Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson (Sharon Robinson)

Title: Testing the Ice:  A True Story About Jackie Robinson

Author:  Sharon Robinson

Illustrator:  Kadir Nelson

Target Ages:  4 and up

Genre:  Biographical Picture Book

Publisher Summary:

When Jackie Robinson moves his family from New York City to Connecticut, the beautiful lake on their property is the center of everyone’s fun.  The neighborhood children join the Robinson kids for swimming and boating.  But oddly, Jackie never goes near the water.

In a dramatic episode that first winter, Jackie is called upon to test the ice on the lake to make sure it’s safe for ice-skating.  But why, Sharon wonders, is he always so afraid to go near the water?

First Lines:

The year was 1955. 

Dad was in his ninth season with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and for the third time in four years, they faced the New York Yankees in the World Series!

Memorable Moment:

In fact, Dad showed the same courage on the ice that day as he did when he broke the color barrier in baseball.  No one really knew what would happen.  But he felt his way along an untried path—like a blind man tapping for clues.

That was Jackie Robinson.  And that was my dad.  Big, heavy, out there alone on the lake, testing the ice to be sure it would be safe for us.

And he did it—even though he couldn’t swim!  

Evaluation: 

This non-linear story begins with 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series win. 

Then it moves back a year to when Jackie Robinson moved his family out to the country for more privacy and family time. The idyllic scenes depict Robinson as a loving and devoted family man. 

Next, the story falls further back in time several years to when he was in the Negro Baseball League, and later recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Readers learn about his bravery, perseverance, and dedication. 

Finally, the heart of the story comes into focus as his daughter recounts Robinson’s courage as he went out on the ice, despite his own fears, to keep his children safe. His devotion as a father is inspirational.  

The contrast of the professional player with the personal man provides a fuller view of the legend.  It is refreshing to see a personal life of a public figure that is as worthy of praise as his professional life.  

The wonder of this story is furthered in the stunning paintings by Kadir Nelson.  He has a true gift for capturing the beauty of humanity—both the external and the internal. Nelson knows when to depict a sweeping view and when to give his characters their close up.  The facial expressions and thrilling actions bring this family recollection in full vivid glory. 

Testing the Ice:  A True Story About Jackie Robinson is a loving tribute to the revered baseball hero.  This snap shot story further solidifies his reputation as a hero—both in sports and in life.

Historical Connections:

Segregation

Jackie Robinson

Negro Baseball League—We Are the Ship (Book Connection) 
Civil Rights Movement

Picture Book: Otto Runs for President by Rosemary Wells

Story Summary of Otto Runs for President: 

Excitement fills the building as election time at Barkadelphia School is announced.  Tiffany, a popular poodle, and Charles, an all-star bulldog, are both certain they will be the next student body president.  Tiffany’s and Charles’ parents eagerly provide them with expensive signs and advertising. Their campaigns are run on their personal preferences.   Tiffany pledges to provide more mirrors in the girls’ room, barkaloungers instead of desks, and preferred seating in the cafeteria.   Charles promises skateboards in the halls, soda in the water fountains, and more meat for lunch.  They assume everyone will vote for them because they are popular and attractive.  Otto, a pensive and quiet student, decides to run for class president as well.  When he asks his classmates about their preferences, he finds out they want watermelon at lunch, a homework helpline, blankets for the kindergartens,  drums for the music time, and a class field trip.  As Charles beefs up his campaign promises, Tiffany and her friends begin to fight dirty.  They place sticky notes all over the lockers and school  making accusations that Charles is a cheater.  Charles is furious by this personal slander, so he retaliates by calling Tiffany a thief.  They are so busy fighting each other that they don’t notice Otto and his friends handing out cookies and showing concern for their classmates’ priorities.  When the election results are finally in, Otto wins.  He quickly works to follow through with his campaign promises to his classmates. 

 

Evaluation:

Accompanying the prose effectively are bright illustrations highlighting adorable animals in action, often in multiple events on a two-page spread.  While on the surface Otto Runs for President (by Rosemary Wells) is about elections, the values it illustrates are timeless.  First, the characters demonstrate how people in elections and in life rely on superficial qualities, such as popularity, beauty, or athletics.  While it wins Tiffany and Charles some friends, it alienates many people because they never show genuine concern for their classmates.  Second,  it exemplifies how a person can be successful with hard work and the proper priorities.  Otto keeps his campaign simple, focusing on listening to everyone in the school—even the kindergartens.  He makes campaign cookies with key words like “hotline” and “blankets” to let everyone know he is listening and he cares.  Also, this tale shows the importance of integrity.  Otto makes sure to fulfill his promises.  Shortly after the election, many of the items arrive—blankets, watermelon, and drums.  Even the field trip is planned.  Finally, this book is ideal to use during local, state, national, or even school elections.  Students receive a glimpse of the campaign process and learn an essential lesson on how to win with honor. 

Book Review: Glitter Girls and the Great Fake Out by Meg Cabot

I picked up Glitter Girls and the Great Fake Out by Meg Cabot because the cover and title looked appealing for tween girls, so I thought I would check it out.  It is the fifth book in a series on a character named Allie Finkle who lives her life by a somewhat relative set of rules she has created.  In this story, Allie is conflicted about a choice.  Should she go with her good friends to the Little Miss Majorette Baton Twirling Twirltacular?   OR  Should she go to a once in a lifetime sleep over with some mean girls?  

The Good: 

It is admirable that Allie is seeking out some guidelines for living her life.   She has a genuine desire to make good choices, such as preventing her friends from being hurt or making the best of a less than ideal situation. She does confess some of her wrong choices and lies.  Through the course of events, she learns that no experience, no matter how extraordinary it may seem, is worthwhile unless it is shared with true friends.   She discovers what a real friends is which causes her to have a greater appreciation for the nice girls in her life and induces her to work to be a better friend. 

The Bad:

Unfortunately, the source of Allie’s rules is vague.  There are some references to parental influences, but for the most part, the rules are not rooted in her parents’ values or religious faith.   While she often develops some positive and moral rules, Allie is insecure about them.  As a result, they are often applied relative to her feelings and circumstances.  The narrative reveals what happens when there is not a firm, consistent set of values to use to navigate through life’s choices. 

The Ugly:

Alli lies a lot.  Sometimes, it is an attempt to prevent people from being hurt.  Often, it is to avoid revealing a poor choice, or it is told to make herself look good.  She knows her lies are wrong.  Nevertheless, she tells them.  Many of them are never fully confessed or dealt with. Unfortunately, she does not suffer any real, lasting consequences for her web of lies.

Final Thoughts:

Alli is a fourth grader, but her voice is more reminiscent of a sixth grader.  Sometimes the story is repetitive which I found a little bothersome.  I think young girls will relate and enjoy Allie’s character though.  This appealing narrative deals with issues that are age appropriate and relevant to tweens. 

I recommend this book with reservation.  I think is important to expose children to a wide range of age appropriate literature, but they should not have to find their way through its moral relativism alone.  I urge parents to read the book with their girls and use it as a springboard for discussion on friendships, integrity, and moral values.