Nation's Hope

Once a boyhood dream, now a people's hope The weight of history hangs on Joe's shoulders

On the eve of World War II, African American boxer Joe Louis fought German Max Schmeling in a bout that had more at stake then just the world heavyweight title; for much of America their fight came to represent the country's war with Germany.

From Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson and acclaimed novelist Matt de la Pena, this elegant and powerful picture book biography centers around the historic fight in which Black and White America were able to put aside prejudice and come together to celebrate our nation's ideals.