Author: Sharon Robinson Illustrator: Kadir Nelson ย Scholastic Press October 2009
Synopsis (From Publisher):
Sharon Robinson, the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, has crafted a heartwarming, true story about growing up with her father. When Jackie Robinson retires from baseball and moves his family to Connecticut, the beautiful lake on their property is the center of everyone’s fun. The neighborhood children join the Robinson kids for swimming and boating. But oddly, Jackie never goes near the water. In a dramatic episode that first winter, the children beg to go ice skating on the lake. Jackie says they can go–but only after he tests the ice to make sure it’s safe. The children prod and push to get Jackie outside, until hesitantly, he finally goes…what happens next?
CWR Review:
I loved this story. It is written by Jackie’s daughter and itโs a warm, heartfelt recollection of a special event from her childhood with her famous father. I loved getting this bit of insight into Jackie Robinson’s personal life because I was only familiar with the (outrageous) struggle of his baseball career. In the story, Jackie’s triumph over racism and hatred in baseball is recounted in story form for the children, with the author highlighting the all important meeting between Branch Rickry and Robinson that would forever change the ol’ ball game. What I liked most is that this story shows that even a grown man, with an excellent baseball career behind him, with an impeccable and impressive achievement (like integrating a historically extremely racist sport), even a man with all of this has fears, and is called upon to face those fears.
Jackie Robinson stayed silent when racial slurs were hurled at him from all around while he was trying to bat, he endured great harassments from fellow Americans because of the level of melanin in his cells, his family was threatened, he was truly hated and was forced to feel the fury of baseball fans, even that of his own team mates. He courageously and humbly endured through it all. He is but flesh and blood however and therefore experienced fear just as anyone else would. Though this big, strong man would stand face to face with Klansman any day, he was terrified of ice. Ice of all things!
Sharon Robinson wrote beautifully and clearly, prose that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Kadir’s illustrations are beautiful, I loved the detail of Jackie’s graying hair, of the black backdrop behind Jackie and Rickey’s faces in that all-important meeting. Kadir skillfully captured Jackie’s expression of reluctance as he pulled on his huge black boots to go and test the ice. I am impressed, excellent read!
Amazing story, beautiful message, breath taking illustrations…Get yours here or here.
Themes- African American history, American History, Overcoming Fear, Biography
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