I am Jesse Owens

Adjectives

Genres

What is I am Jesse Owens about?

Before Jesse Owens became an Olympic champion, he was a poor boy from a large family who loved to run. When a teacher noticed his extraordinary speed, Jesse began training hard and soon broke records. At the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, he faced fierce competition and racist beliefs, but his courage, determination and talent helped him win four gold medals. This inspiring biography follows Jesse from childhood to sporting greatness and shows how perseverance can help people overcome unfair challenges.

About the author

Brad Meltzer is an American author who writes exciting books for children and adults. He is best known for the Ordinary People Change the World series, including I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln. Created with illustrator Chris Eliopoulos, these colourful books show how famous people were once children, too, and inspire readers to be brave and kind.