Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice

Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, Dawud Anyabwile
42 pages1-hour read
Nonfiction
Graphic Memoir
YA
Published in 2022

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Book Brief

Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, Dawud Anyabwile

Victory. Stand!

Nonfiction | Graphic Memoir | YA | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Graphic Memoir • Nonfiction

Genre
African American Literature

•

Biography
Setting

Mexico City • 1960s

Theme
Race

•

Coming of Age

•

Family
Topic
Sports

•

US History

•

Race & Racism
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Norton Young Readers

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-18 years

Lexile Level

GN870L

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Super Short Summary

Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, and Dawud Anyabwile is a graphic memoir detailing Tommie Smith's journey from his childhood in Texas to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and activist. The narrative intertwines his personal growth with pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement, culminating in the iconic 1968 Olympics protest where he raised his fist for justice. The book includes incidents of racial discrimination and violence.

Inspirational

Emotional

Hopeful

Challenging

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

2,915 ratings

91%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews for Victory. Stand! by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, and Dawud Anyabwile highlight the book's powerful narrative and impactful illustrations. Praised for its inspirational message and historical significance, the graphic novel resonates with both young and adult readers. Critiques focus on its brief length, wishing for more depth. Overall, it’s a compelling, visually engaging story.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Victory. Stand!?

Readers who enjoy Victory. Stand! by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, and Dawud Anyabwile are often interested in civil rights history, sports biographies, and graphic novels. Fans of March by John Lewis and The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander will appreciate this inspiring memoir of courage and activism.

4.4

2,915 ratings

91%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

Key Figures

An African American athlete renowned for his symbolic protest during the 1968 Olympics. In the narrative, he reflects on his experiences and personal growth as both a runner and an activist.

Tommie's father, a sharecropper in Texas whose perseverance and encouragement of education shape Tommie's values and resilience.

San Jose State's track coach known for his calm approach and scientific methods, helping Tommie refine his running technique and maximize his potential.

A sociology professor and activist at San Jose State who mentors Tommie, emphasizing the intersection of sports and activism, particularly for Black athletes.

A fellow athlete who stands with Tommie on the 1968 Olympic podium, sharing in the protest for racial equality.

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Graphic Memoir • Nonfiction

Genre
African American Literature

•

Biography
Setting

Mexico City • 1960s

Theme
Race

•

Coming of Age

•

Family
Topic
Sports

•

US History

•

Race & Racism
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Norton Young Readers

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-18 years

Lexile Level

GN870L

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