This short, fictional story about an African-American boy living in the rural South in 1937 gives a picture of how Joe Louis was idolized. He was a role model to young people and gave them a sense of pride and hope. The story is told from the point of view of Sammy, who lives on a farm and wants desperately to be a boxer just like Louis. His friend Ernie gives him boxing lessons in return for Sammy's help with schoolwork. In the end Sammy's father helps him see that he can be great at something, just like Joe Louis.

This story has rich, realistic illustrations. The author has written more books about other African-Americans who broke color barriers. He gives historical information about Louis in the back of the book.