Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story


By Paula Yoo

Reading Level: Early Elementary School, Late Elementary School
Genre: Biography
Publisher: Lee & Low Books 2010

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In 1948, Dr. Sammy Lee became the first Asian American to win Olympic gold. But before taking the diving platform that summer, he endured discrimination, fought in the military, and became a medical doctor.


Award Key

Caldecott Medal

Most distinguished American picture book for children (annually).

Coretta Scott King Award

Distinguished books by authors and illustrators of African descent which promote an understanding and appreciation of the American dream (annually).

Golden Kite Award

Outstanding examples of text, illustration, fiction and nonfiction (four awards annually).

Newbery Medal

Most distinguished contribution to American literature for children (annually).

Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award

Outstanding work of historical fiction published by a U.S. publisher set in the New World.