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Ordinary People Change the World
I am Jackie Robinson
"We can all be heroes" is the message entertainingly told in this New York Times Bestselling picture-book biography series, with this title focusing on groundbreaking baseball player, Jackie Robinson (Cover may vary)
Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren't fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn't allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first Black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed American history and led the way to equality in all sports in America.
This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book
• A timeline of key events in the hero’s history
• Photos that bring the story more fully to life
• Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
• Childhood moments that influenced the hero
• Facts that make great conversation-starters
• A virtue this person Jackie Robinson's bravery led him to make his mark in baseball history.
You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren't fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn't allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first Black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed American history and led the way to equality in all sports in America.
This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book
• A timeline of key events in the hero’s history
• Photos that bring the story more fully to life
• Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
• Childhood moments that influenced the hero
• Facts that make great conversation-starters
• A virtue this person Jackie Robinson's bravery led him to make his mark in baseball history.
You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2015
27 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
322 books7,375 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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February 14, 2021
A picture book biography on Jackie Robinson written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos.
Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play major league baseball. Robinson was a gifted athlete. In school he played baseball, basketball, football, and participated in track. He joined the major league in 1947.
The book covers his childhood illustrating the values passed on by his mother. It also covers many challenges Robinson endured because of the color of his skin.
The book is suitable for children ages 5-8.
Black History Month Read
Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play major league baseball. Robinson was a gifted athlete. In school he played baseball, basketball, football, and participated in track. He joined the major league in 1947.
The book covers his childhood illustrating the values passed on by his mother. It also covers many challenges Robinson endured because of the color of his skin.
The book is suitable for children ages 5-8.
Black History Month Read
February 16, 2020
My dad is a fan of Jackie Robinson. When I was growing up, dad would talk about Jackie with respect and when dad was growing up he was a big fan of his, had his baseball card. Dad was big into baseball and card collecting. Dad played every sport his school offered. He was a sports guy like Jackie. I remember stories he told about Jackie were people throwing things from the stands at him and yelling terrible things and Jackie had to shrug it off and focus on the game. He found acceptance in the game by not getting angry at people who were horrible. In other words, he took the high road.
Other than that, I didn’t know his story. This has a nice bit of information for a beginning reader. Brad even shows a little girl coming up to him and yelling some nasty words in a bubble, but we can’t see what it is. It’s easy to know what that word was.
Jackie loved sports and he played 4 of them in college and was good in all of them. His teammates would hurt him if he got noticed in the paper for his skill. He had an uphill battle the whole way. He was a very brave man.
His middle name is Roosevelt. I love that.
The nephew isn’t a big sports person. He likes funny things. He tries to be into football, but he isn’t really. He does like this series, and he couldn’t relate too much to Jackie who is a sportsman. Still the nephew gave this 3 stars. He loves seeing the kids cartoon living among adults.
January 17, 2017
Lena and I read this last night. So far we've read Lucille Ball, Rosa Parks and Jackie Robinson (in that order.) We're waiting on Jane Goodall and Abert Einstein.
The more I read these, the more I admire Metlzer's storytelling ability, his keen eye for details that bring richness and humor into these biographies and make them engaging for kids.
They're fairly sophisticated, I think, but Lena really appreciates the commentary about history and courage and/or injustice. The willingness to "be different." Though also, these books are full of platitude-inous moments and that can be a bit frustrating. Also, why does Meltzer feel the need to make the ones about women "heroes for my daughter" and then ones about men "heroes for my son"? I would respect him and the project many times more if he just made them all "for my children." For ___s sake. People see that on a book, parents and kids, and that can really impact reading choices. Why shouldn't Rosa Parks and Jane Goodall be heroes for his son? And heaven forfend Abe Lincoln and Albert Einstein should be heroes for his daughter... Sigh.
The more I read these, the more I admire Metlzer's storytelling ability, his keen eye for details that bring richness and humor into these biographies and make them engaging for kids.
They're fairly sophisticated, I think, but Lena really appreciates the commentary about history and courage and/or injustice. The willingness to "be different." Though also, these books are full of platitude-inous moments and that can be a bit frustrating. Also, why does Meltzer feel the need to make the ones about women "heroes for my daughter" and then ones about men "heroes for my son"? I would respect him and the project many times more if he just made them all "for my children." For ___s sake. People see that on a book, parents and kids, and that can really impact reading choices. Why shouldn't Rosa Parks and Jane Goodall be heroes for his son? And heaven forfend Abe Lincoln and Albert Einstein should be heroes for his daughter... Sigh.
February 12, 2020
A excellent Civil Rights reference tool. The examples of racism are accurate, but they show violence and I wouldn't recommend it to children under 2nd grade for that reason. It's a vital element to the story, but the images of a rock fight between Jackie Robinson and a grown man are intense; not cartoony at all. Awesome art, vital facts, nice flow.
March 21, 2016
"There is real power in each and everyone of us. Use that power to do what's right. Use that power for a cause that you believe in. And most of all, use that power to lead and help others."
Jackie Robinson was not only one of the best baseball players in history, he was an example and leader for change. Jackie is an incredible example of not letting fear hold him back from accomplishing his dream. He's a great example of how we should treat others, even those who are mean to you. Most importantly, Jackie Robinson is someone who lived and played with respect to those around him. He is another amazing example of how an ordinary person can do extraordinary things. Like every book in this fabulous series, at the end of the story is a quote, along with pictures, and facts about this incredible person! This is another fantastic book to pick up and add to your personal, classroom or public library.
Read my FULL REVIEW here http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2016/0...
