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Sixteen Years In Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story
The inspirational true story of Sammy Lee, a Korean American who overcame discrimination to realize both his father's desire that he become a doctor and his own dream of becoming an Olympic champion diver.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2005
3 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Paula Yoo
14 books85 followersPaula Yoo is an acclaimed book author, TV writer/producer, and musician. Her children’s and Young Adult nonfiction books and novels have won many awards, including the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the National Book Award Longlist for Young People’s Literature, ALA-YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Honor, Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist, the Asian Pacific American Youth Literature Award, several IRA Notables and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections, plus many starred reviews.
Her latest YA nonfiction book, RISING FROM THE ASHES: LOS ANGELES, 1992. EDWARD JAE SONG LEE, LATASHA HARLINS, RODNEY KING, AND A CITY ON FIRE, was published on May 7, 2024 by Norton Young Readers (W.W. Norton & Co.). It was selected as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard and has received five stars so far from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, School Library Journal, and the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.
The paperback version of her award-winning YA nonfiction book, FROM A WHISPER TO A RALLYING CRY: THE KILLING OF VINCENT CHIN AND THE TRIAL THAT GALVANIZED THE ASIAN AMERICAN MOVEMENT (Norton Young Readers 2021) is now available along with a teacher’s guide.
Paula is also the author of several award-winning nonfiction children’s books for Lee & Low Books which include SIXTEEN YEARS IN SIXTEEN SECONDS: THE SAMMY LEE STORY, SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY, and TWENTY-TWO CENTS: MUHAMMAD YUNUS AND THE VILLAGE BANK. All three picture book biographies are available in chapter book form in Lee & Low’s “THE STORY OF…” series. Paula’s three CONFETTI KIDS early reader books for Lee and Low include LILY’S NEW HOME, WANT TO PLAY, and THE PERFECT GIFT, which have received starred reviews and were chosen as a CCBC Choices by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections.
As an executive producer/screenwriter, Paula has written for over a dozen TV shows, from NBC’s The West Wing to Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle and The CW’s Supergirl. She has sold several TV pilots and features to places like Peacock, Onyx/Hulu, and Amazon. She has been a member of the WGA (Writers Guild of America) since 2002.
As a former journalist, Paula wrote for The Seattle Times, The Detroit News, and PEOPLE Magazine. She graduated with a B.A. cum laude in English from Yale University, an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson College, where she was the recipient of the Larry Levis Fellowship in Fiction.
Paula also works as a professional violinist, having played with such ensembles as the Southeast Symphony, Vicente Chamber Orchestra, Torrance Symphony, Glendale Philharmonic, New Haven Symphony, and the Detroit Civic Symphony Orchestra. She performed, toured and recorded with bands such as Il Divo, No Doubt, Fun, Arthur Lee, Love Revisited, Spiritualized, and the King Crimson tribute band The Great Deceivers. She is a member of the AFM Local 47 (American Federation of Musicians).
Paula lives with her family and cats in Los Angeles, California. Her brother, David Yoo, is also an acclaimed book author who has written many Young Adult and adult novels for Hyperion, Delacorte, Balzer & Bray, and Grand Central. https://www.daveyoo.com/author/
Her latest YA nonfiction book, RISING FROM THE ASHES: LOS ANGELES, 1992. EDWARD JAE SONG LEE, LATASHA HARLINS, RODNEY KING, AND A CITY ON FIRE, was published on May 7, 2024 by Norton Young Readers (W.W. Norton & Co.). It was selected as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard and has received five stars so far from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, School Library Journal, and the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.
The paperback version of her award-winning YA nonfiction book, FROM A WHISPER TO A RALLYING CRY: THE KILLING OF VINCENT CHIN AND THE TRIAL THAT GALVANIZED THE ASIAN AMERICAN MOVEMENT (Norton Young Readers 2021) is now available along with a teacher’s guide.
