Charles R. Smith (1) (1969–)

Tells the story of the first black heavyweight champion of the world, Jack Johnson, who rose through the ranks in the early twentieth century.

Read this today for a Mock Caldecott session at Multnomah County Library and found it to be the most compelling choice. The illustrations with the motif of the mighty fighter's hands and the effective use of perspective, space and type help to amplify this fine homage to the great boxer.

Read this today for a Mock Caldecott session at Multnomah County Library and found it to be the most compelling choice. The illustrations with the motif of the mighty fighter's hands and the effective use of perspective, space and type help to amplify this fine homage to the great boxer.

This book is really cool and reminds me of "Mysterious Thelonious" because of the colors and the way the words are placed around the pictures. This is a really fun way to help children enjoy poetry who aren't normally into it.