Jackie Robinson was not only one of the best baseball players in history, he was an example and leader for change. Jackie is an incredible example of not letting fear hold him back from accomplishing his dream. He's a great example of how we should treat others, even those who are mean to you. Most importantly, Jackie Robinson is someone who lived and played with respect to those around him. He is another amazing example of how an ordinary person can do extraordinary things. Like every book in this fabulous series, at the end of the story is a quote, along with pictures, and facts about this incredible person! This is another fantastic book to pick up and add to your personal, classroom or public library.
Read my FULL REVIEW here http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2016/0...
April 15, 2015
::shrug:: This book was fine. I liked the fun illustrations; it has positive "messages"; and it's a good toe-dip into the water about racism and the nature of being a hero. I liked how the book alluded to the fact that Jackie Robinson felt pressure to represent an entire community, that his success or failure would be taken as evidence of blacks' ability or inability to play sports, achieve, etc. Even though it's for kids, I am Jackie Robinson was too chock full of cliches, and felt that Jackie Robinson-specific details were merely slotted into fill a template hero narrative. I think that kids can understand more than what was contained in this book; we just have to give them something more to chew on.
After taking a multicultural children's literature class, it also rubbed me the wrong way to read about "realiz[ing] how much black and white people were alike." This type of statement, and when people say things like, "We're all human," *and leave it at* that bugs me, because this notion undermines the richness of diversity and the very real obstacles and privileges that accompany varying socioeconomic status. It always comes off as if people are saying, "Well, black people and white people both like pie! Of course we should be able to get along."
(Note: Several people are probably going to find the previous paragraph offensive/overly-sensitive/endeavoring to be PC. I'm *not* saying that there aren't human commonalities across races, etc, and that "because we are all humans" isn't a good enough reason to treat people, well, humanely, but I'm merely saying that I dislike a "colorblind" approach, because it enables the idea that we live in a post-racial society, and undermines the idea that individual, institutional, and systemic racism still exist. Look how far we've come, but also plan how we're going to get how far we still need to go.)
After taking a multicultural children's literature class, it also rubbed me the wrong way to read about "realiz[ing] how much black and white people were alike." This type of statement, and when people say things like, "We're all human," *and leave it at* that bugs me, because this notion undermines the richness of diversity and the very real obstacles and privileges that accompany varying socioeconomic status. It always comes off as if people are saying, "Well, black people and white people both like pie! Of course we should be able to get along."
(Note: Several people are probably going to find the previous paragraph offensive/overly-sensitive/endeavoring to be PC. I'm *not* saying that there aren't human commonalities across races, etc, and that "because we are all humans" isn't a good enough reason to treat people, well, humanely, but I'm merely saying that I dislike a "colorblind" approach, because it enables the idea that we live in a post-racial society, and undermines the idea that individual, institutional, and systemic racism still exist. Look how far we've come, but also plan how we're going to get how far we still need to go.)
December 2, 2018
I am Jackie Robinson by Brad Meltzer is an example of a biography book for it states about a personal life and the book is appropriate for 5-10 years old. The book is about a boy named Jackie Robinson who loves sports and winning sports, especially baseball. In addition, it shows how Jackie fight for his dream despite being unaccepted in many events because he is black. Then, one day he met Branch Rickey, who helped Jackie to achieve his dreams and to prove everyone wrong. I have five stars for this book for the illustration is colorful and children will be entertained. The book has also a dialog box where characters display their own feelings and I think having that is a good idea for it will be easier for the reader to comprehend the story. I can use this book to explain the difference between white and black people. I can also use Jackie as an example of a sports person and a brave person. In addition, this is a good example of introducing racism and colorist. I think this is a good opportunity for me to use when I need to provide material that provides facts information and engaging at the same time.
February 5, 2015
I love reading these child biographies by Brad Meltzer. Even though I'm an adult, I feel I learn something new about the people Mr. Meltzer picks to write about. Plus, the illustrations are wonderful and very colorful. This is a wonderful inclusion in the series and I hope, Mr. Meltzer writes more of these biographies in the future.
January 7, 2015
These are all so well done. The big themes in this one? Acceptance and bravery.
Read
April 3, 2015This was sort of a sad book
October 5, 2023
Favorite line from the book: "No one is born brave. No matter how big or small you are, there will always be things that scare you. It's okay to be afraid. Just don't let it stop you."
Read
February 26, 2018I am Jackie Robinson is a very well written book that falls under the biography category. I would use this book in a 3rd grade classroom. It is written in easy to understand language that provides a captivating story of how a young man changed sports history. This book is also very informative about the social issue of racism and prejudice. I would use this book as a way to launch a history and social studies integrated lesson plan studying social injustices and the racial discrimination faced by our country in the past, and in some ways we are still fighting today. This could spark whole group and small group discussion on the feelings this book brought out for us, how we can make changes that seem impossible in our world today and be an advocate for those changes, and how we can be sensitive to the racial discrimination some of our friends encounter in their every day lives. This is a wow book for me because it makes the incredible and inspiring story of Jackie Robinson something that is relatable and understandable to young children. It takes this important message and puts in the context of something that seems less boring than a history lesson studying his life. This book also encouraged me to be an agent of change. Jackie was facing way less than favorable odds when it came to the social issues he was facing, and especially when it came to the world of sports. But this one ordinary and passionate man changes sports forever, and I want to be someone who inspires change the same way he does. This message warmed my heart and brought out a desire in me to be more aware of social issues and injustices, and advocate for change.
February 20, 2019
'I am Jackie Robinson' is a wonderful biography that I would love to include in a 4th or 5th grade class. This book explains the struggles and obstacles Jackie Robinson had to face throughout his entire life. In a time where racism was common and prevalent, Jackie defeated the odds and became one of the most successful baseball players in history. Jackie Robinson endured a lot of criticism, but he did not let it stop him from standing up in what he believed in and making a name for himself. This book was fantastic, and included great illustrations that would be perfect for upper grades to enjoy.