Paula is also the author of several award-winning nonfiction children’s books for Lee & Low Books which include SIXTEEN YEARS IN SIXTEEN SECONDS: THE SAMMY LEE STORY, SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY, and TWENTY-TWO CENTS: MUHAMMAD YUNUS AND THE VILLAGE BANK. All three picture book biographies are available in chapter book form in Lee & Low’s “THE STORY OF…” series. Paula’s three CONFETTI KIDS early reader books for Lee and Low include LILY’S NEW HOME, WANT TO PLAY, and THE PERFECT GIFT, which have received starred reviews and were chosen as a CCBC Choices by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections.
As an executive producer/screenwriter, Paula has written for over a dozen TV shows, from NBC’s The West Wing to Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle and The CW’s Supergirl. She has sold several TV pilots and features to places like Peacock, Onyx/Hulu, and Amazon. She has been a member of the WGA (Writers Guild of America) since 2002.
As a former journalist, Paula wrote for The Seattle Times, The Detroit News, and PEOPLE Magazine. She graduated with a B.A. cum laude in English from Yale University, an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson College, where she was the recipient of the Larry Levis Fellowship in Fiction.
Paula also works as a professional violinist, having played with such ensembles as the Southeast Symphony, Vicente Chamber Orchestra, Torrance Symphony, Glendale Philharmonic, New Haven Symphony, and the Detroit Civic Symphony Orchestra. She performed, toured and recorded with bands such as Il Divo, No Doubt, Fun, Arthur Lee, Love Revisited, Spiritualized, and the King Crimson tribute band The Great Deceivers. She is a member of the AFM Local 47 (American Federation of Musicians).
Paula lives with her family and cats in Los Angeles, California. Her brother, David Yoo, is also an acclaimed book author who has written many Young Adult and adult novels for Hyperion, Delacorte, Balzer & Bray, and Grand Central. https://www.daveyoo.com/author/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 19, 2020
This inspirational biography is about Sammy Lee, a Korean American living in California in a time where discrimination against minorities was prevalent in many public spaces. Sammy Lee finds a passion in diving and although he is only allowed at the pool on certain days because of his skin color, he remains determined to pursue his passion. The story narrates the struggles Sammy Lee faces in both balancing his own passions with his parent's expectations and the racial discrimination he must overcome as he pursues his goal to be an Olympic diver. A quote from his father, "In America, you can achieve anything if you set your heart to it" becomes a significant source of encouragement as he is perpetually met with challenging obstacles. This book's portrayal of Lee's perseverance, passion, and resilience through it all is nothing short of inspiring. Paula Yoo uses Lee's story to tell the story of how racism in the U.S. not only affected the African American community, but also the Asian American community. In the end, Sammy Lee's determination to succeed leads to his title of first Asian American to win an Olympic medal. He not only achieves his own goal of becoming an Olympic medalist, but his achievement realizes the quote of his father that anything is achievable with hard work. To this day, Sammy Lee's story can be read not only to inspire young children to overcome their own hurdles in achieving their dreams, but also to model to young Asian Americans an admirable response to racial discrimination. As an Asian-American myself, it was refreshing to read a story that introduced the multi-faceted pressures and adversity faced by by many children of Asian descent, and I would recommend it for any book collection seeking Asian-American diversity!
September 15, 2021
Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story tells of Sammy Lee's journey to becoming an Olympic Champion while fighting against discrimination. It was published in 2005 and won the New Voices Award.
November 6, 2010
Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds (The Sammy Lee Story) is an inspirational picture book biography of the first Asian American who succeeded in successfully reaching his personal goals of becoming an Olympic Gold Medal diving champion as well as a doctor. This book was a recipient of the New Voices Award, which recognizes and encourages new writers of color for their contribution to childrens literature for an outstanding picture book.
The story begins in the sweltering hot summer of 1932 in California. Twelve-year-old Sammy Lee longingly looks with envy through a chain-linked fence at the white children swimming in the public pool. Sammy watches a boy dive off the diving board and knows that is what he wants to learn to do. He knows he will have to wait until Wednesday to swim in the pool, because that is the only day that people of color are allowed inside the pool.
