Robinson, Sharon. Jackie Robinson, American Hero.

Robinson, Sharon.  Jackie Robinson, American Hero.    Scholastic Press  2013  48p  $16.99  ISBN 978-0-545-56915-0  elm/ms  VG-BNe     

This book offers a fascinating look at Robinson.  The information is well organized and presented in a lively and entertaining manner.  Jackie Robinson was truly an inspiration to an entire nation.  He became the first African American to break the color barrier and play on a major-league baseball team in 1947.  Looking for a man who had the courage not to fight back, Branch Rickey found Robinson, handed him a Dodgers uniform, and history was made.  Written by his daughter Sharon Robinson, this book briefly chronicles Jackie’s life.  He was born in Georgia, and his family moved to California after his father deserted the family.  An exceptional athlete in both high school and college, he was the first four-sport letter-winner at UCLA.  After leaving UCLA in his senior year, he was drafted into the army during World War II.  After his discharge from the Army in 1944, he joined the Negro Baseball Leagues, playing for the Kansas City Monarchs.  In 1947, he began his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, retiring as a player in 1957 and then concentrating on the civil-rights movement until his death.

Each chapter is supported by primary-source material and is enhanced by both excellent color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations.  The book ends with a glossary and an author Q & A.
           

Jackie Robinson                                                   --Susan Ogintz