"Strong Inside" by Andrew Maraniss tells the inspiring true story of Perry Wallace, the first African American basketball player in the Southeastern Conference. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the book chronicles Wallace's journey as he faces racial prejudice and personal challenges while striving to excel on and off the court. Through interviews and historical context, Maraniss highlights Wallace's determination, strength, and resilience, showcasing not only his athletic achievements but also his impact on the fight for equality in sports. Wallace's legacy extends far beyond basketball, serving as a powerful reminder of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. [Generated by language model - please report any problems].

This book has been graded for interest at 10 years.

There are 272 pages in this book. This book was published in 2016 by Penguin Putnam Inc .

Andrew Maraniss studied history at Vanderbilt University and as a recipient of the Fred Russell-Grantland Rice sportswriting scholarship, earned the school's Alexander Award for excellence in journalism. He then worked for five years in Vanderbilt's athletic department as the associate director of media relations, dealing primarily with the men's basketball team. The son of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author David Maraniss and trailblazing environmentalist Linda Maraniss, Andrew was born in Madison, Wisconsin, grew up in Washington, D. C. and Austin, Texas and now lives in Brentwood, Tennessee, with his wife Alison, and their two young children. His first book for adults, Strong Inside: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South , was a New York Times nonfiction bestseller.