One way that I would implement this book into my classroom is in a lesson about historical figures. Since Jackie Robinson is a well known name, it is a perfect opportunity for students to learn more about him and what he stood for as a person, besides just being a great baseball player. Educators could also use this book if they were interested in a lesson to teaching during the month of February, which is Black History Month. Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to every play in the MLB, and his encouraging story would be a great way to educate students on how he paved the way for other African-American athletes.
This story was a 'WOW' book for me because I had never taken the time to learn about the background of Jackie Robinson or his life leading up to his baseball career. It amazed me to read about his courage and perseverance, and how many obstacles he truly had to overcome. In today's society, sports are incredibly diverse, and since I am an athlete myself I loved reading about the impact he had in the sports community. Although he was a great athlete, he was so much more than that and people belittled him and his talent because of the color of his skin. It truly opened my eyes to the issue of racism and how it was still taking place not too long ago.
One way that I would implement this book into my classroom is in a lesson about historical figures. Since Jackie Robinson is a well known name, it is a perfect opportunity for students to learn more about him and what he stood for as a person, besides just being a great baseball player. Educators could also use this book if they were interested in a lesson to teaching during the month of February, which is Black History Month. Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to every play in the MLB, and his encouraging story would be a great way to educate students on how he paved the way for other African-American athletes.
This story was a 'WOW' book for me because I had never taken the time to learn about the background of Jackie Robinson or his life leading up to his baseball career. It amazed me to read about his courage and perseverance, and how many obstacles he truly had to overcome. In today's society, sports are incredibly diverse, and since I am an athlete myself I loved reading about the impact he had in the sports community. Although he was a great athlete, he was so much more than that and people belittled him and his talent because of the color of his skin. It truly opened my eyes to the issue of racism and how it was still taking place not too long ago.
March 1, 2018
In this biography Jackie Robinson is displayed as a famous African American baseball player who faces the struggles of a segregated community. He never let's the hardships of discrimination stop him from fighting for what is right. I would use this book as a read aloud for either 3rd or 4th grade.
I could ask students to pull out the facts of Jackie Robinson's life from the book to create a timeline of the historical events. This activity would tie to multiple social studies standards. I may also have students focus on what makes Jackie Robinson a responsible citizen. In the month of February, I could include it in a unit about Black History Month. The lessons that Jackie learned throughout this biography are also very important. Some of the signposts (words of the wiser and contrasts/contradictions) could help students notice the lessons that the main character experiences.
This is a wow book for me because I think Jackie Robinson is an important historical figure to talk about. Also since this book is written from the perspective of Jackie as a kid, it is very relatable to elementary students. It may show them how they can be social activists and responsible citizens. I also really enjoy the illustrations along with the dialogue.
I could ask students to pull out the facts of Jackie Robinson's life from the book to create a timeline of the historical events. This activity would tie to multiple social studies standards. I may also have students focus on what makes Jackie Robinson a responsible citizen. In the month of February, I could include it in a unit about Black History Month. The lessons that Jackie learned throughout this biography are also very important. Some of the signposts (words of the wiser and contrasts/contradictions) could help students notice the lessons that the main character experiences.
This is a wow book for me because I think Jackie Robinson is an important historical figure to talk about. Also since this book is written from the perspective of Jackie as a kid, it is very relatable to elementary students. It may show them how they can be social activists and responsible citizens. I also really enjoy the illustrations along with the dialogue.
February 26, 2019
"I Am Jackie Robinson" is a biography that could be used in grades 3-5. This was truly a WOW book, because of the message that is conveyed by Jackie in his biography. His early life is discussed, and the book shows how he struggled as a child to fit in, and to control his anger at times. I think this would be great for some students to read if they are going through similar struggles in school. I constantly found myself saying "wow" while reading this book. This is great insight to what it was like for African-Americans in this time period. I think it is especially effective because the book is told through a child's perspective. Not only is this a WOW book because of the story of Jackie Robinson, but the way the book is written makes it a great book for other literally skills such as using background knowledge, and making predictions and inferences.
This book could be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. One way, would be as a vehicle to teach about diversity and the importance of inclusion. Jackie's story is a great way that students can learn about what life used to be like for African-American people. This can help students appreciate all the ways that our culture has moved toward inclusion. It can also inspire students to be inclusive in and outside of the classroom. Another way this book could be used is as an introduction to a history unit. This book would be a good launch when talking about the civil rights movement or when talking about American heroes. You may also use it in February as part of a unit on black history month. This book can also be used to work on inferences. There are many parts of the book where the captions from the characters are implying something that comes up later in the book. You could use the book to help students practice their inferencing skills.
Overall, this is a WOW book and I would recommend it to teachers. Students can learn a lot from this book, and it is a great read!
This book could be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. One way, would be as a vehicle to teach about diversity and the importance of inclusion. Jackie's story is a great way that students can learn about what life used to be like for African-American people. This can help students appreciate all the ways that our culture has moved toward inclusion. It can also inspire students to be inclusive in and outside of the classroom. Another way this book could be used is as an introduction to a history unit. This book would be a good launch when talking about the civil rights movement or when talking about American heroes. You may also use it in February as part of a unit on black history month. This book can also be used to work on inferences. There are many parts of the book where the captions from the characters are implying something that comes up later in the book. You could use the book to help students practice their inferencing skills.
Overall, this is a WOW book and I would recommend it to teachers. Students can learn a lot from this book, and it is a great read!
February 27, 2024
I can’t say enough good things about this book! Highly recommend!!!
