I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to The Blind Side, and Beyond

• Genre: Nonfiction; memoir
• Originally Published: 2011
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1130L; grades 9 and up
• Structure/Length: 18 chapters; approximately 304 pages; approximately 16 hours, 15 minutes on audio
• Central Concern: The memoir is a personal account of Michael Oher's life journey, from his difficult childhood marked by poverty and homelessness to his transformational experience of being taken in by the Tuohy family and eventually playing football in the NFL. Oher shares his struggles, triumphs, and the impact of his adoptive family, who provided him with opportunities that changed the course of his life. The central conflict revolves around Oher's determination to rise above his circumstances and the role of supportive individuals in his success.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of poverty; homelessness; challenging family situations

Michael Oher, Author

• Bio: Born 1986; American former professional football player; his life story inspired the book and subsequent film The Blind Side; overcame adversity to achieve success both on and off the football field; used his platform to advocate for education and provide support to underserved communities; authored I Beat the Odds to share his personal experiences and inspire others facing similar challenges
• Other Works: When Your Back’s Against the Wall: Fame, Football, and Lessons Learned Through a Lifetime of Adversity (2023)