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2nd out of 37 books
—
87 voters
We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
by
Kadir Nelson
Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through the decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. Illustrations from oil paintings by the author.
Hardcover, 88 pages
Published
January 8th 2008
by Jump At The Sun
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Apr 30, 2011
Abigail
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Young Readers Who Love Baseball, or Are Interested in American History / Kadir Nelson Fans
Shelves:
picture-books,
childrens-non-fiction
Review Temporarily Removed
5 likes · like · see review
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Rube Foster was the founder of the Negro National League. Said he of his men, "We are the ship: all else the sea." As long as there has been baseball in America there have been African-American ballplayers. Men like Sol White and Bud Fowler. Before Rube Foster, however, there was no organized professional league. Then, on February 20, 1920, Rube called together owners of black baseball teams, like himself, and the Negro National League began. Through the collective voice of the players, we hear...more
5 likes · like · see review
This beautifully illustrated book chronicles the rise and fall of Negro League Baseball. Full-page paintings give you a real look at some of the most talented baseball players of their time (and possibly of any time). The writing is also awesome. Using a collective "we", Kadir Nelson speaks with the voice of all Negro League players, like he's been there and seen everything that he talks about. He uses a very conversational tone, like you were sitting on the back porch with any one of the player...more
2 likes · like · see review
I have always loved baseball and especially the stories about the early days of baseball. This book was a treat for me with all the fabulous stories about the Negro League. I haven't tested this on kids yet but I do wonder if it will be a bit difficult for most kids because of the many unfamilar names that are often listed. The illustrations are breath-taking! They make me think of WPA Depression era murals in their scale and power and I have looked at them over and over. Nelson, through his ast...more
An art book that would not be out of place on Michigan Avenue coffee tables, and yet We Are the Ship perfectly fits the CSK critera to portray some aspect of the African-American experience that "motivates readers to develop their own attitudes and behaviors as well as comprehend their personal duty and responsibility as citizens in a pluralistic
society."
Clearly, We Are the Ship was a labor of love, of years of research, with a friendly narrator designed to hold a conversation with child read...more
society."
Clearly, We Are the Ship was a labor of love, of years of research, with a friendly narrator designed to hold a conversation with child read...more
1 like · like · see review
Okay, ready to be jealous? Kadir Nelson is here in Springfield at the Illinois Reading Council Conference. I spoke to him after his presentation on his art. He is soft spoken, as Junko knows, and incredibly talented with oils and ethical when it comes to authenticity in his works.
We Are the Ship
Sibert Award 2009
I went to one of Kadir Nelson’s sessions at IRC today. This very soft spoken man had us on the edge of our seats, moving in closer to get a glimpse of the boy who has been drawing since h...more
We Are the Ship
Sibert Award 2009
I went to one of Kadir Nelson’s sessions at IRC today. This very soft spoken man had us on the edge of our seats, moving in closer to get a glimpse of the boy who has been drawing since h...more
1 like · like · see review
If this doesn't win an award of some kind it will be a tragedy. The artwork alone is enough to make this book a hit. But Kadir Nelson's storytelling ability draws in the reader and keeps us wanting to know more. As I read, I felt like I was sitting and listening to someone like Buck O'Neill talking about the old days. He traces the history of the Negro Leagues from its inception through its heyday. We not only learn about the skills of some of the more famous players, but we also learn about wha...more
1 like · like · see review
Note to self:
p. 66: end of the big paragraph -- People who didn't know anything about baseball came to the ballpark in their Sunday best just to be SEEN at the East-West Game, you hear? Black AND white. <-- an example of the conversational tone that makes this such an enjoyable read.
Bottom of same page: "The almighty dollar has a way of changing folks' minds."
p. 72: "I remember a bunch of the guys sitting around talking about Jackie and the stuff those white flaks were doing to him while he w...more
p. 66: end of the big paragraph -- People who didn't know anything about baseball came to the ballpark in their Sunday best just to be SEEN at the East-West Game, you hear? Black AND white. <-- an example of the conversational tone that makes this such an enjoyable read.
Bottom of same page: "The almighty dollar has a way of changing folks' minds."
p. 72: "I remember a bunch of the guys sitting around talking about Jackie and the stuff those white flaks were doing to him while he w...more
Feb 10, 2009
Bullcitytaheel
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
4th grade up - especially baseball fans
3-1/2 stars. Also a Coretta Scott King illustrator honor book, which is highly deserved because the illustrations, mainly consisting of player and team portrait paintings, are beautiful - and to me, the most interesting part of the book. By trying to name so many names, the text gets a little redundant. You don't have to read the whole book to get the flavor, but do look at all the pictures! Baseball fans, in particular, may eat this up.
Fascinating! The author was not particularly a fan of baseball and I think, because of that, he has added some depth that reaches those of us who are merely casual observers of the game. He brings the history of the Negro Leagues to vivid life with anecdotes and dialog that evoke a different place and time full of unique characters and uncomfortable encounters with discrimination. The details included about the discrimination the players faced were often things I'd never considered and made the...more
Finally, an audio recording that is a smooth and luscious as the rich story told! Dion Graham, a prolific audio narrator, reads Kadir Nelson's story in an honest, well paced way. I downloaded this version from itunes, without the book. I enjoyed listening to it but would have really liked to have the book with me. The illustrations from this story are on a traveling exhibit, visit www.wearetheship.com for more information.
