American Hero

March 1, 2013
The author of Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America (2004) tells her father's tale again, for younger readers. Though using a less personal tone this time and referring to herself in the third person, Robinson still devotes as much attention to his family life, youth and post-baseball career as she does to his achievements on the field. Writing in short sentences and simple language, she presents a clear picture of the era's racial attitudes and the pressures he faced both in the military service and in baseball--offering plenty of clear reasons to regard him not just as a champion athlete, but as a hero too. An early remark about how he ran with "a bunch of black, Japanese, and Mexican boys" while growing up in Pasadena is insensitively phrased, and a sweeping claim that by 1949 "[t]he racial tension was broken" in baseball is simplistic. Nevertheless, by and large her account covers the bases adequately. The many photos include an admixture of family snapshots, and a closing Q-and-A allows the author to announce the imminent release of a new feature film about Robinson. It's an often-told story, but the author is still in a position to give it a unique perspective. (Biography. 8-10)

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June 1, 2013

Gr 2-4-Fueled by interest from the film, children will appreciate this biography by the daughter of the famous African American baseball player. Readers will immediately understand the significance of how a young black ballplayer broke the racial barrier and helped desegregate Major League Baseball. Because of the author's careful delineation of the restraint Robinson needed to maintain his composure, children will understand and have empathy for this player who was yelled at from the stands yet persevered and played on with determination, becoming an American hero. Rather than focusing on a single episode in Robinson's life as in Testing the Ice (Scholastic, 2009), the author gives a brief overview from childhood, to marriage, to death while showcasing myriad black-and-white family photos. This book can prompt discussions whenever bullying topics are introduced. It is worth replacing older biographies with a fresher look.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

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