About the Book

Author: Brad Meltzer
Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Number of Pages: 40
Publisher: Dial Books / Penguin Young Readers
Publication Date: January 14, 2014
Synopsis: We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this lively, collectible picture book biography series from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer.
Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren't fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn't allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed African-American history and led the way to equality in all sports in America.
This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, providing them with the right role models, supplementing Common Core learning in the classroom, and best of all, inspiring them to strive and dream.
My Review

Jackie was an average kid, but learned from an early age the importance of being brave and leading by example. It's his example that inspired change and brought so many people of varying races together. His heroic accomplishments are still celebrated and remembered today on Jackie Robinson Day when all players in Major League Baseball wear number 42 to pay tribute to this amazing man.
This wonderfully written and illustrated story highlights a remarkable man's life as he overcomes adversity to achieve great things. I got goosebumps reading about Jackie Robinson's first home-run as a Brooklyn Dodger. I also felt overjoyed as his mom shared food with others, even their white neighbors who mistreated them, which instilled an important lesson that Jackie chose to live by.
I am a huge fan of the Ordinary People Change the World series. Each book teaches readers how one person overcame negativity and persevered which in turn shows us that we can all make a difference.
In the words of Jackie Robinson, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
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