It is as if you are sitting around after dinner, listening to an old timer...more
It is as if you are sitting around after dinner, listening to an old timer...more
1 like · like · see review
Turns out Nelson is a respectable writer, in addition to being an amazing illustrator. Some folks get ALL the talent :p Definitely gave me a lil' more respect for the game- cool idea to name the chapters "innings"
I thought that this book was wonderful, but as a disclaimer, I grew up watching and listening to baseball on the radio, and am one of the few people under the age of fifty in America that still feels that baseball has some sort of magic. Kadir Nelson captures this magic, not only in his words, but in his gorgeous paintings, which even outdo his previous well-known works, like the illustrations in Please, Baby, Please. We are the Ship is book for everyone, children and adults, and people should b...more
Feb 01, 2009
Jackie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
baseball,
children-non-fiction,
memoir,
picture-books,
historical,
sports,
coretta-scott-king-award,
5012
We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson reminds us that we, as baseball fans, owe a debt of gratitude to those immensely talented men of the Negro Baseball League who played the game with dignity, affection, and devotion. Where would our beloved game be today if we did not enjoy the talents of Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Derrek Lee, or C.C. Sabithia? These dedicated men who put up with bumpy bus rides, segregation, playing three-games-a-day, and jeers and insults from white fans, are a tes...more
My "VOYA" Rating: 3Q, 3P
I think that I should note that I read this book as an audiobook (performed by Dion Graham) so I am not quite sure if this reading experience was as great as it should/could of been. At the end of the book the author speaks to the artwork, which I did not get to partake in. I think that the illustrations added much to the content of the book.
This book is the story of many gifted sportsmen, the unknown and the famous. It not only focuses on the timeline of the Negro Baseb...more
I think that I should note that I read this book as an audiobook (performed by Dion Graham) so I am not quite sure if this reading experience was as great as it should/could of been. At the end of the book the author speaks to the artwork, which I did not get to partake in. I think that the illustrations added much to the content of the book.
This book is the story of many gifted sportsmen, the unknown and the famous. It not only focuses on the timeline of the Negro Baseb...more
1.) Genre- Biography
2.) Summary- Told through the eyes of an unknown Negro Ball Player, this book details the struggles and triumphs of the Negro League Baseball from it's inception in the 1920's through the integration of Major League Baseball in the 1940's.
3.) Area of focus- Illustrations
3.)a.) Written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson, this book has fantastic illustrations with rich uses of color. The reader is drawn into the world of the Negro League Baseball by such detailed drawings.
3.)b.) W...more
2.) Summary- Told through the eyes of an unknown Negro Ball Player, this book details the struggles and triumphs of the Negro League Baseball from it's inception in the 1920's through the integration of Major League Baseball in the 1940's.
3.) Area of focus- Illustrations
3.)a.) Written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson, this book has fantastic illustrations with rich uses of color. The reader is drawn into the world of the Negro League Baseball by such detailed drawings.
3.)b.) W...more
I had a hard time putting this book down, always wanting to see what was going to happen to this little girl next. I was amazed by her cleverness. Ms. Van Draanen tells of her research before writing the book. As a result, it is very realistic. She actually snuck into the cargo hold of a bus to make sure it could be done. She checked herself into a homeless shelter to experience what it was like. She camped in places with no supplies of conveniences. The author said she also came to writing from...more
Nelson provides some of the most beautiful and realistic paintings that captures the viewer into this must read story. The book begins with inspirational quotes throughout the beginning of the pages from players and the founder of the Negro League Baseball, which are then found at the beginning of each chapter. As you read the story, you feel as though you're sitting near the feet of the baseball players as you're looking up at them as they tell you about the old days. This book is informational...more
I really enjoyed reading this book, in the perspective of one of the players on the team. He brings the history of the Negro Leagues to life with the large pictures and the dialog that shows the uncomfortable encounters with discrimination and the trials and tribulations they had to go through, while they were striving to make history. This book is very detailed in telling you about what the players faced on a regular basis ranging from work conditions to racism, to segregation, the descriptions...more
-Grade level: 6th
-Lexile: 900
-Main character: Anonymous Player
-Setting: 1920’s
-POV: Second Person
-Genre: Multicultural Literature
-Summary: The book follows the interesting history of an all African American baseball team from the 1920’s. The book discusses the different prejudices and tribulations that the team endures while they strive to make history. This factual depiction traces the different issues that were faced by members of the team dealing with issues ranging from racism to segregatio...more
-Lexile: 900
-Main character: Anonymous Player
-Setting: 1920’s
-POV: Second Person
-Genre: Multicultural Literature
-Summary: The book follows the interesting history of an all African American baseball team from the 1920’s. The book discusses the different prejudices and tribulations that the team endures while they strive to make history. This factual depiction traces the different issues that were faced by members of the team dealing with issues ranging from racism to segregatio...more
Nov 19, 2012
Vianey Sanchez
added it
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson
