Jackie Robinson: Hero of Baseball (Heroes of American History)

Grade 2-4–The main focus of this succinct introduction is Robinson's formative years, his short stint in the army, and his growth as an athlete. Ford describes some of the inequities he faced and notes that throughout his life he spoke out for the rights of African Americans. Well-chosen, tinted black-and-white photographs add detail and perspective, and a simple time line rounds out this attractive package. Though the book gives just an outline of this legendary athlete's accomplishments, it is still a readable and fair-minded account that will meet the needs of young report writers. The text and overall organization give this title a slight edge over Lucia Raatma's Jackie Robinson (Compass Point, 2000) and Don McLeese's Jackie Robinson (Rourke, 2002).–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
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Gr. 2-4. In a simply written biography from the Heroes of American History series, Ford presents a straightforward account of memories and milestones from Robinson's life. She creates a setting that throws his accomplishments into sharper relief by carving into the narrative some of the rules and results of segregation, when "white Americans treated black Americans badly." With large type and a photo on nearly every page, the book offers a very readable, short account of Robinson's life and achievements. The volume concludes with a time line, a glossary, and brief lists of recommended books and Web sites. For a picture-book story about the baseball great, suggest Marybeth Lorbiecki's Jackie's Bat, reviewed on p.69. Carolyn Phelan
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