Harlem, 1938. Two boys. One bitter rivalry. And a fight that could change everything.

Henry has stopped speaking, but on the page, his voice is powerful. Bullied by Moses, the feared "Mad Hatter," he longs to fight back. But behind the swagger, Moses has a secret: he is struggling to read and terrified the world will discover his shame.

When their feud leads to a public boxing match, both boys prepare for battle. But against the electrifying backdrop of Joe Louis's legendary triumph over Max Schmeling, Henry begins discovering something stronger than his fists: the power of words, history, and knowing who he is.

Rich with the music, struggles, and spirit of 1930s Harlem, I Am The Root is an inspiring story of courage, identity, friendship, and finding your voice.