Charlie Red uses quick thinking, team work, and a decision to not give up on his goal to sell newspapers even when they all go downhill. This historical fiction story is based upon the life of Dr. Charles R. Drew, the African American scientist who created blood banks. His nicknames were Charlie and "Big Red." Dr. Drew's father did not finish high school but viewed education as important. He bought Charlie books whenever possible. At the age of 12, Charlie began selling newspapers to earn money. He soon hired six boys to work for him. This theme of working hard to achieve his dreams appears frequently throughout Dr. Drew's life.