A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis

Illustrator Kadir Nelson's always strikingly realistic oil artwork (Henry's Freedom Box, Nelson Mandela) takes center stage in this iconographic adaptation of the 2011 picture book written by Matt De La Pena, which chronicles the life of iconic boxer Joe Louis. Beginning with Louis's insanely anticipated rematch against “the German” Max Schmeling at Yankee Stadium in 1930 in front of a Jim Crow crowd, A Nation's Hope rewinds to chart Louis's upbringing (apparently, he didn't speak until he was six years old, and “passed through childhood in shadows”), the sealing of his future after he ducked into a gym instead of attending violin practice like his Mom wanted, and his championship career as “the space between ropes became home.” Described as a humble hero who united fans (sometimes fair-weather) across the color line and brought hope and pride to a country during troubled times, this fine tribute—narrated by JD Jackson—is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)