April 26, 2018
[Children's Biographical Book]
I am Jackie Robinson (2015) is a children's biographical book written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. The book covers most of Jackie Robinson's life but mainly focuses on his days as an athlete and professional baseball player for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. The story starts with Jackie's childhood, his relationships with his family & friends, and the prejudices he faced; when Jackie was 8, he got into a confrontation with a neighborhood white girl that ended with her father and Jackie getting into a fight with throwing rocks at each other. Another time, Jackie and his friends are barred from utilizing a city pool due the color of their skin and when the colored residents fought for them to use the pool, it was only for a certain amount of time on a very specific day of the week.
This is contrasted with how Jackie was raised by his mother. Jackie is the youngest of 5 children and his mother lead them all with grace. She preaches compassion and understanding, even to those that hate you or do you harm. She shows this with how she treats others; due to her kindness, she often got extra food from a bakery and the milkman and she would often share that with other poor residents in their neighborhood, even the father that got in a rock fight with young Jackie.
Jackie was always athletic; in his diverse group of friends, Jackie was always the fastest and strongest. And strangely, his athletic career is sparked from a vandalism incident of Jackie running with the wrong type of crowd. A local mechanic, by the name of Carl Anderson, saw Jackie committing the crime with his friends and dared Jackie to be brave enough to be different. His words shook Jackie, and soon he left the gang and focused solely on being a student athlete. Jackie was a star athlete at High School and UCLA, participating in basketball, baseball, football and track.
Jackie loved baseball and sought a professional career in it; but back then, leagues were segregated until a brave man and President of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey, decides to take a chance on Jackie. Branch informs Jackie of the burden he will carry being the first black professional baseball player and prepares him for the discrimination and mistreatment he will face from fans, players, owners and media. Branch encourages Jackie to react to hatred with love, as well as to prove to the world that black baseball players are just as good as white baseball players.
The book is presented in the fashion of a highly colorful graphic novel and the illustrations play a big role in moving the story forward. Throughout the entirety of the book, Jackie is drawn as a young male wearing a Brooklyn 'B' hat; the hat is used as a running joke throughout the book as many characters in the book try to guess as to what the 'B' on Jackie's head stands for (Boom! Brave!). The text in the book comes in the form of expository information (about 1-3 sentences per page) and dialogue bubbles for speaking parts from the characters. The text and illustrations (especially the decision to keep Jackie drawn as a young child) help create a visceral story that show just the major obstacles and accomplishments that Jackie faced/conquered during his lifetime.
The vocabulary and use of text make the story easy to read. The illustrations immediately grab the readers' attention and help young readers become engaged with the material. I loved the book and would recommend to anyone with an inkling of interest in baseball, baseball history and/or Jackie Robinson. In regards to target audience, I would suggest this book be given to young elementary students (1-3) to read for learning and/or leisure.
I am Jackie Robinson (2015) is a children's biographical book written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. The book covers most of Jackie Robinson's life but mainly focuses on his days as an athlete and professional baseball player for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. The story starts with Jackie's childhood, his relationships with his family & friends, and the prejudices he faced; when Jackie was 8, he got into a confrontation with a neighborhood white girl that ended with her father and Jackie getting into a fight with throwing rocks at each other. Another time, Jackie and his friends are barred from utilizing a city pool due the color of their skin and when the colored residents fought for them to use the pool, it was only for a certain amount of time on a very specific day of the week.
This is contrasted with how Jackie was raised by his mother. Jackie is the youngest of 5 children and his mother lead them all with grace. She preaches compassion and understanding, even to those that hate you or do you harm. She shows this with how she treats others; due to her kindness, she often got extra food from a bakery and the milkman and she would often share that with other poor residents in their neighborhood, even the father that got in a rock fight with young Jackie.
Jackie was always athletic; in his diverse group of friends, Jackie was always the fastest and strongest. And strangely, his athletic career is sparked from a vandalism incident of Jackie running with the wrong type of crowd. A local mechanic, by the name of Carl Anderson, saw Jackie committing the crime with his friends and dared Jackie to be brave enough to be different. His words shook Jackie, and soon he left the gang and focused solely on being a student athlete. Jackie was a star athlete at High School and UCLA, participating in basketball, baseball, football and track.
Jackie loved baseball and sought a professional career in it; but back then, leagues were segregated until a brave man and President of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey, decides to take a chance on Jackie. Branch informs Jackie of the burden he will carry being the first black professional baseball player and prepares him for the discrimination and mistreatment he will face from fans, players, owners and media. Branch encourages Jackie to react to hatred with love, as well as to prove to the world that black baseball players are just as good as white baseball players.
The book is presented in the fashion of a highly colorful graphic novel and the illustrations play a big role in moving the story forward. Throughout the entirety of the book, Jackie is drawn as a young male wearing a Brooklyn 'B' hat; the hat is used as a running joke throughout the book as many characters in the book try to guess as to what the 'B' on Jackie's head stands for (Boom! Brave!). The text in the book comes in the form of expository information (about 1-3 sentences per page) and dialogue bubbles for speaking parts from the characters. The text and illustrations (especially the decision to keep Jackie drawn as a young child) help create a visceral story that show just the major obstacles and accomplishments that Jackie faced/conquered during his lifetime.
The vocabulary and use of text make the story easy to read. The illustrations immediately grab the readers' attention and help young readers become engaged with the material. I loved the book and would recommend to anyone with an inkling of interest in baseball, baseball history and/or Jackie Robinson. In regards to target audience, I would suggest this book be given to young elementary students (1-3) to read for learning and/or leisure.