Sammy goes to the pool on the following Wednesday, and with the encouragement of his friend, Hart Crum, learns to dive off the diving board. Throughout the summer, Sammy discovers he has a natural talent for diving, but his Korean born father wants Sammy to concentrate on becoming a doctor. One day, Sammy sees the streets of his community decorated with flags from different countries. Sammy learns that the city of Los Angeles is hosting the Olympics and that the gold medal winners were considered to be the best athletes in the world. Sammy knew at that moment, that he wanted to be an Olympic champion.
Sammy with the help of Coach Ryan develops his diving skills and with extraordinary hard work and determination earns a reputation for graceful effortless dives. Sammy also earns all A’s in his academic classes and is voted Most Likely to Succeed. He is offered a full scholarship to College, but still is faced with discrimination and social injustice. Sammy remembers what his father always told him, “In America, you can achieve anything if you set your heart to it” and eventually becomes a doctor and at the age of twenty-eight qualifies for the U.S. Olympic diving team.
Sammy wins an Olympic Gold medal and is filled with pride for himself and his country. He recalls all the positive support he had for the past sixteen years from his father, his coach, and his friend and knows that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
The sepia colored acrylic-and wax- textured illustrations complement the text and leave the reader with an authentic impression of life during this time period. The protagonist is inspirational and believable and the author’s writing is engaging and motivational. I would recommend this biography for grades 2 through grade 4. Teachers can use this as read aloud for younger readers or a read alone for more fluent older readers.
The story begins in the sweltering hot summer of 1932 in California. Twelve-year-old Sammy Lee longingly looks with envy through a chain-linked fence at the white children swimming in the public pool. Sammy watches a boy dive off the diving board and knows that is what he wants to learn to do. He knows he will have to wait until Wednesday to swim in the pool, because that is the only day that people of color are allowed inside the pool.
Sammy goes to the pool on the following Wednesday, and with the encouragement of his friend, Hart Crum, learns to dive off the diving board. Throughout the summer, Sammy discovers he has a natural talent for diving, but his Korean born father wants Sammy to concentrate on becoming a doctor. One day, Sammy sees the streets of his community decorated with flags from different countries. Sammy learns that the city of Los Angeles is hosting the Olympics and that the gold medal winners were considered to be the best athletes in the world. Sammy knew at that moment, that he wanted to be an Olympic champion.
Sammy with the help of Coach Ryan develops his diving skills and with extraordinary hard work and determination earns a reputation for graceful effortless dives. Sammy also earns all A’s in his academic classes and is voted Most Likely to Succeed. He is offered a full scholarship to College, but still is faced with discrimination and social injustice. Sammy remembers what his father always told him, “In America, you can achieve anything if you set your heart to it” and eventually becomes a doctor and at the age of twenty-eight qualifies for the U.S. Olympic diving team.
Sammy wins an Olympic Gold medal and is filled with pride for himself and his country. He recalls all the positive support he had for the past sixteen years from his father, his coach, and his friend and knows that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
The sepia colored acrylic-and wax- textured illustrations complement the text and leave the reader with an authentic impression of life during this time period. The protagonist is inspirational and believable and the author’s writing is engaging and motivational. I would recommend this biography for grades 2 through grade 4. Teachers can use this as read aloud for younger readers or a read alone for more fluent older readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2016
Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story will fill readers with a range of thoughts and emotions as the book ties together several heartfelt issues including blatant racial discrimination, honoring and understanding your parents, and fiercely chasing your dreams. Sammy proves to readers that even farfetched goals can be attained through hard work and determination, but achievement does not come effortlessly as he battles very real internal and external conflicts throughout his life. The book's repeated message of, "In American you can achieve anything if you set your heart to it" is exemplified through Sammy's story and inspires readers who are also dreamers.
One of the central messages in this story is the importance of understanding those with different backgrounds and perspectives. Upper elementary students who read this story will witness how Sammy and his father tried to understand one another: Sammy's desire to dive competitively and his father's insistence on working hard to make a better life as a doctor. This relationship can remind students that each person has a distinct outlook, but we can still love, accept, and understand others if we take the time and effort to do so, just as Sammy did to understand his father's perspective. Furthermore, students can be reminded of how fortunate they are to be in America where they too can fight for their dreams. One activity upper elementary students can partake in is reflecting on their own life and writing a response to this book about what they would like to achieve, how they can do so, and how they would explain their dream to someone with a different perspective.
