National Network for Equitable Library Service

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 colour 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 inspiring people