December 5, 2018
In looking at this book I had one obvious question. Where was Jackie Robinson's father? A good deal of this book (like the entire series I have read thus far) focuses on the childhood of the various people portrayed as heroes within, and in this particular case the most obvious thing was the absence of a father. Jackie Robinson had five siblings. How many of them were full siblings, how many half siblings? How much of his youthful struggles with the wrong company and the family's grim struggle against poverty was due to the absence of the father in the home? These are questions the author does not explore and does not even hint at. The author wants to portray Robinson's mother as nearly a saint, his educational process as being serious, and it points at a succession of substitute father figures who give him opportunities to prove his worth and also good moral advice about how it is necessary to behave. It is as if the author is intuitively aware that fatherlessness is a problem but does not want to address it outright, as that might counteract the political perspective he tends to show in his works.
This particular work is a straightforward and chronological account of the subject's life that takes him to the moment of his greatest glory and ends when his baseball career does. We see Jackie Robinson as a young kid growing up in a single-parent household with four older siblings. We see him growing up rather timid and afraid, dealing with the reality of racial discrimination when it came to using the swimming facilities in his neighborhood, and falling into the wrong crowd and engaging in petty vandalism. We see his immense talent at sports, the fact that he lettered in four sports in the same year, a hugely impressive matter. When not focused on his childhood or on his education, which includes one of the few positive portrayals of a person of faith in this series, the author focuses on Robinson's career in the Negro leagues and the role of Branch Rickey in giving him a chance at the big leagues, and the need on his part to restrain his anger about the mistreatment he would suffer at the hands of other players and the fans, something that the author discusses rather forthrightly as a way of reminding the reader about the seriousness and pervasiveness of racism at the time.
To be sure, Jackie Robinson is one of the more obvious iconic heroes of the integration of American sports. Yet this book suffers from many of the same problems that afflict the series as a whole. Throughout the book the young Jackie Robinson wears a Brooklyn Dodgers hat whose meaning is only apparent towards the end when he joins that team, a gimmick similar to the Lincoln penny that afflicts that volume of this series. The obvious missteps about the absence of the father, though, is at least partially counterbalanced by its positive portrayal of his pastor and his manager as surrogate father figures, and the portrayal of his own concern about the well-being of his wife and daughter, although there is no discussion of his courtship or family life as an adult besides this. Above all, though, this book suffers like most of the books of this series from mainly being concerned with celebrity. It is not so much Jackie Robinson as a man, but him as a celebrity athlete that the author cares about, because there is no discussion of anything after his baseball career, a curious gap in this as in many other books where one has to wonder about how a life was lived after the fame faded and the celebrity status ended.
This particular work is a straightforward and chronological account of the subject's life that takes him to the moment of his greatest glory and ends when his baseball career does. We see Jackie Robinson as a young kid growing up in a single-parent household with four older siblings. We see him growing up rather timid and afraid, dealing with the reality of racial discrimination when it came to using the swimming facilities in his neighborhood, and falling into the wrong crowd and engaging in petty vandalism. We see his immense talent at sports, the fact that he lettered in four sports in the same year, a hugely impressive matter. When not focused on his childhood or on his education, which includes one of the few positive portrayals of a person of faith in this series, the author focuses on Robinson's career in the Negro leagues and the role of Branch Rickey in giving him a chance at the big leagues, and the need on his part to restrain his anger about the mistreatment he would suffer at the hands of other players and the fans, something that the author discusses rather forthrightly as a way of reminding the reader about the seriousness and pervasiveness of racism at the time.
To be sure, Jackie Robinson is one of the more obvious iconic heroes of the integration of American sports. Yet this book suffers from many of the same problems that afflict the series as a whole. Throughout the book the young Jackie Robinson wears a Brooklyn Dodgers hat whose meaning is only apparent towards the end when he joins that team, a gimmick similar to the Lincoln penny that afflicts that volume of this series. The obvious missteps about the absence of the father, though, is at least partially counterbalanced by its positive portrayal of his pastor and his manager as surrogate father figures, and the portrayal of his own concern about the well-being of his wife and daughter, although there is no discussion of his courtship or family life as an adult besides this. Above all, though, this book suffers like most of the books of this series from mainly being concerned with celebrity. It is not so much Jackie Robinson as a man, but him as a celebrity athlete that the author cares about, because there is no discussion of anything after his baseball career, a curious gap in this as in many other books where one has to wonder about how a life was lived after the fame faded and the celebrity status ended.
February 2, 2019
Jackie Robinson was born to be brave; he was even named after a brave person, but he didn't always feel very brave. The important thing is that he was brave when the world needed him most. You see Jackie lived before the Civil Rights Movement which means that life wasn't very fair for him. He wasn't allowed to swim in the pool or play on professional teams. He even got into a fight with a little girls father, but he would be brave enough to begin to change all of this. His love of winning sports would lead to the opportunity to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In the beginning, it wasn't easy, but eventually, everyone was allowed to play professional baseball because Jackie was brave enough to be the first black man to play for a professional baseball team.
Honestly, I have never been much into sports. I always thought they were always the same. One guy throws a ball, another catches it, and somebody scores a point. This story showed me that it is just a little bit more. It showed me that sports can bring people together, so I like the story. I also really enjoyed the illustrations. Its Jakie as a little kid. This will help the kids reading to relate more to Jackie Robinson. I also like how there are thought bubbles that act as comic relief because without the comic relief this story would be really heavy for some kids.
I can use this in a classroom to explain what a biography is. Then I can I have the students write their own biographies about any famous person they choose. I can also use this book during a Civil Rights unit to give the students an example of a person who fought for Civil Rights. We can then brainstorm some ideas of what they think he did for the Civil Rights Movement. I could also use this book to get to know my students a little better by having them draw their favorite hobby or having them tell a story about them doing their favorite hobby.
