War in the Ring: Joe Louis, Max Schmeling, and the Fight Between America and Hitler by John Florio, Ouisie Shapiro
Published by Roaring Brook Press on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 1250155746
Pages: 208
Goodreads

American Joe Louis takes on German Max Schmeling in a historic boxing match while the world is on the brink of war.  The lives of these two men are recounted as they become boxers, rise to fame, fight their most famous matches, and then live out the rest of their lives.  The authors do an excellent job describing the men with both their successes and their flaws. The reader sees each as a human in a very tense global conflict.  Historic events are clearly described creating the background for this significant match-up, but do not take the focus. Readers gain a better understanding of how these men came to symbolize their nations and of racism facing both African-Americans and those of Jewish descent.  This is a well researched book including multiple quotes from journalists, announcers, and other primary sources. Black and white photographs in each chapter bring the words to life and help the reader visualize the crowds and the times. The end of the book contains nearly 50 pages of additional material including source notes, a bibliography, and an index.  Readers from 10-14 who enjoy boxing will devour this detailed account.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton