In the middle of the Great Depression, there are three children from different backgrounds that are about to meet. They do have some things in common, dreams, loss and Joe Louis. The running fight commentary of Joe Louis' fights matches up nicely with the children's own struggles to get what they want from life, and what they need.

So this was a well written novel about some african american children in a time when everyone is down on their luck. Joe Louis provides and inspiration to the community and everyone who's anyone listens to his fights on whatever radio they can find. When I first started the novel I hated Willie's Uh-huh and Uh-Uhs. They were used so often and were a little irritating. As the story wore on though, they became more a part of him and I hardly noticed. I like that this novel was told in alternating viewpoints from each of the three children and I enjoyed the little illustrations throughout. It was great how Andrea Davis Pinkney put actual commentary from the radio broadcasts of Joe's fights. Though this was historical fiction, it was really a timeless piece, one that kids could relate to. Everybody has dreams and a hero. The characters were all realistic and I loved Hibernia's preacher pa. He was ceratinly a character, and a good man. If you like reading about the 1930's, boxing, or a good wholesome story, Make sure you check this one out.

First Line:
"For crying out loud!"

Favorite Line:
"Christmas is for fools."