This inspiring story focuses on Jesse’s childhood. Through hard work and courage, African-American runner Jesse Owens overcame racism, poverty and poor health. He won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics, held in Germany under Hitler, proving that Blacks could compete at the highest level. Learn about Jesse’s childhood as the son of sharecroppers in Alabama, his family’s move to the north, his schooling and training, and his challenges at the Olympics in Germany.

This book is part of Simon & Schuster’s Childhood of Famous Americans series. Easy to read, and full of the spirit and adventure of the famous Americans who’ve made America what it is today, the Childhood of Famous Americans Series is a series of fictionalized biographies for children 8 & up.