The Odyssey of Jackie Robinson, American Hero
Written by Doreen Rappaport
This is a biography of Jackie Robinson, the first African American man to play baseball in the major leagues. Until then, any baseball player of color played in the Negro League. Jackie was a superb athlete and excelled in every sport he played. If he was white, he would have been playing at a professional level. Jackie displayed great courage and restraint when he was finally called on to play with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He had a spectacular career in baseball and paved the way for black athletes to participate in all sports. Even though hatred, violence and cruel language was thrown at Jackie and his family, he prevailed and became an American hero.
This book would be an excellent read for more mature 6th graders and older. The N-word is mentioned several times, but demonstrates the discrimination and prejudice from that time period. It would have been nice to see some pictures of Jackie and his family in the book. It would have made this biography more relatable.
Review by Pam Jensen, Bacchus Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 6-12
42 is Not Just a Number: The Odyssey of Jackie Robinson, American Hero
Written by Doreen Rappaport
Candlewick Press
119 pages
Release Date: September 5, 2017
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
