On the eve of World War II, African American boxer Joe Louis fought German Max Schmeling in a bout that had more at stake than just the world heavyweight title; for much of America their fight came to represent America's war with Germany. This elegant and powerful picture book biography centers around the historic fight in which Black and White America were able to put aside prejudice and come together to celebrate our nation's ideals.

Matt de la Pena, an acclaimed novelist, lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Kadir Nelson, New York Times bestselling author and two-time Caldecott Honor winner lives in San Diego, California.