Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice

"Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice" is an inspirational memoir that captures the spirit of resilience and protest through the eyes of Olympic gold medalist Tommie Smith. This gripping narrative, which has garnered accolades including the 2023 YALSA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Award and being a finalist for the 2022 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, dives deep into Smith's journey from his humble beginnings in rural Texas to the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. It was there that his iconic podium protest against racial injustice marked a seminal moment in sports and civil rights history. Co-written with Derrick Barnes and vividly illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile, this book not only recounts Smith's athletic triumphs but also his courageous stand that continues to inspire the fight for racial justice. Perfect for middle-school readers, "Victory. Stand!" encourages a new generation to understand and advocate for social change, making it a critical addition to any young reader’s collection.