Who Was Jim Thorpe?

This engaging biography from the popular "Who Was...?" series introduces young readers to Jim Thorpe, a Sac and Fox Nation citizen and arguably the greatest athlete of the early 20th century. It covers his remarkable achievements in football, baseball, and track and field, including his two Olympic gold medals in 1912. The book also addresses the significant challenges he faced, including the loss of family, racial prejudice, and the controversial stripping of his Olympic titles due to amateurism rules, which were only fully restored decades after his death. It's an excellent resource for discussing themes of perseverance, justice, and cultural identity with children aged 8-12, offering a nuanced look at a complex historical figure.

Learn about the incredible legacy of the first Native American athlete and Olympian to earn a gold medal for the United States in this exciting addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling series. While most athletes excel in just one sport, Jim Thorpe was different. Born in Oklahoma in 1887, he played both professional football and baseball, and ran track and field. Jim was not only a sports icon but also a trailblazer. Raised as part of the Sac and Fox tribal nation, he was the first Native American person to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States. And although his personal life was not always as successful as his career, Jim remains one of the greatest athletes in American history.