Promises To Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America by Sharon Robinson

From the Publisher

Sharon robinson shares memories of her famous Father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. The author explores the fascinating circumstances surrounding Jackie Robinson's breakthrough. She also tells the off-the-field story of Robinson's hard-won victories and the inspiring effect he had on his family, his community, and his country! Includes never-before-published letters by Jackie Robinson, as well as photos from the Robinson Family archives.

Publishers Weekly

In this photo biography, Robinson (Jackie's Nine: Jackie Robinson's Values to Live By) offers an affectionate profile of her father who, she writes, "taught me to flip pancakes, hit a baseball, question political leaders, solve problems, and keep promises." The author's concise history of race relations in the United States enables youngsters to understand the underpinnings of the "segregated world" into which Robinson was born and the racism and injustices he encountered throughout his private and professional life. Especially intriguing is the author's incisive explanation of why her father was selected in 1947 as the individual to "pioneer the integration of Major League Baseball"; her discussion provides insight into the man's abilities and determination on and off the field. The volume's abundance of family photographs and reproductions of Robinson's letters to his wife and children amplify the highly personal nature of the narrative. The author notes that her parents encouraged her and her brothers to "measure our lives by the impact we had on other people's lives." Here she clearly, often eloquently, gauges the enormous impact Jackie Robinson had on so many lives as father, husband, athlete and crusader for justice and equality. Ages 9-12. (Feb.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Patricia Silverberg - Children's Literature

The life and achievements of the legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson fills the pages of this nonfiction picture book. Robinson's daughter tells the story of her father against a background of African American history. Ms. Robinson explains slavery, segregation, and the years of oppression. She shows how her father faced battles because of his skin color and his efforts to end discrimination in the United States. This first person narrative presents the humanness of a hero. One gets to know the man behind the baseball uniform and his powerful legacy. The pictures do a wonderful job of bringing the text to life, so the reader gets a sense of the who and the what of the times. The book covers Jackie's childhood, baseball career, and work for human rights. In addition to the chapters on the Hall of Fame player, there is a devoted to slavery and another devoted to African American leaders such as Booker T. Washington and W. E. B Dubois. Because it covers politics, history and economics, this book can be used for units not only on biographies and sports, but also for units American and African American history. 2004, Scholastic Press, Ages 8 to 12.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7 -In captivating words and pictures, Robinson chronicles the life of her legendary father. She weaves historical events into the story of one of baseball's greatest players, revealing how they shaped his life. Her text, combined with numerous black-and-white archival and family photographs, reproductions of newspaper headlines, magazine pages, and letters, illustrates Jackie Robinson's journey from childhood to the moment that he integrated major league baseball to his life as a businessman and civil rights spokesperson. In addition to personal details, this intimate biographical sketch and authentic glimpse into the life of a great African American provides information on the post-Civil War world, race relations, and the struggle for civil rights. It will inspire readers and enhance character-education units. Pair this first purchase with the author's Jackie's Nine: Jackie Robinson's Values to Live By (Scholastic, 2001).-Tracy Bell, Durham Public Schools, NC Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Jackie Robinson's daughter tells the story of her father's life and accomplishments, paying particular attention to the profound effect he had on American culture. Robinson writes in a straightforward style that is accessible to young readers without being condescending. Of course, she stresses all the positive aspects of her father's character, but this is not meant to be a completely objective account. Instead, the reader finds an insider's view of Robinson as husband, father, and friend, as well as athlete, pioneer, and civil-rights activist. Many of these activities have been ignored, or glossed over, by other biographers of works for children. Illustrated with copious photographs and letters from the family's private collection, this is a unique perspective on a man whose story has become so much the stuff of legend that the real person is often obscured. An excellent and much-needed addition to the Jackie Robinson story. (Biography. 9-12)

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