Victory. Stand!
Book Details
Title: Victory. Stand!
Author: Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, Dawud Anyabwile
Publisher: Norton Young Readers
ISBN: 1324052155
Reviews
Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, and Dawud Anyabwile, is a graphic novel telling of the historic moment when Olympic track stars Tommie Smith and John Carlos took the Olympic pedestal in 1968 and raised their fists to fight the injustices plaguing Black Americans. This graphic novel chronicles Tommie’s upbringing and education and the racial injustices he endured, intertwined with his athletic accomplishments and the journey he took from working the cotton fields of Texas, to a phenomenal track star at San Jose State. This book is an important graphic autobiography, not only for its historical context in the Civil Rights Movement, but also for its relevance in our current society today. This book will give students insight into the racial discrimination of the Civil Rights era and the inspiration of those who fought back, while also allowing them to see the parallels of our time (such as Colin Kaepernick’s protest of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement). I think this book is an accessible way for students to join in the conversation about civil rights and racial discrimination, and to be inspired by Tommie’s actions to “be seen because (they) were not being heard.”
– Kimberly M. Language Arts, CT
I really appreciated the juxtaposition of the heavy content with pages light on text. My favorite part was the end when the main character, Tommie Smith, finally was recognized by the Olympics for his amazing achievements. I would argue, though, that his greatest work was done off the field paving the way for everyone else who doesn’t fit into a mold. I also really enjoyed reading about the people who influenced Tommie. It often just takes one person to change someone’s life trajectory. As a teacher, I appreciated that message and Tommie’s perseverance. People interested in history or the endless fight for equality would most enjoy this book.
– Mrs. Rhodes, TOSA, CA
This book is a good introduction to young adults on taking a stand for your beliefs and following your dreams despite setbacks and difficulties. Before Colin Kaepernick, there were others who took a stand or raised a fist. It is also a good introduction to some of the history of how Blacks were treated not all that long ago. The story retraces the earlier years of Tommie Smith’s life in rural Texas and progresses through his life to his college years and time competing in the 1968 Olympic Games. The prejudices Mr. Smith and other Blacks faced during this time were terrible and unacceptable. I enjoyed reading about how Tommie went on to earn his Bachelors degree and later his Masters degree while coaching and receiving some of the recognition he so well deserved. As a former teacher of high school students, this book would appeal to many different readers and grade levels. It was informative and easy to understand while being educational on this time in history.
– Mrs. Misbach, K-6 Teacher Librarian, NE