I listened to the audiobook, and probably would have enjoyed this story more as a physical read. ' I enjoyed the setting of this book and time period, but I found the characters a bit dull. ' One Sentence Review: While two of the narratives in this book are expertly written, the third feels out-of-place and simplistic, dragging an otherwise good title down. This novel makes you care about what happens to them as their lives come together. The three main characters - Hibernia, Otis, and Willie - have their share of struggles and dreams, just like Joe. ' Great book about Joe Louis and the 1930s in this country. Overall Performance: Narration Rating: Story Rating:.If you are a 'character' reader, this book is for you!' I loved being drawn into their individual stories and their shared story. Andrea Davis Pinkney creates characters with voice and appeal. 'This book gets off to a bit of a slow start, but when it comes together, it is captivating. Award-winning and bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney masterfully tells a story of friendship and determination, set against the backdrop of America’s golden age of radio What they don’t know is that during this unforgettable year, the three of them will become friends. They know Joe has a good chance of becoming the country’s next heavyweight champion. Each of them is looking for hope, and they all find it in the thrilling boxing matches of young Joe Louis. Otis spends every night glued to the radio, listening to the voices that remind him of Daddy and Ma. Willie is recovering from a tragedy that prevents him from becoming a junior boxing champ. Hibernia dreams of becoming a famous singer and performing at Harlem’s swanky Savoy Ballroom. In a small upstate New York town during the Great Depression, three children-Hibernia, Willie, and Otis-are about to meet.

Bird in a box by andrea davis pinkney