Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition by Phil Knight is an engaging memoir adapted for younger audiences, detailing the origins of Nike. Readers praise its inspiring narrative and accessible language, making it relatable for teens. However, some note the pacing slows in parts. Overall, it effectively conveys determination and entrepreneurial spirit with age-appropriate content.

A reader who would enjoy Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition by Phil Knight is typically a middle school to high school student fascinated by entrepreneurial stories and personal memoirs. Fans of I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World by Malala Yousafzai and Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America's Presidents by David Stabler will find this book equally inspiring.

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition by Phil Knight chronicles the years 1962 to 1980, starting with Knight's decision to travel the world after college, securing a deal to distribute Onitsuka athletic shoes in America, and ending when Nike goes public, making Knight a multimillionaire. The narrative details how Knight establishes Blue Ribbon Sports, navigates business challenges, and eventually renames the company to Nike, achieving success through strategic decisions, key partnerships, and perseverance.

Inspirational / Adventurous / Informative / Bittersweet / Heartwarming

**Phil Knight**  
Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1938, Phil Knight is the co-founder of Nike and was its CEO until 2015. He started Blue Ribbon Sports after traveling to Japan to import athletic shoes from Onitsuka.

**Bill Bowerman**  
Bill Bowerman was a legendary track coach at the University of Oregon and a co-founder of Blue Ribbon Sports, which later became Nike. He collaborated with Knight and was instrumental in designing running shoes with Onitsuka.

**Jeff Johnson**  
Jeff Johnson was Blue Ribbon’s first full-time employee in 1965, having initially declined the job. His enthusiasm and innovative ideas, including the name Nike, played a significant role in the early success of the company.

**Penelope Parks**  
Penelope Parks was a student at Portland State University who met Phil Knight when he was an assistant professor. She was offered a job at Blue Ribbon Sports and later married Knight in 1968.

**Bob Woodell**  
Bob Woodell became a full-time employee of Blue Ribbon Sports in 1967, recommended by Bill Bowerman. As a former track standout who became paralyzed, he opened the company’s second retail store and became a trusted confidant to Knight.

**Geoff Hollister**  
Geoff Hollister, a former track athlete under Bowerman, joined Blue Ribbon as a full-time employee in 1967. He worked as a traveling salesman for the company.

**John Bork**  
John Bork was hired as a replacement for Jeff Johnson in the Santa Monica retail store in 1967. He worked as a high school track coach before joining Blue Ribbon Sports.

**Steve Prefontaine**  
Steve Prefontaine was an accomplished NCAA All American runner under Bill Bowerman at Oregon. He is frequently mentioned in connection with Nike's inspiration and values due to his running style and personality.

**Mr. Kitami**  
Mr. Kitami was the export manager for Onitsuka during Knight's negotiations for American distribution rights. He later became a source of tension for Blue Ribbon as he sought other distributors.

**Mr. Fujimoto**  
Mr. Fujimoto was an Onitsuka employee who befriended Phil Knight, assisting him with insider information crucial to Knight’s business dealings with the company.

Phil Knight

Middle grade

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Summary and Study Guide

Background

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 3

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-10

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 11-Epilogue

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Chapter 11-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Key Figures

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Themes

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Themes

Index of Terms

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Important Quotes

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Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition Essay Topics

Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition

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