Because of the multiple meaningful themes wrapped into one story, I finished this book thinking, "WOW" to myself. On the final page of the book, the themes I am referring to are summed up nicely, "I did it, he thought, beaming with pride. He had won the gold medal, not only for himself, but for his father, Coach Ryan, and Hart Crum. He had also won the gold of this country. Someday, he hoped, all swimming pools would be open everyday of the week for all Americans." Not only did Sammy accomplish his dream of becoming an Olympian, but he also felt content with making his father proud and reflected on racial equity for all in his country.
One of the central messages in this story is the importance of understanding those with different backgrounds and perspectives. Upper elementary students who read this story will witness how Sammy and his father tried to understand one another: Sammy's desire to dive competitively and his father's insistence on working hard to make a better life as a doctor. This relationship can remind students that each person has a distinct outlook, but we can still love, accept, and understand others if we take the time and effort to do so, just as Sammy did to understand his father's perspective. Furthermore, students can be reminded of how fortunate they are to be in America where they too can fight for their dreams. One activity upper elementary students can partake in is reflecting on their own life and writing a response to this book about what they would like to achieve, how they can do so, and how they would explain their dream to someone with a different perspective.
Because of the multiple meaningful themes wrapped into one story, I finished this book thinking, "WOW" to myself. On the final page of the book, the themes I am referring to are summed up nicely, "I did it, he thought, beaming with pride. He had won the gold medal, not only for himself, but for his father, Coach Ryan, and Hart Crum. He had also won the gold of this country. Someday, he hoped, all swimming pools would be open everyday of the week for all Americans." Not only did Sammy accomplish his dream of becoming an Olympian, but he also felt content with making his father proud and reflected on racial equity for all in his country.
March 15, 2012
Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds, is the story of Korean American Sammy Lee. When Sammy was twelve years old he watched divers at his local swimming pool and immediately wanted to become a diver himself. Because he was a person of color he was only allowed to use the pool one day per week, but he worked tirelessly and became accomplished at his sport.
Sammy’s father wanted him to become a doctor. He became torn between his quest to become a champion diver and his father’s wish for him to go to medical school. Through his fathers guidance and belief that you can do “anything that you set your heart to,” Sammy was able to reach both of his goals.
During his years in school Sammy received all As, was elected student body president, and attended daily diving practice. He was not, however, allowed to attend his prom because of his race. Even though the racism was troubling for Sammy it did not stop him from pursuing both dreams. He went to college on a scholarship, and became the first Asian American to win a gold medal at the olympics.
I think this book would be great for kids to read. Sammy’s story examines the racism against all people of color in America during the 1930’s and 1940’s, and how determination and hard work enabled him to reach his dreams. At the end of the story the Author’s note gives an update about Dr. Sammy Lee and how he lives in California. Even though the story takes place long ago he is a living example of a person that followed his heart, persevered, and reached his highest aspirations.
Sammy’s father wanted him to become a doctor. He became torn between his quest to become a champion diver and his father’s wish for him to go to medical school. Through his fathers guidance and belief that you can do “anything that you set your heart to,” Sammy was able to reach both of his goals.
During his years in school Sammy received all As, was elected student body president, and attended daily diving practice. He was not, however, allowed to attend his prom because of his race. Even though the racism was troubling for Sammy it did not stop him from pursuing both dreams. He went to college on a scholarship, and became the first Asian American to win a gold medal at the olympics.
I think this book would be great for kids to read. Sammy’s story examines the racism against all people of color in America during the 1930’s and 1940’s, and how determination and hard work enabled him to reach his dreams. At the end of the story the Author’s note gives an update about Dr. Sammy Lee and how he lives in California. Even though the story takes place long ago he is a living example of a person that followed his heart, persevered, and reached his highest aspirations.
January 9, 2020
Reviewing a "classic" title... This debut picture book biography by Paula Yoo was awarded the 2005 New Voices Award by Lee and Low Books.
