  | Just like Jesse Owens Author: Young, Andrew | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
As a boy, Andrew Young learned a vital lesson from his parents when a local chapter of the Nazi party instigated racial unrest in their hometown of New Orleans in the 1930s. Andrew's father told him that when dealing with the sickness of racism, "Don't get mad, get smart." To drive home the lesson, the family went to the local theater to see newsreels of Olympic track star Jesse Owens and how he competed in Nazi Germany with dignity.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | Shelton, Paula Young |
| Illustrator: | James, Gordon C. |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 4.20 Points: .5 Quiz: 518587 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (08/15/22)
Booklist (+) (09/01/22)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/01/2022 *Starred Review* Told in first person from the viewpoint of Andrew Young as a child growing up in New Orleans, the story begins with one of his white playmates showing off the nickel that his Aunt Ida has paid him “‘not to play with ‘those Colored boys,’ but Norbie didn’t pay her no never mind.” Later, Andy asks his father about Hitler supporters in their neighborhood. His father explains racism as a sickness, saying, “We’ve got to help those folks,” and encouraging Andy to be the best person he can be, by doing homework, practicing baseball, being polite, and greeting everyone without regard to skin color. Soon, at a theater they must enter by the back stairs, Andy and his father watch newsreels featuring Jesse Owens winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, further inspiring Andy to work hard and become the best he can be. This memorable picture book retells a family story based on Young’s childhood experiences. Later, he became a civil rights leader, a U.S. Congressman, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and the mayor of Atlanta. The book’s large format showcases James’ vivid, impressionistic, chalk-pastel artwork. Adding dialogue that is true to the period, Shelton—Young’s daughter—communicates a meaningful message from the past that resonates with equal power today. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
