Arthur Ashe: A Life

"Arthur Ashe: A Life" is not only a tribute to the first African American icon in men's tennis but also a profound exploration of Ashe's multifaceted life as a civil rights activist and public intellectual. Authored by Raymond Arsenault and published on August 21, 2018, this New York Times Notable Book delves into Ashe's early days in Jim Crow-era Virginia, where he first showcased his prodigious talent despite oppressive racial barriers. The biography captures his historic rise in sports, from winning the US Open to earning accolades at Wimbledon, and his courageous battles off the court, including his fight against apartheid and his advocacy for education and AIDS awareness after being diagnosed with the disease. High school readers will find inspiration in Ashe’s resilience and dedication to social justice, particularly in the realm of racial equality. This thoughtful and meticulously researched narrative encourages young readers to reflect on how one individual's dignity and integrity can influence a broader societal change.