Sammy Lee experienced racism as a young Korean American boy growing up in California. After deciding he wanted to dive as a member the U.S. Olympic team, he did what he needed to do while training to excel in the sport, putting it on hold because of the cancellation of the Olympics because of World War II. In the meantime, he managed to become a doctor in honor of his father's wishes.
Yoo's telling of Lee's life is simple and direct, with a feeling of tenderness and empathy sprinkled in for good measure. Yoo does a great job of inserting how Sammy felt when he was treated poorly and how he proudly rose up over the racism. She includes an author's note in the back, adding more detail that sets Lee's achievement in its place in history.
Dom Lee's acrylic colored paper/melted beeswax/color pencil technique sounds like a complex process, but results in artwork that looks like a cross between Floyd Cooper and Raul Colon. It is very dreamy -- like a memory -- and filled with browns, golds and greens.
This would be a terrific suggestion for young people looking for a short sports book, a book about self-determination, or a book about how hard work helps one achieve their dreams.
Highly recommended for grades 3-6.
Sammy Lee experienced racism as a young Korean American boy growing up in California. After deciding he wanted to dive as a member the U.S. Olympic team, he did what he needed to do while training to excel in the sport, putting it on hold because of the cancellation of the Olympics because of World War II. In the meantime, he managed to become a doctor in honor of his father's wishes.
Yoo's telling of Lee's life is simple and direct, with a feeling of tenderness and empathy sprinkled in for good measure. Yoo does a great job of inserting how Sammy felt when he was treated poorly and how he proudly rose up over the racism. She includes an author's note in the back, adding more detail that sets Lee's achievement in its place in history.
Dom Lee's acrylic colored paper/melted beeswax/color pencil technique sounds like a complex process, but results in artwork that looks like a cross between Floyd Cooper and Raul Colon. It is very dreamy -- like a memory -- and filled with browns, golds and greens.
This would be a terrific suggestion for young people looking for a short sports book, a book about self-determination, or a book about how hard work helps one achieve their dreams.
Highly recommended for grades 3-6.
March 13, 2017
Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds is a fantastic Biography about Olympic diver Sammy Lee. This text is at an independent reading level for 5th grade students however would make a quality read aloud selection for both 4th and 5th graders as well. The text described the inspirational life of Sammy and the many different hardships he worked to overcome in his life. Reading this text would introduce students to the topics of immigration, segregation, and the Olympics. A literary lesson with the use of this text could accompany a study of any of these topics as well as the themes of perseverance, family, and privilege. As this is a biography text it can also be used to help study Sammy himself or other historical figures and a comparison of character traits of people we perceive as significant. This was a WOW text for me because I found myself in owe of all that Sammy went through in his life. Not only did be become an Olympian, which is no simple accomplishment, he overcame the struggles of segregation and family obligations to reach his diving dream and become a doctor. Sammy is a inspiration as an athlete, student, and person.
January 6, 2022
This inspiring picture book biography shares the story of Sammy Lee, a second-generation Korean immigrant who overcame discrimination and tremendous societal barriers to learn how to dive. He became the first Asian American to win a gold medal at the Olympics. The illustrations are sepia-toned and somewhat dark, and there is a lot of text, so this is best for elementary-aged children and older. I am glad that I discovered this, and will keep it in mind as a recommendation for sports-related books and Asian American biographies. This would also be great for an Olympics-themed display.
June 10, 2014
Well written biography of Sammy Lee, who from the age of 12 had the dream of diving in the Olympics and winning gold. Through many challenges he had to overcome, he achieved his goal in 1948 at the age of 28. He also became a doctor and would also go on to compete and win gold in the next Olympic Games. An inspiring story, told beautifully!
November 20, 2021
This 2005 new voices award winning book had incredible illustrations. However I do believe it randomly spit out, “Oh and he still received racial discrimination” throughout the book without giving us more information and even a story line. Every time is seemed to be positive it would shut it down with it. Regardless, it was a pretty interesting read.
