Who Is Colin Kaepernick?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Lakita Wilson, Who H.Q., Gregory Copeland (Illustrator)

Learn about the inspiring life and career of professional football player and activist Colin Kaepernick in the new Who HQ Now format featuring newsmakers and trending topics.

On August 14, 2016, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began a protest when he refused to stand for the national anthem. He wanted to make a statement about the oppression of people of color in the United States after he had spent a summer speaking out against police brutality. After playing professional football for six seasons, that would become Colin Kaepernick's last season in the NFL, but he would go on to become one of the most prominent activists of today. Colin believed that speaking out against racism was far bigger than football, and other athletes agreed with him. Today, hundreds of athletes -- from high schools to professional teams -- still kneel during the national anthem to protest the treatment of people of color in America.

Discover more about Colin Kaepernick's story in this addition to the New York Times bestselling series.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Chapter Books, African American

56 pages, Hardcover

Published May 3, 2022

About the author

Lakita Wilson is the author of several novels and nonfiction projects for children and young adults, including What is Black Lives Matter? and Who is Colin Kaepernick? part of the New York Times bestselling Who HQ Now series, the middle grade novel Be Real, Macy Weaver, and the young adult novel Last Chance Dance.

A 2017 recipient of SCBWI's Emerging Voices Award, Lakita received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Lakita lives in Prince George's County, Maryland.. She can be found online at lakitawilson.com

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast read and quite interesting. Colin began the bended knee protest during football games to show his rage against how black people were being treated by police. Too many people had been shot by police due only to the color of their skin.

[Nirvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent opportunity to learn truth

I used this book with students and had wonderful heartfelt conversations as a result of it. Just another perspective of what goes on in this world. I researched the facts and found they were all accurate. Can't say enough great things about HQ books

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Short, Positive Biography, no cap

This short biography was enlightening about Kaepernick. I didn't realize a soldier's suggestion started Kaepernick's respectful protest. Things I wish the author would've stated: A short reminder of who the victims were that started Kaepernick's protest, nothing too graphic as it is a book for kids. Also, I bristled somewhat at Kaepernick's request to have an early American flag removed from Nike due to slavery. It's not a deal breaker, but it's not quite the same as the Confederate flag. Lastly, I would have liked to know exactly why he chose to change stadiums for recruiting him after he won his lawsuit. That seemed odd, but overall a good biography. There could've been some more nuance in how the author phrased certain things about the police, like saying 'some police officers' or 'many.'

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF right away. This book isn’t for me. The anti-police and anti-American flag/ USA rhetoric is not something that I stand for. While I believe that police make mistakes, just like others do (myself included), I this book is not one that I can recommend. There is always a better way to stand up for what you believe than portraying an anti-American or anti-law enforcement stance for millions to see.

[Jen Smith]

Did I buy this for my library specifically because he went to school there AND the school is mentioned in the chapter about his early life. Of course I did. But also hoping that the kids who were so excited to find him in the old yearbooks will read this whole thing and learn a thing or two.

[Elina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin was a good man. He was a activist. He used to kneel during the national anthem. He didn't like the way people were being treated. I mean African American. He wanted to protest that no matter what color your skin is you can load or do it.

[Madlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read.

[K G · Rating 4 out of 5]

story almost made me cry for completely different reasons several times. very cool guy, book was easy to comprehend and seemed to touch on all/most key points.

[Erin Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice quick read for children, introducing them to the great personality of Colin Kaepernick.

[Ruben · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 de 4 (encara me'n falta un…).

[Jason Comiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love it

[Cathy]

I can’t rate this. CathyR