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

Growing Up Pedro (Matt Tavares)

Title:  Growing Up Pedro

Author:  Matt Tavares

Illustrator:  Matt Tavares

Summary from the Publisher

Before Pedro Martinez pitched the Red Sox to a World Series championship, before he was named to the All-Star team eight times, before he won the Cy Young three times, he was a kid from a place called Manoguayabo in the Dominican Republic. Pedro loved baseball more than anything, and his older brother Ramon was the best pitcher he’d ever seen. He’d dream of the day he and his brother could play together in the major leagues—and here, Matt Tavares tells the story of how that dream came true.

Just the Beginning

“One sunny day in the village of Manoguayobo, Pedro Martinez sits in the shade and watches the older boys play. He wants to play too.”

Evaluation

Matt Tavares presents a compelling narrative about Pedro Martinez’s rise to baseball stardom. He begins with Pedro’s watching his brother, Ramon, play ball in their small village. Stars are in his eyes as he admires Ramon’s pitching skills.  His brother mentors him while they are growing up and even after he leaves to play professional ball. Immediately, Tavares sets the heart of the story not about baseball, but about the relationship and mentorship of the two brothers.

Years after his brother is drafted into the Major League, Pedro follows. Whenever he takes the mound, “he is a lion fighting for his food.” It is an apt description because he plays every game with everything he has in him. He remains determined and humble even when he reaches super stardom. 

Pedro has set backs and obstacles, but he always perseveres.  As Pedro succeeds, his countrymen in the Dominican Republic cheer along and celebrate with him, including his team’s experience in the American League Championship Series. 

The book ends where it begins—with the two brothers practicing back home in their village.  Pedro and Ramon never lose touch with what is important—family and community. Parents and educators can use the book to discuss important character qualities as well as to provide role models for young people. 

Brilliant watercolor illustrations round out this stunning oversized picture book, perfect for reading out loud in a classroom or cuddling up on the couch before bed. I recommend Growing Up Pedro for ages 5 and up.

Nonfiction Monday: Henry Aaron's Dream (by Matt Tavares)

Summary of Henry Aaron’s Dream (by Matt Tavares):

Henry Aaron had a big dream:  Be a big-league baseball player.  Even though he did not have a real ball or bat, he used whatever he could—broom handle, stick, tin can, rags tied together.  He only played in his yard, but he imagined he was in the big leagues.  It was the 1940’s.  There were no colored ballplayers.  Henry held on to his dream though.  In 1947, Jackie Robinson, a black ballplayer, began playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Henry started listening to every game on the radio and reading everything he could about Robinson.  He learned that his hero had to overcome great obstacles, such as discrimination, bullying, and death threats.  They did not stop Robinson from following his passion, and it did not deter Henry either!  In his late teens, Henry began playing with a semi-pro team.  He had ups and downs as he worked consistently and meticulously on his way to the pros.  In the spring of 1954, Henry Aaron’s dream came true! 

Evaluation: 

I found this gem tucked away in the biography section, not getting the attention it deserves!  Tavares does a commendable job portraying Henry (also known as Hank) Aaron’s rise to professional baseball stardom.  In the Author’s Note section, he further relates the accomplishments (both in baseball and for civil rights) and obstacles he overcame.  The illustrations in this oversized book are stunning!  They are sweeping and vibrant, pulling you in to this inspiring story.   Henry Aaron’s story is inspiring for anyone pursuing a dream, but minority children may be especially moved by it as it depicts a young person overcoming great odds and persecution to make positive change.  I HIGHLY recommend Henry Aaron’s Dream for ages 5 and up. 

Teaching Opportunities:

• Compare/Contrast:  Compare Henry (Hank) Aaron's career with either one of his contemporaries (such as Jackie Robinson) or a modern player
• History:  Research and learn more about segregation and the civil rights movement
• Math:  Learn how to figure baseball statistics and/or solve problems uses the chart at the end of the book (For example: What is the difference between his batting average in 1952 and 1962?)
• Journaling:  Write about your dreams and the obstacles you might have to overcome accomplishing them
• Reading:  Read additional biographies about Hank Aaron and other pioneer baseball players
• Writing:  Write a summary of some aspect of Hank Aaron's life you read about, use at least 2 sources
• Character:  Discuss the positive character qualities that Aaron displayed in his life and career (courage, perseverance, hard-work, positive attitude)

Visit A Curious Thing for a complete list of Non-Fiction Monday titles.  

Bats at the...(Brian Lies)

In my search for Halloween-themed picture books, I came across this stunning bat series written and illustrated by Brian Lies.

The illustrations are eye-catching and imaginative.  The books are written in a poetic narrative style that is both creative and engaging.  The author does a remarkable job incorporating beautiful alliteration, consonance, rhyme, and onomatopoeia.  The subjects of the various books are diverse (sports, library, and beach); on the other hand, there is one common bond between all of them:  a sense of community and cooperation.  All the bats play, explore, eat, and learn together.  Parents cuddle and care for their children.  This series which is includes 3 titles (Bats at the Library, Bats at the Ballgame, and Bats at the Beach) is worth checking into!  

Extension Activities

• There are lots of great Bat Crafts that can be done with all ages.
• Learn some Facts about Bats.
• Practice identifying poetic sound devices from the book.
• Create poems (fictional or factual) about bats.
• Plan a trip (or write about a trip already taken) to a baseball game, a library, or beach.  Then write about the experience in poetic, narrative, or journal form.
• Students can image they are a bat in one of the books.  Then, they might create a journal entry or draw a picture about their experience.  
• Create a new product that could be marketed at the baseball game, library, or beach that is geared for bats.  See examples in the book, such as Cricket Jack and bug-mallows.
• Check out the author Brian Lies Website.  He has some bat activities and teacher guides for some of the books.
• Check the ideas in the links Links to Units and Activities throughout the Web and Links for Bat Activities ABKL Designs.