Honestly, I have never been much into sports. I always thought they were always the same. One guy throws a ball, another catches it, and somebody scores a point. This story showed me that it is just a little bit more. It showed me that sports can bring people together, so I like the story. I also really enjoyed the illustrations. Its Jakie as a little kid. This will help the kids reading to relate more to Jackie Robinson. I also like how there are thought bubbles that act as comic relief because without the comic relief this story would be really heavy for some kids.
I can use this in a classroom to explain what a biography is. Then I can I have the students write their own biographies about any famous person they choose. I can also use this book during a Civil Rights unit to give the students an example of a person who fought for Civil Rights. We can then brainstorm some ideas of what they think he did for the Civil Rights Movement. I could also use this book to get to know my students a little better by having them draw their favorite hobby or having them tell a story about them doing their favorite hobby.
April 12, 2019
This book is I am Jackie Robinson by Brad Meltzer. This book is a biography about Jackie Robinson and his life from when he was born, to when he died. It is a very good book that explains his life very well. If you are wanting to learn about him as a person I recommend this book to you.
This book tells Jackie Robinson's life story from when he was a kid. As a young boy, Jackie always wanted to play baseball. He never got to play as much as the white kids because of racism. He was always very good and had a lot of talent, but didn't get to play on a team. He ended up just practicing with the neighborhood boys. Jackie ended up becoming very good and went off to play in the negro league. This was where the black men played because they weren't allowed in the MLB yet. Jackie was the one to change that rule. Jackie worked hard in the negro league and ended up getting brought up by the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was called very rude racial names by the fans of his own team, but Jackie kept his cool. He made some good friends on his team that helped him with all the racial slurs. Jackie was the first of many negros to end up in the MLB. He started a movement that would change the way of pro baseball for the rest of time. Jackie was very brave to do what he did, and he did very well too. He played on the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers for the rest of his career and retired. He was accepted into the Hall of Fame. He now has a legacy and is known as the first black MLB baseball player.
If you are interested in motivational or sports stories I think you will like this book. After reading it I learned the struggles that Jackie had to go through in his life as a pro baseball player. It was very unfair and wrong, but it made me realize that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
This book tells Jackie Robinson's life story from when he was a kid. As a young boy, Jackie always wanted to play baseball. He never got to play as much as the white kids because of racism. He was always very good and had a lot of talent, but didn't get to play on a team. He ended up just practicing with the neighborhood boys. Jackie ended up becoming very good and went off to play in the negro league. This was where the black men played because they weren't allowed in the MLB yet. Jackie was the one to change that rule. Jackie worked hard in the negro league and ended up getting brought up by the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was called very rude racial names by the fans of his own team, but Jackie kept his cool. He made some good friends on his team that helped him with all the racial slurs. Jackie was the first of many negros to end up in the MLB. He started a movement that would change the way of pro baseball for the rest of time. Jackie was very brave to do what he did, and he did very well too. He played on the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers for the rest of his career and retired. He was accepted into the Hall of Fame. He now has a legacy and is known as the first black MLB baseball player.
If you are interested in motivational or sports stories I think you will like this book. After reading it I learned the struggles that Jackie had to go through in his life as a pro baseball player. It was very unfair and wrong, but it made me realize that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
October 1, 2016
"I am Jackie Robinson" tells the story of the famous baseball player, Jackie Robinson. While author Brad Meltzer’s account certainly highlights what a talented and successful athlete Robinson was, Meltzer goes above and beyond by describing the challenges and adversities Robinson overcame on his road to success. The story shows that even though Robinson faced poverty and racial discrimination through out his life, he persevered in the name of the sports he found comfort in and furthermore, his passion to lead against discrimination of all kinds.
"I am Jackie Robinson", is just one book in a series by Meltzer entitled “Ordinary People Change the World”. The entire collection of child oriented biographies, featuring individuals such as Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Helen Keller, does a wonderful job highlighting a diverse range of subjects’ achievements while showing that even these successful people faced challenges, such as teasing, disability, discrimination and financial disadvantage. By revealing such obstacles, Meltzer can craft a story to inspire young audiences of all backgrounds and make the subjects relatable to children who may face similar circumstances.
"I am Jackie Robinson", and the other books in the collection, are well suited as read a louds for Kindergarten and first grade students. The books could serve as a tool to further inspire students who may have a preexisting interest in a particular individual featured in the collection, or simply as an introduction to overcoming life’s challenges. After reading selections from the collection, students could be encouraged to look at their own lives and identify challenges they have overcome and which of their successes they are most proud of.
"I am Jackie Robinson", is just one book in a series by Meltzer entitled “Ordinary People Change the World”. The entire collection of child oriented biographies, featuring individuals such as Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Helen Keller, does a wonderful job highlighting a diverse range of subjects’ achievements while showing that even these successful people faced challenges, such as teasing, disability, discrimination and financial disadvantage. By revealing such obstacles, Meltzer can craft a story to inspire young audiences of all backgrounds and make the subjects relatable to children who may face similar circumstances.
"I am Jackie Robinson", and the other books in the collection, are well suited as read a louds for Kindergarten and first grade students. The books could serve as a tool to further inspire students who may have a preexisting interest in a particular individual featured in the collection, or simply as an introduction to overcoming life’s challenges. After reading selections from the collection, students could be encouraged to look at their own lives and identify challenges they have overcome and which of their successes they are most proud of.
November 14, 2019
Book Title: I am Jackie Robinson
Author/Illustrator: Brad Meltzer / Christopher Eliopoulos
Reading Level: 3.4
Book Level: 1st-4th
Book Summary: This is the story of Jackie Robinson and how he grew up to become the first African American to play major league baseball.
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits
Voice - This story is written in the first person of Jackie Robinson. This helps the students to feel what he felt growing up and then being told that he would not be allowed to play major league baseball. He talks of being brave and fighting to make a change. I would use this during Black History Month, as just one of the many examples of extraordinary people who fought to change something that was not fair.
