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Promises To
Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America
Sharon Robinson Scholastic 2004 |
This book tells the story of American legend Jackie Robinson.
This book is written by his only daughter, Sharon Robinson. Because it is told by someone close to Jackie, you get an entirely fresh view of his life. Through reading this book, I saw how difficult it was for him to break the color barrier of the early 1900's. The book tells of Jackie's childhood, college life and military career. It tells of his days playing in the Negro League and the cruelty he faced in the early days as a Brooklyn Dodger.
This book also gives us a look at the support Jackie received from his wife, Rachel Ansetta Isum. Her love often kept him going.
As the story progresses, you see the mood of the characters evolve. After Jackie proves that his skills on the field are equal to any of the white players, the people begin to love him. He becomes a hero in their eyes, their MVP.
The story is accompanied by many photographs that appear throughout the book. They help to tell Jackie's legacy.
This book would interest many people besides sports fans. It would probably be more enjoyable for second through fifth graders. This is a very concisely written book that informs and pleases, without effort on the reader's part.
~ Jordyn Grzelewski, 7th grade, Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley (MSMV)