The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World

Ages 10 to 12, Grades 5 to 7

A New York Times bestseller!

A dynamic and hip collective biography that presents 44 of America's greatest movers and shakers from Frederick Douglass to Aretha Franklin to Barack Obama, written by ESPN's TheUndefeated.com and illustrated with dazzling portraits by Rob Ball.

Meet forty-four of America's most impressive heroes in this collective biography of African American figures authored by the team at ESPN's TheUndefeated.com. 

From visionaries to entrepreneurs, athletes to activists, theFierce 44 are beacons of brilliance, perseverance, and excellence. Each short biography is accompanied by a compelling portrait by Robert Ball, whose bright, graphic art pops off the page.

Bringing household names like Serena Williams and Harriet Tubman together with lesser-known but highly deserving figures such as Robert Abbott and Dr. Charles Drew, this collection is a celebration of all that African Americans have achieved, despite everything they have had to overcome.  Includes an introduction by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

About the Author

Robert Ball has been a practicing graphic designer since 2000 and has illustrated throughout his career. His work carries the dynamism of comic-book art mixed with an eye for the absurd, influenced by a misspent youth poring over the pages of Marvel comics and 2000AD. He lives in the UK.

TheUndefeated.com is a website owned by ESPN that focuses on the intersection of sports, race, and culture.