April 13, 2020
This book tells the inspiring and true story of Sammy Lee. Sammy Lee is a young Asian American boy who wants nothing more than to become an Olympic gold medalist for diving. While trying to balance his parents' expectations and fulfilling his dream his life grows busier and busier. This story has strong themes of perseverance and family. I would recommend for a teacher of 3rd-grade to 6th-grade students. This would be a great for a student who is struggling to balance family expectations and their own goals. This is a book that promotes diversity and would be recommended for a global audience. The illustrations are detailed, emotional, and life-like. The illustrations pull the story together in witnessing Sammy Lee's story through our own eyes.
May 28, 2021
I am so glad this book was on suggested reading lists for ##AAPIHeritageMonth ! This isn’t a book I would have picked up on my own, but I’m so glad I requested it from the library!
This book tells the story of Sammy Lee who became an Olympic champion in diving. His story includes overcoming racism, honoring his family’s wishes and traditions by becoming a doctor, making huge sacrifices to learn from a top coach—I know I won’t have been willing to dive into sand because pools weren’t available! I learned so much about this amazing man! I also loved the illustrations! They’re not in a style that usually catches my eye, but I was fascinated with how much emotion and feeling and also technical human form and movement Lee was able to convey!
This book tells the story of Sammy Lee who became an Olympic champion in diving. His story includes overcoming racism, honoring his family’s wishes and traditions by becoming a doctor, making huge sacrifices to learn from a top coach—I know I won’t have been willing to dive into sand because pools weren’t available! I learned so much about this amazing man! I also loved the illustrations! They’re not in a style that usually catches my eye, but I was fascinated with how much emotion and feeling and also technical human form and movement Lee was able to convey!
September 5, 2021
I found the life of Sammy to be inspirational. It has good messages about working hard to achieve dreams, overcoming obstacles from family and society, and trying to understand your parents even when you don't agree with them. Sammy faces discrimination because of his race and is told to stop diving by his father who wants him to be a doctor, but he keeps diving and makes compromises with his father and finds ways around the discrimination. I think it's important for children to see that racism is something that affects many different races. I didn't care for the art and the prose was a little high level and dense for an independent young reader. Older readers who like diving or the olympics will enjoy this book.
October 22, 2021
Sammy Lee was a young boy in L.A in 1932. Sammy had a dream of becoming an Olympic diver and winning a gold medal, this would prove to be a difficult goal to achieve given that only whites were allowed to swim, except on Wednesday’s. Sammy’s father would only allow him to continue diving if he kept his grades up and went to medical school to become a doctor. Sammy continued to fight discrimination even after he became a doctor and won many diving competitions, but that didn’t stop him. After 16 years of training, Sammy Lee won the gold medal in the 10-meter platform diving event, sadly his father had passed away and wasn’t able to see Sammy complete his dreams of being a gold medal Olympian, though he was always his inspiration.
August 18, 2024
To help my post-Olympics letdown, I picked up this terrific picturebook biography of Korean American Sammy Lee, and his determination to become an Olympic diver. He faced racial discrimination and other challenges, but never let go of his gold medal dreams. An amazing man!
Of note in the book are the illustrations, which look like scratchboard, but are described as "melted beeswax over acrylic on paper, scratched the image out of the wax and then added colored pencil and oil." They are detailed and rich, adding a sepia tone to the incredible story. (Side note: Mr. Lee went on to coach Olympian Greg Louganis!)
Of note in the book are the illustrations, which look like scratchboard, but are described as "melted beeswax over acrylic on paper, scratched the image out of the wax and then added colored pencil and oil." They are detailed and rich, adding a sepia tone to the incredible story. (Side note: Mr. Lee went on to coach Olympian Greg Louganis!)
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August 30, 2025Sammy Lee
1920-2016
California
Korean-American
Olympic diver, coach
physician
First Asian American to win a gold medal.
1948 Olympic games in London.
Doctor in Korean War
1952 Olympics in Helsinki became first man to defend an Olympic platform-diving title. Also the first male diver to win gold medals for diving in 2 consecutive Olympics.