Interest level: grades 3-5
Lexile Level: 900L
Summary: this book talks about the evolution of the roles of Negros in baseball over the course of the years. It begins discussing the late 1920’s and goes through to 1947 ending with Jackie Robinson. The book is divided into 9 chapters much like 9 innings of baseball; in fact, each chapter is titled “1st Inning” “2nd Inning” etc. which I found creative. It talks about the beginning of...more
Interest level: grades 3-5
Lexile Level: 900L
Summary: this book talks about the evolution of the roles of Negros in baseball over the course of the years. It begins discussing the late 1920’s and goes through to 1947 ending with Jackie Robinson. The book is divided into 9 chapters much like 9 innings of baseball; in fact, each chapter is titled “1st Inning” “2nd Inning” etc. which I found creative. It talks about the beginning of...more
Summary:
We Are The Ship is about Negro League Baseball, all the way from how it started to how it ended. The author is telling the story from his point of view. He was involved in the Negro League and he has also wrote this book to tell the tale. He makes a lot of comparisons to today's baseball and how it contrasts to baseball when it first became popular. He uses real life people and games to describe how a man's baseball career was like back when there was a Negro League. The book incorporate...more
We Are The Ship is about Negro League Baseball, all the way from how it started to how it ended. The author is telling the story from his point of view. He was involved in the Negro League and he has also wrote this book to tell the tale. He makes a lot of comparisons to today's baseball and how it contrasts to baseball when it first became popular. He uses real life people and games to describe how a man's baseball career was like back when there was a Negro League. The book incorporate...more
Nelson's vigorous illustrations and text could make a baseball fan out of anyone. His stories are loaded with interesting facts from the Negro Baseball League, which brings the story to life. I particularly loved the voice presented in the story. Nelson appears to be using one single voice of all the players in total. The title of the book is "We Are the Ship," and the voice produces just that. The "we" refers to the men on the field and serves to be much more personal, ultimately drawing the re...more
What a fascinating book! Again, let me say that I am not a big non-fiction fan nor do I watch a lot of baseball, but Kadir Nelson made history come alive in this book. But this book is more than baseball; it is a piece of history. Kadir uses the “everyman” as his narrator in this book, someone who was there, saw it all and now tells us everything. He tells us about the beginning, starting with Rube Foster, the founder of the Negro League Baseball with his famous saying: “We are the ship, all els...more
I actually picked this audiobook because is was listed as an award winning YALSA audiobook. The narrator, Dion Graham, beautifully captures every detail and action wrote is this book. We Are the Ship is a non-fiction inspirational sports story about Rube Foster and how he found the Negro National League of Baseball. This story of Negro League baseball is the story of gifted athletes and determined owners who live and fight against racial discrimination and international sportsmanship. You hear/r...more
We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball is the story of gifted athletes, racial discrimination, sportsmanship, wins and losses, both on and off the field. Nelson tells the story of Negro League Baseball from the start in the 1920’s to its end in 1947 when Jackie Robinson switched over to the majors. Baseball began in the middle of the nineteenth century and by the 1860s most professional teams were all white with only a few players of color. By the late 1800’s African American player...more
I enjoyed Heart and Soul, another book by Kadir Nelson, so much that I knew I had to read more of his works. This story is the story of Negro League Baseball. Baseball is not my favorite sport to play, as I lack hand eye coordination; however, I do enjoy watching the game be played on a nice day. The story is of discrimination and the power of courage and overcoming challenges. The story begins in the 1920s and continues through its decline with Jackie Robinson in 1947 beginning to play in the m...more
I love the paintings: they’re the heart of this book. Oscar Charleston, Willie Foster with such serious small boys flanking him, Gus Greenlee and his money, Satchel Paige on the mound, Martin Dihigo, and Ray Dandridge are some of my favorites.
I’m not so much a fan of Kadir Nelson’s everyman narrator, although I appreciate his personal note of explanation. Too much of the storyline sounds clichéd, overly folksy, or worse. He shares the following about the Latin American winter ball season, “It w...more
I’m not so much a fan of Kadir Nelson’s everyman narrator, although I appreciate his personal note of explanation. Too much of the storyline sounds clichéd, overly folksy, or worse. He shares the following about the Latin American winter ball season, “It w...more
The Montgomery Bus Boycott. Claudette Colvin. Rosa. Martin. The Little Rock Nine. But what about these men? These men slowly but surely laid the foundation of acceptance, enduring humiliating days and evenings for the sake of The Game. The art is phenomenal, each image a stroke of genius. The writing is accessible and infused with personality and affection for the game. The book is engaging and layered, and beautiful. But it's not hokey. In particular, the image of the umpires, and the image of...more
In We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, author and illustrator Kadir Nelson immerses his readers into the world of Negro League Baseball. The story is narrated from the point of view of a ballplayer giving you a glimpse into the Negro Leagues. The readers are introduced to such notable players as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and James "Cool Papa" Bell, as well as the owners who helped create the league, like Rube Foster. The book is divided into nine chapters, or innings, in which...more
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