Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson

This nonfiction picture book from author Charles R. Smith Jr and illustrated by Shane W. Evans tells the story of the world's first black heavyweight champion, the charismatic Jack "Black Jack" Johnson.

Born as Arthur John Johnson in the southern state of Texas, Jack Johnson was one of the most renowned boxers of the twentieth century. Through hard work and persistence, he climbed the ranks, taking a swing and a jab and eventually busting the color barrier. As the first black man to win the Heavyweight Championship, there was more than a title on the line.

Published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of this history-making bout (July 4, 1910). This is an extraordinary marriage of poetry, fabulous collage artwork, and a splendid achievement in its own right.

Author: Charles R. Smith
Publisher: Square Fish
Published: 12/06/2022
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 10.90h x 8.50w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781250846556
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 135330 / Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson

About the Author
Smith, Charles R.: - Charles R. Smith Jr. was born and raised in California. While living in Carson, California he attended elementary and junior high in Compton, Califronia before moving to Duarte, California for high school. He currently lives in Poughkeepsie, New York with his wife Gillian and three kids, Sabine, Adrian and Sebastian.Evans, Shane W.: - Shane W. Evans studied at Syracuse University School of Visual and Performing Arts and graduated in 1993 and began traveling the world. In addition to contract work in illustration, graphic design and web design for major companies, Evans has conceptualized and illustrated numerous children's books. Many of the books have been featured in the media such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, NBA Inside Stuff, Reading Rainbow and Late Night with David Letterman. Shane has received much acclaim within the children's literary field for his work on children's books such as Osceola, The Way The Door Closes, Shaq and the Beanstalk and Take It To The Hoop Magic Johnson. His accolades range from being honored by First Lady Laura Bush at the 2002 National Book Festival, The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and The Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction for Children.