world the following year, but it was not until his second match with Schmeling that he became a favorite with all America. For many Americans the bout...more
13 January 2011 A NATION'S HOPE: THE STORY OF BOXING LEGEND JOE LEWIS by Matt de la Pena and Kadir Nelson, ill., Dial, January 2011, 40p., ISBN: 978-0-8037-3167-7
"The world waits for Joe Louis to take the ring,take center stage
White men wait standing by black men
but standing apart Jim Crow America
"All to witness the most important
match in boxing history
Soft-spoken Joe Lewis against the one man
who put him on his back
"But Joe knows tonight's fight is bigger than any two men
Son of a black sharecrop...more
"The world waits for Joe Louis to take the ring,take center stage
White men wait standing by black men
but standing apart Jim Crow America
"All to witness the most important
match in boxing history
Soft-spoken Joe Lewis against the one man
who put him on his back
"But Joe knows tonight's fight is bigger than any two men
Son of a black sharecrop...more
In this impressive picture book focusing on boxer Joe Louis's dramatic second fight against German Max Schmeling, readers are reminded how sports, politics, and social reform seem inevitably to interweave. While I am glad that more attention is being paid to an event that occurred in 1938, I would have liked to have known more about the young Joe Louis as well as the triumphant fighter. In some respects the brief coming together of whites and blacks to celebrate this man's accomplishments beg qu...more
A Nation's Hope: the story of boxing legend Joe Louis by Matt de la Pena, illus by Kadir Nelson
Like everything else in 1930's boxing was segregated.
The world waits for Joe Louis to take the ring,
take center stage
White men wait standing beside Black men, but standing apart
Jim Crow America
In the 1938 rematch against German fighter Max Schmeling, Louis was looked upon as a nation's hope because of the impending war. This is the fight that de la Pena leads readers to, though first we are introd...more
Like everything else in 1930's boxing was segregated.
The world waits for Joe Louis to take the ring,
take center stage
White men wait standing beside Black men, but standing apart
Jim Crow America
In the 1938 rematch against German fighter Max Schmeling, Louis was looked upon as a nation's hope because of the impending war. This is the fight that de la Pena leads readers to, though first we are introd...more
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 hatred for one another was strong. Grandiose pictures. Some look like actual photos, some use the fight poster as background. Close up pictures of Joe convey the emotion of the time for him.
School Library...more
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 hatred for one another was strong. Grandiose pictures. Some look like actual photos, some use the fight poster as background. Close up pictures of Joe convey the emotion of the time for him.
School Library...more
A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis is a great non-fiction picture book by Matt De La Pena. The book explains how Joe goes from a shy, little boy to a big, heavyweight champion in boxing. His mom always thought he would be a musician some day, but Joe had plans of his own. He would sneak down to the gym all the time to watch men box. He knew that was the sport for him. He practices, and gets better and better, and eventually finds himself opposite a German boxer, during the hyp...more
Audience - 2nd grade to 3rd grade. Children would love to read about a national hero.
Appeal - The artwork is amazing. The characters don't look exactly like the real people this story is about, but the artwork gives the reader a true image to what they are reading. This story is also related to American history, especially African-American history. This is a good story for our chidren to learn about that relates to this type of history.
Application - This story can be used when talking about Afri...more
Appeal - The artwork is amazing. The characters don't look exactly like the real people this story is about, but the artwork gives the reader a true image to what they are reading. This story is also related to American history, especially African-American history. This is a good story for our chidren to learn about that relates to this type of history.
Application - This story can be used when talking about Afri...more
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Sparse poetry tells the tale of Louis Vs. Schmeling--a boxing match that came to symbolize the building divide between the United States and itsallies, and the German Nazis.
Peña uses an organizational structure I teach--start with the action leading up to the climax, then go back to fill in the background, and finally bring the reader back to where they left off to finish the exciting climax. My students recognized it right away.
The illustrations are ART. Beautiful. Ka...more
Peña uses an organizational structure I teach--start with the action leading up to the climax, then go back to fill in the background, and finally bring the reader back to where they left off to finish the exciting climax. My students recognized it right away.
