Always, Jackie

by J. Patrick Lewis, John Thompson (Illustrator)

The unbelievable yet true story of how an eight-year-old white kid from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, met the legendary Jackie Robinson in 1954—and how the two became lifelong friends.

Genres: Biography, Sports, Picture Books, Baseball, Nonfiction, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 21, 2020

About the author

J. Patrick Lewis is the current Children's Poet Laureate. He has written more than seventy children's books, including Once Upon a Tomb: Gravely Humorous Verses. J. Patrick Lewis lives in Ohio.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually, when I request and read a book by J. Patrick Lewis, it is filled with poetry. This time, the story itself is poetry, one true story of how an eight-year-old white kid from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, met the legendary Jackie Robinson in 1954—and how the two became lifelong friends. Ronnie Rabinovitz grew up loving baseball, but more than anything, he grew up loving the Brooklyn Dodgers and Jackie Robinson.
Ronnie's father wrote to Jackie telling of his son's obsession with Jackie, of his room filled with baseball souvenirs, especially about Jackie's accomplishments and challenges, about the Dodgers. In 1953, they were able to meet Jackie, go into the dugout, have a baseball signed by all the team. Thus the friendship began and continued throughout Jackie's life.
Realistic paintings by John Thompson show these two who became lifelong friends as Lewis tells this extraordinary story. There is a poignant double-page spread of players wearing Jackie's number 42 on April 15th (today!) which is the day Jackie began his major-league career.

Lewis adds a timeline of Jackie's amazing records set in his career, like leading the National League in steals twice! A bibliography and one of the letters written to Ronnie are also added.
It's an addition of a little-known story from Jackie Robinson's life, one that will encourage young readers who love baseball to write to their heroes. You never know what will happen until you do! I imagine this year with baseball on hold because of the pandemic that kids will love reading this even more!

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story seems so far-fetched, but is true. A white boy from Sheboygan and big fan and Jackie Robinson met and then corresponded for a number of years. One of the letters is included. I think it adds one more layer to our understanding of #42 who was much more than an amazing ballplayer, and icon of BLack history, but also appears to have been a kind guy.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story here. I might be slightly biased because Jackie Robnison is my favorite baseball player, but if you're looking for something historical, well-told, and wonderfully illustrated, this is your book.

[Kristin Fletcher-spear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewing for school media connections.

[Joseph Hageman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, well written story

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great elementary and up picture book about the friendship between a young fan and baseball player Jackie Robinson. Love the life long influence.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story.

[36chambersoffun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was sweet. Sometimes that's all there is to say!