I read this for a challenge of "winter sports" which, the cover shows, counts. But of course this amazing book is about an amazing man who is most famous for what he did in the summer. The book is beautifully written by the daughter, Sharon Robinson, of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. And powerfully illustrated by a favorite of many of us here at Children's Books, Kadir Nelson.

So, it also goes on "Black History" shelves, for sure.

I like that the Robinson kids make close friends with the neighbors, though they are white. And I like that Branch Rickey is given credit, which imo he deserves because he had to have nerve, too, to integrate the Dodgers.

I very highly recommend it. And if your library doesn't have it, suggest that they consider buying it. ( )

Independent Reading Level 2-3rd graders 8-9
Awards:Chickadee Award (Nominee – 2011)
Iowa Goldfinch Award (Nominee – 2012)
Iowa Goldfinch Award (Nominee – 2022)
Monarch Award (Nominee – 2012)
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Nominee – Little Bluestem (Picture Book) – 2012)
Parents' Choice Book Award (2009)
Show Me Readers Award (Nominee – 2012)

The author is Jackie Robinson's daughter. Author's note at the end of the book gives more information about Jackie Robinson.

This is a brief history of Jackie Robinson's entrance into professional baseball alongside the story of him testing ice and not knowing how to swim. This book uses the metaphor of testing the ice on a frozen lake and compares it to Robinson breaking the color barrier in professional baseball. It was a good story but the language was so mature and the baseball terms were heavy that I think this book would only be good for older readers. I wish it had focused more on Robinson's career because it feels like two really short stories mushed together to make one longer story. ( )

This amazing story of Jackie Robinson written by his daughter is excellent. There are many lessons in this book the main one being Courage. This k-3 readers would see this a great way to introduce, it can just be explained through pictures if nessacy. the Illustrations are excellent and one of the best i have seen. ( )