The illustrations are ART. Beautiful. Ka...more
Oh, is this a beautiful book, and And de le Pena's spare text, set in Le Harve font, keeps the images moving to honor this national hero. The star of the show, other than Louis, is Nelson's oil on wood. He creates a world in which I couldn't wait to turn to the next page to see what was coming next. Scenes like Yankee Stadium in fading afternoon light, the brightly-lit ring surrounded by shadowy dark, period photographs, the old trainer wrapping Joe's wrists and arms at the gym or radio listener...more
Audience: The reading level of this book is for students around 5th grade. The story centers around Joe Louis, the boxer, and is set during World War II. This subject is usually taught around the 5th to 6th grade level. Multi-cultural classes would benefit from this book.
Appeal: This book would appeal to anyone interested in World War II. The book discusses Louis's fight against "the German." The appeal of this book would also be for any student who is interested in the sport of boxing. Multicul...more
Appeal: This book would appeal to anyone interested in World War II. The book discusses Louis's fight against "the German." The appeal of this book would also be for any student who is interested in the sport of boxing. Multicul...more
Author Matt de la Pena tells the story of Joe Louis and his fight against Max Schmeling @ Yankee Stadium. Readers are given a glimpse into the mindset of the world as this historical match takes place during a critical time in our nation's history. While Jim Crow laws were in full force, blacks and whites came together to support Louis. Nelson's stunning artwork really brings de la Pena's story to life. The richness of his illustrations, his use of color, perspective, and attention to detail mak...more
Jul 19, 2011
June
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to June by:
Cap Choices
A very dramatic telling of the historic fight between Joe Loius and Max Schmeling. A brief background of Joe Louis is given. Louis didn't speak until he was 6, then he stammered and was ridiculed. His first fight he was knocked down 7 times. In victory Louis didn't gloat, he helped opponents to their feet and shook their hands. In a previous fight Schmeling had won. I also like the way the story is told with all of America uniting behind Joe Louis, overcoming racial differences.
There are a few p...more
There are a few p...more
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 is occurring in the story. This book will be loved by people interested in history and sports, because it focuses on a real historical even that took place in America while it tells a suspenseful story...more
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 is occurring in the story. This book will be loved by people interested in history and sports, because it focuses on a real historical even that took place in America while it tells a suspenseful story...more
This was a really well framed book. Starting and ending with the Joe Louis-Max Schmeling rematch bout, it tells the story of how at that time the nation united around an African-American athlete. While it may be seeing the past a bit rosier than it was, the story is so fascinating, and the illustrations recall the style of one of my favorite paintings, Stag at Sharky's by George Bellows (which resides in the incredible and free Cleveland Museum of Art.
Never have I understood the allure of boxing. The sport always seemed like a glorified street brawl. However, this book gave me a new appreciation for what boxing could be: two men, symbols of a larger group or cause, confronting one another in a staged microcosmos that reflects a larger struggle. Beautifully rendered and infinitely engrossing, the book is a testament to the possibilities of non-fiction picturebooks.
de la Pena captures a nice introduction to a familiar figure. As with other books, Nelson's paintings take the text to whole new level. The marriage of text and painting make this a can't miss title for the classroom library. Endless extensions out of the book to explore the actual fight, events leading up to WWII, other sports figures who become iconic in their time. . .for their time. . .
A beautiful and wonderful book. Matt de la Pena has written text that is engaging and meant to be read aloud. Kadir Nelson's illustrations are fantastic. My only complaint is that there are no notes or suggestions for further reading. For a children's nonfiction book, especially one that does not include a lot of facts or text, more information really needs to be included after the story.
I thought this book would tell the rest of this story. I recommend reading Mighty Miss Malone, especially the author's notes after the story ends. Max Schmeling wasn't a Nazi. He didn't believe in, or approve of Adolph Hitler. He came back for the second fight, after beating Joe Louis that first, heartbreaking time. He like Louis. In fact, they remained friends, good friends.
This is a very well done book. I loved it. The pictures add so much detail and emotion to the story.
How did I feel while reading this story?
I was overcome with pride and excitement as I read this book. The writing style is rich with imagery. I found myself willing Joe to victory.
