Jesse Owens (Just the Facts Biographies)

By Tom Streissguth and Thomas Streissguth

Book Overview

Research has found that the majority of middle school students have not reached a proficient reading level and that there are few age-appropriate resources available for older struggling readers. the new and innovative, Just the Facts Biographies series, which offers more than 100 pages on the lives of some of history's most important and influential figures, addresses these concerns by presenting biographies written at a 3rd grade level, but designed for middle school students. Each biography has been assessed by an educational expert to ensure that it enhances students' comprehension and vocabulary, enabling struggling readers to gain the practice and skills necessary to become more proficient readers and progress to a higher reading level. Jesse Owens, an African-American, endured harsh discrimination to become one of the greatest track stars in history. He was the first track athlete to win four gold medals in a single Olympics and set six World Records. from a sickly childhood in a poor farming community to competing in front of Adolf Hitler at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, follow Owens' life as he became one of the most respected and beloved athletes of all time.

• Format: Unknown Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: 082252256X
• ISBN13: 9780822522560
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 6.3"
• Age Range: 11 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 12

Customer Reviews

Jesse Owens Overcame Discrimination and Nazism

Tom Streissguth's book gives a brief biography of Jesse Owens from his childhood days in Alabama in the early 1900s to the 1984 Olympic ceremonies memorial service honoring him. Owens attended Ohio State University where he excelled at track. After university he qualified for the 1936 Summer Olympic in Berlin, Germany. In Germany Owens was subjected to the racist ideals of Adolf Hitler. Hitler dramatically undermined the four gold medals Owen won solely because Owen was an African-American. But when Owens returned home to the United States he continued to be discriminated against purely because of his skin color. Jesse Owens set the world record for the long jump and won four gold medals in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He truly is an American hero. Yet, he also conquered many other battles regarding racism and discrimination. Tom Streissguth's book is a multicultural book because it exemplifies an African-American man and the hardships he had to overcome to succeed in a society that judged him by his race. The photos illustrate Owens accomplishments. The book is free of negative stereotypes and describes the importance of accepting all people regardless of any difference they may have.