Conventions - This story is packed full of proper grammar and punctuation. When teaching a lesson on proper use of commas with dates, this would be useful to point out that even when writing a book, authors need to use proper commas. Have students look up three different dates with a month, day and year then write a story connecting the three dates in history, using proper commas in the writing.
Author/Illustrator: Brad Meltzer / Christopher Eliopoulos
Reading Level: 3.4
Book Level: 1st-4th
Book Summary: This is the story of Jackie Robinson and how he grew up to become the first African American to play major league baseball.
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits
Voice - This story is written in the first person of Jackie Robinson. This helps the students to feel what he felt growing up and then being told that he would not be allowed to play major league baseball. He talks of being brave and fighting to make a change. I would use this during Black History Month, as just one of the many examples of extraordinary people who fought to change something that was not fair.
Conventions - This story is packed full of proper grammar and punctuation. When teaching a lesson on proper use of commas with dates, this would be useful to point out that even when writing a book, authors need to use proper commas. Have students look up three different dates with a month, day and year then write a story connecting the three dates in history, using proper commas in the writing.
October 9, 2018
This book is about Jackie Robinson, the first black athlete to play Major League Baseball. As a kid, he was better than other kids at sports. In college, Jackie Robinson excelled in baseball, football, basketball and track. He played in a time when teams where segregated. A man named Branch Rickey helped Jackie Robinson join a major league team as the first African American baseball player. Several people were unhappy but that did not stop him. I loved this book! I love sports so I thought Jackie Robinson's story is fascinating. I also enjoyed the illustrations that went along with his story.
I think children could learn many different lessons from the story of Jackie Robinson. Examples such as being a leader and leading by example and being brave. I think this could be a great book for boys who loved sports especially baseball. Obviously, this book could be used to teach about Jackie Robinson and the impact he had on the world.
I think children could learn many different lessons from the story of Jackie Robinson. Examples such as being a leader and leading by example and being brave. I think this could be a great book for boys who loved sports especially baseball. Obviously, this book could be used to teach about Jackie Robinson and the impact he had on the world.
October 16, 2015
BIOGRAPHY----I Am Jackie Robinson is an uplifting children’s biography about the baseball’s great, Jackie Robinson. Within the book, the author Brad Meltzer describes what it is like to be ostracized because of color or race. He uses dialogue and vivid description to colorfully paint a picture in the minds of a young reader. I really enjoyed how the use of onomatopoeias (“ KRAKK!!”) are shown in the illustrations to add dimension and more description for the readers to visualize using their senses. Included in this biography are quotes, a timeline, and real images which allows the reader to establish and put themselves into this time period as if they were Jackie themselves. The author does a wonderful job focusing on the content for the young elementary aged reader. I think this biography would pair well with the early elementary audience.
January 13, 2020
Another good story about an amazing leader! Great message for kids while also learning about number 42 :-)
April 22, 2018
I am Jackie Robinson - by Brad Meltzer
I am Jackie Robertson is a children’s biography and is definitely a good read for all ages. The intended audience is for age 4-8. Jackie Roosevelt Robinson is born in the early 1900s in a poor neighborhood of New York. His mother gave him the middle name of Roosevelt because she had dreams of her son being a great man. He grows up playing with his friends in the streets and at school all kinds of sporting activities. Even though they were poor he and friends had fun playing together and Jackie was good at all kinds of sports. Jackie does recall as a child a little white girl calling him a bad name and he turned around and call her that same name back. The girl’s father did not like Jackie responding that way to his daughter and the two of them ended up having a rock fight, and no one wins in a rock fight.
As Jackie grew older and went to college he was the first player to “Letter” in all four sports at UCLA in the same season, baseball, basketball, football, and track. Jackie had aspirations of professional baseball but due to segregation blacks could not play professional sports so he played with the Colored-League baseball team. One day a man by the name of Branch Rickey president of the Brooklyn Dodgers decided he was going to be the first to integrate sports and asked Jackie Robinson who was a great player to come play with his team. He explained to Jackie Robinson, being the first black player on a professional baseball team will not be easy, there will be opposition and it will take a whole lot of bravery.
Mr. Jackie Robinson was extremely excited with the opportunity to play professional baseball, but indeed it was not easy, the public opposition was fierce and it was scary, not only were there threats against Jackie but threats to his very young children. Jackie had to use every ounce of self-control and bravery to make it. Of course, Jackie was a great player and during his contract helped his team win 6 of their 10 pennant races. Over time the public came to appreciate “The Man, Jackie Robinson”.
This book can be a great inspiration to children, through this story they may realize there may be hard times and oppositions to your dreams but as you persevere or carry on with your hopes you will succeed.
I am Jackie Robertson is a children’s biography and is definitely a good read for all ages. The intended audience is for age 4-8. Jackie Roosevelt Robinson is born in the early 1900s in a poor neighborhood of New York. His mother gave him the middle name of Roosevelt because she had dreams of her son being a great man. He grows up playing with his friends in the streets and at school all kinds of sporting activities. Even though they were poor he and friends had fun playing together and Jackie was good at all kinds of sports. Jackie does recall as a child a little white girl calling him a bad name and he turned around and call her that same name back. The girl’s father did not like Jackie responding that way to his daughter and the two of them ended up having a rock fight, and no one wins in a rock fight.
As Jackie grew older and went to college he was the first player to “Letter” in all four sports at UCLA in the same season, baseball, basketball, football, and track. Jackie had aspirations of professional baseball but due to segregation blacks could not play professional sports so he played with the Colored-League baseball team. One day a man by the name of Branch Rickey president of the Brooklyn Dodgers decided he was going to be the first to integrate sports and asked Jackie Robinson who was a great player to come play with his team. He explained to Jackie Robinson, being the first black player on a professional baseball team will not be easy, there will be opposition and it will take a whole lot of bravery.
