Black Power Salute How a Photograph Captured a Political Protest (Captured History Sports) by Danielle Smith-Llera

This powerful picture book brings to life the historic moment when two American track athletes used the Olympic podium to protest racial injustice in 1968. Through accessible storytelling and compelling visuals, young readers witness Tommie Smith and John Carlos's silent demonstration with raised black-gloved fists during the medal ceremony, while Australian silver medalist Peter Norman showed solidarity with a human rights badge. The narrative captures both the courage of their civil rights protest and the immediate consequences they faced, making complex historical concepts understandable for early elementary audiences.

What distinguishes this historical account is its ability to present a challenging moment in American history with both honesty and age-appropriate sensitivity. The book skillfully balances the athletes' athletic achievement with their moral conviction, showing children how principles can transcend sports. Parents seeking meaningful conversations about social justice, courage, and using one's platform for change will find this an invaluable resource. The iconic Life magazine photograph that made this protest visible to millions becomes even more impactful when contextualized through this thoughtful narrative, leaving young readers with lasting understanding of how quiet actions can echo through history.