What was your favorite part?
“Devastated, he covered his face leaving the ring
Shadows once again falling and the taste of failure
Harlem streets struck silent
How did I feel while reading this story?
I was overcome with pride and excitement as I read this book. The writing style is rich with imagery. I found myself willing Joe to victory.
What was your favorite part?
“Devastated, he covered his face leaving the ring
Shadows once again falling and the taste of failure
Harlem streets struck silent
Biography of Joe Louis and his fight with a German during World War II. Beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson with very striking images.
My two complaints about the book occur on the same page - first of all, when Joe is knocked out his face looks completely normal and the second is the text says he's on his back, when the image shows him face-down on the mat.
My two complaints about the book occur on the same page - first of all, when Joe is knocked out his face looks completely normal and the second is the text says he's on his back, when the image shows him face-down on the mat.
I'm not a fan of boxing (the appeal doesn't make sense to me) but this account of Joe Louis' fight against German boxer Max Schmeling during WW2 made Joe Louis seem like a superhero - someone who could symbolically beat Hitler fast and clean. The account is told in verse.
Kadir Nelson, as usual, delivers gorgeous, rich illustrations.
Middle elementary school.
Kadir Nelson, as usual, delivers gorgeous, rich illustrations.
Middle elementary school.
To all my friends with kids (especially sons): This will get them interested in books early on. The pictures are art infused with motion and life, the story is inspiring American history, and the prose are fast-paced, economical, and beautiful. Parents won't be annoyed reading this aloud for the 50th time and kids will be excited by it every time. PICK IT UP!
While this book is about a violent sport, it does tell an amazing story about our history as a country. Both blacks and whites united to cheer on Louis in his defeat of Schmeling, Hitler’s prized fighter. The focus on unity is positive and comes across very clearly. I think kids will enjoy the story and find the illustrations to be incredible.
This gorgeous picturebook biography is a great introduction for kids to both Joe Louis the boxer and the history of segregation in the U.S. Matt de la Pena's carefully chosen words paint a picture of the important fight between Joe Louis and the German Max Schmeling in 1938. Kadir Nelson's paintings ripple with life. It's a beautiful book.
FIrst off, the artwork in this book is gorgeous. I had the most difficult time choosing my favorite illustration, and I finally settled on the page where Joe Louis has just defeated the German. The text is lovely, but I can't help but appreciate the uncommon perspectives Kadir Nelson uses, which is a refreshing sight in picture books.
Audience: 3rd graders, boys, those with interest in boxing
Application:Teaching children about American History
Appeal:This story not only shows how the courage of one person can make a difference, it also teaches students about what was occurring in history during this time.
Awards: 2011 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books
Application:Teaching children about American History
Appeal:This story not only shows how the courage of one person can make a difference, it also teaches students about what was occurring in history during this time.
Awards: 2011 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books
Biography of Joe Louis and his fight with a German during World War II. Beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson with very striking images.
My two complaints about the book occur on the same page - first of all, when Joe is knocked out his face looks completely normal and the second is the text says he's on his back, when the image shows him face-down on the mat.
My two complaints about the book occur on the same page - first of all, when Joe is knocked out his face looks completely normal and the second is the text says he's on his back, when the image shows him face-down on the mat.
I think that this book would be best for boys in grades 2-4. This is a true story about a tough time in America's history. It won the Carter G. Woodson award in 2012. This book shows that no matter what differences you may have with someone it is always possible to come together for a certain goal.
Gorgeously illustrated with a moving story--maybe better for adults than children as the writing doesn't go into much detail or explanation of the events or cultural significance; but that would also open the door to some important conversations. Did I mention how gorgeous I thought the illustrations are?
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| how he affected are revoloution | 1 | 3 | Sep 27, 2011 08:43am |
Matt de la Peña’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 starring Ludacris, Nick Cannon, Emelie de Ravin, Grayson Boucher, and Rosanna Arquette (based on the screenplay he co-wrote with director Brin Hill). de la Peña’s second novel, Mexican WhiteBoy, was an ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Ad...more
More about Matt de la Pena...
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