On the eve of World War II, African American boxer Joe Louis fought German Max Schmeling in a bout that had more at stake than just the world heavyweight title; for much of America their fight came to represent America's war with Germany. 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.
Awards for A Nation's Hope:A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year (2011), A Booklist Top Ten Biographies for Youth 2011, A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2011), A Booklist Editors’ Choice Best Book of the Year (2011)
Praise for A Nation's Hope: "Spare, evocative verse melds with the eloquent illustrations to create palpable energy around the fight and Louis's struggle to the top." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Spectacularly illustrated and smoothly cadanced." —Booklist (starred review)
"Stunning art and dramatic storytelling." —School Library Journal (starred review)
"de la Pena's tersely poetic narration is riveting, and Nelson's oil paintings draw viewers directly into the ring." —BCCB (starred review)
Matt de la Peña is the Newbery Medal–winning author of Last Stop on Market Street. He is also the author of the award-winning picture books Carmela Full of Wishes, Love, and A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis, and seven critically acclaimed young adult novels. Matt teaches creative writing and visits schools and colleges throughout the country. You can visit Matt at mattdelapena.com, or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mattdelapena.
View titles by Matt de la Peña
Kadir Nelson is the acclaimed illustrator of Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom and Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, both Caldecott Honor Books. His other titles include We Are the Ship, a Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal winner and Coretta Scott King Award recipient, and Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African-Americans.
View titles by Kadir Nelson
On the eve of World War II, African American boxer Joe Louis fought German Max Schmeling in a bout that had more at stake than just the world heavyweight title; for much of America their fight came to represent America's war with Germany. 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.
Reviews
Awards for A Nation's Hope:A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year (2011), A Booklist Top Ten Biographies for Youth 2011, A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2011), A Booklist Editors’ Choice Best Book of the Year (2011)
Praise for A Nation's Hope: "Spare, evocative verse melds with the eloquent illustrations to create palpable energy around the fight and Louis's struggle to the top." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Spectacularly illustrated and smoothly cadanced." —Booklist (starred review)
"Stunning art and dramatic storytelling." —School Library Journal (starred review)
"de la Pena's tersely poetic narration is riveting, and Nelson's oil paintings draw viewers directly into the ring." —BCCB (starred review)
Matt de la Peña is the Newbery Medal–winning author of Last Stop on Market Street. He is also the author of the award-winning picture books Carmela Full of Wishes, Love, and A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis, and seven critically acclaimed young adult novels. Matt teaches creative writing and visits schools and colleges throughout the country. You can visit Matt at mattdelapena.com, or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mattdelapena.
View titles by Matt de la Peña
Kadir Nelson is the acclaimed illustrator of Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom and Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, both Caldecott Honor Books. His other titles include We Are the Ship, a Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal winner and Coretta Scott King Award recipient, and Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African-Americans.
View titles by Kadir Nelson
