DK Life Stories Jesse Owens - by James Buckley (Paperback)

About the Book

Jesse Owens is one of the most famous athletes of all time, but he experienced discrimination throughout his athletic career, such as having to stay at a different hotel from his teammates because of the color of his skin. However, he went on to win four gold medals at the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games. This biography charts the major events of Jesse's life, from his childhood growing up on a farm in Alabama before his family moved to Ohio in search of better opportunities, to the beginning of his running career and years as a world record-breaking student athlete while working part-time jobs, all the way to the Olympics and beyond.

Book Synopsis

Discover the inspiring story of Jesse Owens, African American track-and-field athlete and Olympic gold medalist, in this fascinating kids' biography.

Jesse Owens is one of the most famous athletes of all time, but he experienced discrimination throughout his athletic career, such as having to stay at a different hotel to his teammates, because of the color of his skin. However, he went on to win an incredible four gold medals at the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games.

This biography, ideal for kids aged 8-11, charts the major events of Jesse's life; from his childhood growing up on a farm in Alabama before his family moved to Ohio in search of better opportunities, to the beginning of his running career and years as a world record-breaking student athlete while working part-time jobs, all the way to the Olympics and beyond.

DK Life Stories goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most interesting and inspiring people. Full-color photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement age-appropriate, narrative text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes DK Life Stories the one biography series everyone will want to collect.

About the Author

James Buckley, Jr has written more than 100 books for kids. Among his recent titles are Who Was Muhammad Ali? (Penguin, 2014), Scholastic Year in Sports (Scholastic, 2009-14), The Scholastic Ultimate Guide to Football (Scholastic, 2009), Eyewitness Baseball (DK, 2010 reissue), and Lou Gehrig: More Than Just a Ballplayer (Sterling, 2010). He lives in California.

Literacy consultant: Stephanie Laird is an instructional coach at Mitchellville Elementary in Mitchellville, Iowa, and is currently serving on the International Literacy Association's (ILA) Board of Directors through 2019.

Charlotte Ager is the illustrator on all the Life Stories titles. Her work has appeared in The New York Times as well as in Season and Here magazines. She has also been featured on the Urban Outfitters blog. Charlotte lives in London, England.