Mr. Jackie Robinson was extremely excited with the opportunity to play professional baseball, but indeed it was not easy, the public opposition was fierce and it was scary, not only were there threats against Jackie but threats to his very young children. Jackie had to use every ounce of self-control and bravery to make it. Of course, Jackie was a great player and during his contract helped his team win 6 of their 10 pennant races. Over time the public came to appreciate “The Man, Jackie Robinson”.
This book can be a great inspiration to children, through this story they may realize there may be hard times and oppositions to your dreams but as you persevere or carry on with your hopes you will succeed.
November 24, 2025
This book pulled me in right away because it shows Jackie Robinson not just as a baseball legend, but as a kid with big determination. I Am Jackie Robinson follows his life from childhood to becoming the first Black player in Major League Baseball, and it shows how his courage shaped the future of the sport and the country. The major themes in this book are bravery and standing up for fairness, because Jackie constantly pushed through challenges that were meant to stop him. Another theme is perseverance, shown in how he kept going even when he was treated unfairly. The main genre of this book is biography. Children reading this could learn about courage, resilience, and why breaking barriers matters. This book was a WOW book for me because it made Jackie Robinson feel real and human, not just a historical figure, and it reminded me how powerful one person’s strength can be.
The author uses strong writing craft techniques to make Jackie’s story accessible to kids. First, Meltzer uses simple, direct narration, which helps break down big historical ideas in a way that’s easy to understand. For example, he explains racist treatment in a child-friendly way without losing the seriousness of what Jackie went through. This makes the message clear but still age-appropriate. Second, the book uses visual storytelling, with illustrations that show Jackie’s emotions and the reactions of people around him. This helps kids connect with him on a personal level. The author also uses repetition of encouraging phrases to highlight Jackie’s strength and determination. I would consider this book anti-bias because it directly addresses unfair treatment and shows why equality and inclusion are important. It encourages young readers to recognize injustice and to value people for their character, not their race or background.
The author uses strong writing craft techniques to make Jackie’s story accessible to kids. First, Meltzer uses simple, direct narration, which helps break down big historical ideas in a way that’s easy to understand. For example, he explains racist treatment in a child-friendly way without losing the seriousness of what Jackie went through. This makes the message clear but still age-appropriate. Second, the book uses visual storytelling, with illustrations that show Jackie’s emotions and the reactions of people around him. This helps kids connect with him on a personal level. The author also uses repetition of encouraging phrases to highlight Jackie’s strength and determination. I would consider this book anti-bias because it directly addresses unfair treatment and shows why equality and inclusion are important. It encourages young readers to recognize injustice and to value people for their character, not their race or background.
April 18, 2023
I Am Jackie Robinson is a biography about Albert Einstein, told from his perspective, but as a child. He begins his story by explaining that it is hard to be brave sometimes, but his mother was very brave. and she named him after someone very brave. But Jackie did not feel brave. Later in his life, he got in a fight with a young white girl and her father, after she called him a terrible name. He ended up in a rock fight with her father, which was very scary. He found peace and happiness in sports, especially baseball. Though the world was still fighting against him since this was before the Civil Rights Movement, but he continued to do what he loved and helped his community in any way he could. In college, he became the first black student to letter in four different sports. Jackie Robinson eventually became the first African American to play professional baseball. He ends his story by explaining that no one is born brave, but if we want to see change, someone has to be first and we must lead by example. I loved this art style, it reminds me of a cartoon and would be very appealing to younger children who may not enjoy reading biographies or other historical fiction books. I also like that he is depicted as a child throughout his whole story, showing that a child can make a difference, and that these historical figures were once children too. Because of these reasons, this book would be great to share with a classroom for a black history month lesson or as a big part of the Civil Rights Movement.
May 16, 2017
I actually chose to read this book to a kindergarten class during the time when the World Series was going on. I knew the book had some racial qualities that might be harder for a kindergartener to understand but if they are sheltered to that sort of information all their lives they will never understand how life used to be for African Americans. This book is actually one of many that I have read that all follow the same biographical content. In this story you are introduced to Jackie Robinson one of the first African Americans to enter into the MLB. The story shares from his childhood how Jackie was treated for the color of his skin. The illustrations are wonderful in this book; they are almost that of a cartoon or comic book character. With the pictures that are created you also find real life back and white photos of the actual events or people the author is describing. The outside appearance of the book may be a bit deceiving because when I first picked up the book I thought it was going to be a quick 10 minute read but it was actually closer to a 20 minute read due to all the words and the amount of pages there are. As previously mentioned I do find it important to read these types of books to a younger audience for their own cultural appearance. This book was very informative and well written.
November 20, 2019
I am Jackie Robinson is a very well written book that falls under the biography and historical nonfiction category. I would use this book in a 3rd grade classroom and maybe even second but defiantly third and above. It is written in easy to understand language that provides a captivating story of how a young man who changed sports history forever. This book is also very informative about the social issue of racism and prejudice, which is still very prevalent in modern days. I would use this book as a way to launch a history and social studies integrated lesson plan studying social injustices and the racial discrimination faced by our country in the past, and in some ways we are still fighting today. This could spark whole group and small group discussion on the feelings this book brought out for us, how we can make changes that seem impossible in our world today and be an advocate for those changes, and how we can be sensitive to the racial discrimination some of our friends encounter in their every day lives. This is a wow book for me because it makes the incredible and inspiring story of Jackie Robinson something that is relatable and understandable to young children. It takes this important message and puts in the context of something that seems less boring than a history lesson studying his life.
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