Jesse Owens

In 1936, America was years away from war with Nazi Germany. But long before the first battle of World War II, a starter'... (more)

In 1936, America was years away from war with Nazi Germany. But long before the first battle of World War II, a starter' s gun fired the first shot in our battle against the Nazis. Adolf Hitler viewed the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a chance to show the superiority of the German " race" over the rest of the world. He never expected that an American, let alone a black American, would dash his dreams. Jesse Owens grew up during an age when segregation laws forced him to eat at separate restaurants and stay at different hotels. But Jesse never let it slow him down while setting world records and winning a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Once in Berlin, the triumph of Jesse' s will helped him run through any barrier, winning not only Olympic gold, but countless fans. (less)

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Barriers have existed to deny people the chance to compete athletically based on their race, ethnic background, or sex. ... (more)

Barriers have existed to deny people the chance to compete athletically based on their race, ethnic background, or sex. Some athletes, through their courage and class, have broken down the barriers that have afflicted our society, and sometimes affected greater social change. Jesse Owens, an African American, dominated Hitlers Olympics in Berlin in 1936, discrediting claims of racial superiority, and earning great respect in Europe. He then returned home to force the United States to confront its own racial attitudes. (less)

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Most of the time sports are seen as the height of competition, but often they also bring people together in times of cul... (more)

Most of the time sports are seen as the height of competition, but often they also bring people together in times of cultural, social, and political upheaval. Jesse Owens explores the way the Olympic track athlete served to bring Americans (and citizens around the world) together against a common enemy. Includes ties to 21st Century themes, as well as infographics, timelines, glossary, and index. (less)

Jesse Owens is one of the most famous athletes of all time, but he experienced discrimination throughout his athletic ca... (more)

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 color 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. (less)

The story of the 22-year-old Olympic champion sprinter, who infuriated the Nazis and captivated the world with his trium... (more)

The story of the 22-year-old Olympic champion sprinter, who infuriated the Nazis and captivated the world with his triumph at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.. Although Jesse Owens was a four time Olympic gold medalist and record-breaker, he returned home to a United States where he couldn't even ride the front of a bus. This is the story of the son of a sharecropper who achieved not only athletic greatness, but showed bravery and courage in the wake of adversity as he not only faces "Aryan supremacy" abroad, but racism at home. (less)