I am from tailored clothes, uniforms, little food, and many aggravating sibblings.

From muddy tracks, soccer balls, snowballs, charcoal, and desired kisses.

I am from Liesel's lost shoes, icy sidewalks, apple trees, farms, floating books, 100m of dirt, haircuts, fights, stealing, harsh drills, Arthur Bergs to Viktor Chemmels and Franz Deutschers.

From Jesse Owens the African American 4x100m winner of the 1936 Olympics.

I am from shouts like "Hey saumensch!" to "How about a kiss?" or "I was being Jesse Owens."

From stolen apples, baskets of food, chestnuts, a big potato, and a piece of candy.

I am from a grave full of cherished and untold memories.

I am Rudy Steiner, Hitler's "perfect race," the boy next door obsessed with Jesse Owens, and Liesel's best friend.