First Asian American awarded the James E. Sullivan award-given annually by the Amateur Athletic Union to the top amateur athlete in the US, the most prestigious sports award in the country.
Coached Bob Webster, 1960 and 1964 Olympics, and Greg Louganis, 1976 Olympics.
Photo of author and illustrator with Sammy Lee on jacket flap
1920-2016
California
Korean-American
Olympic diver, coach
physician
First Asian American to win a gold medal.
1948 Olympic games in London.
Doctor in Korean War
1952 Olympics in Helsinki became first man to defend an Olympic platform-diving title. Also the first male diver to win gold medals for diving in 2 consecutive Olympics.
First Asian American awarded the James E. Sullivan award-given annually by the Amateur Athletic Union to the top amateur athlete in the US, the most prestigious sports award in the country.
Coached Bob Webster, 1960 and 1964 Olympics, and Greg Louganis, 1976 Olympics.
Photo of author and illustrator with Sammy Lee on jacket flap
August 29, 2017
Talks about racism in public spaces and in sports, immigrants and first generation kids and the American dream, and compromise and pursuing multiple careers/dreams.
The text is pretty focused on diving as Sammy Lee's dream, but there aren't a lot of diving details (not a lot of build up to the forward three-and-a-half somersault and only talking about that one dive, for example). The details that are there are really cool, though -- there's a page about practicing by diving in a sand pit and taking gymnastics classes.
The text is pretty focused on diving as Sammy Lee's dream, but there aren't a lot of diving details (not a lot of build up to the forward three-and-a-half somersault and only talking about that one dive, for example). The details that are there are really cool, though -- there's a page about practicing by diving in a sand pit and taking gymnastics classes.
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August 7, 2020This was fantastic. It's a bit long so littles probably wouldn't sit through the whole thing, but it shows how racism impacted the Korean-American community. It follows a young man whose dreams were bigger than the limitations placed upon him. His father believed in him and thus he learned to believe in himself. He worked unbelievably hard and came out triumphant. This is a story of hope, dreams, and believing in oneself. Sammy Lee could be an inspiration to us all.
October 6, 2017
I found that I really enjoyed reading about Dr. Sammy Lee's persistence. He never gave up on his dream. It's a powerful story. I had never heard about him. I've been working on reading all of Paula Yoo's books. I read one that I really liked so decided to read her others. I am so glad that I made this decision.
April 10, 2018
Biography- About Sammy Lee, a Korean American that falls in love with diving. This is a fun book about "The American Dream." It teaches children to keep working toward your dreams despite setbacks that may occur.
September 24, 2018
A biography about Sammy Lee's childhood training to become a diver and all his accomplishments along the way. Though Sammy was a young colored boy who's father didn't always believe in his dreams he set his heart and mind to be an olympic gold medalist.
January 19, 2021
The whole family enjoyed this inspiring true story. Sammy Lee managed to make both his immigrant father's and his own dream come true in the face of discrimination. This picture book biography is both entertaining and informative. Highly recommended story about perseverance.
September 17, 2021
I love a good inspirational sports story, and this book about Olympic champion Sammy Lee fits the bill splendidly. Lee became a champion diver despite only being allowed in the pool certain days, and the daily discriminations that come with being not white in the United States.
January 27, 2023
The return of me reading books in my classroom! We read this book as part of our Achieving Dreams text set, and I learned a lot about an Olympic figure in history I had never learned about before. Serves as great representation for Korean American students as well as an informative read.
July 9, 2024
This book is the second book I’m reading from this author and I love it! The Anna May Wong book and this book teach us about resilience and hard work to succeed in whatever you set your mind on. The book interested me in checking out his diving videos and it was amazing!
August 22, 2017
megan summer reading 2017, children's book, picture book, biography, Olympics, sports, diving, Sammy lee, second grade, third grade,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2018
Useful, fascinating story - but not written in a stirring way, that grips your attention. Was hoping for a good read aloud but I don’t think I can make it work.
June 16, 2020
4 stars - thanks for bringing this amazing story to light
November 23, 2020
Loved this. May have even cried a little.
July 20, 2021
Empowering and Inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews