Introduction

Sports has never been only about what takes place on the playing field. Author and sports fan Matt Doeden explores past and current controversies including black boxer Jack Johnson's fight with the "Great White Hope" Tommy Burns, Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier, Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War, Colin Kaepernick's protests, #MeToo and the US gymnastics team, and much more.

Background and Context

Doeden weaves in information about Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, and other essential background young readers will need.

Engagement

This book is sure to engage everyone interested in sports, history, and civil rights.