Jackie Robinson: Baseball's Great Pioneer

by Jason Glaser, Bob Lentz (Illustrator)

A biography telling the personal life and baseball career of the legendary player, Jackie Robinson. Written in graphic-novel format.

Genres: History, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Sports, Biography

32 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie Robinson’s story is essential for helping any American child understand our history of racial segregation. For anyone who didn't live through that era, it can be hard to fully grasp that segregation was a reality and that separate baseball leagues actually existed.

That is precisely why educators and parents must address the subject of racism, and this book serves as an excellent introduction for young readers. While some may prefer to avoid teaching uncomfortable history, it is set in stone—we cannot gloss over it, but must learn from it instead.

Overall, a solid introductory piece. 4/5 stars

[Todd LaMontagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis: The Graphic Library series is a collection of graphic novels that focus on historical figures or events. This particular edition focuses on the life of Jackie Robinson and the obstacles he faced as the first African American to play Major League Baseball. This series is an excellent resource for nonfiction reading and can be used to encourage reluctant readers.
Themes/curriculum connections: Famous African Americans, civil rights, racial discrimination, sports, baseball.
Age/grade recommendations: Elementary to middle school.

[David Rough · Rating 3 out of 5]

This graphic-novel format relates the background and career of the legendary baseball player, Jackie Robinson (#42 for the Brooklyn Dodgers). This extremely short book, aimed at young readers, reads like a book for young readers. It emphasized the racial difficulties that Jackie endured in his life, although the book did share some of his accomplishments as an athlete. I am not a great fan of the graphic-style book, but I can see how they are appealing to the comic-book age reader.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You Ryan Jacobson and illustradors Gordon Purcell and Barbara Schulz for this colorful, inspiring account of Eleanor Roosevelt. The book begins in the year 1892. A building near where I am reading is inscribed with this number, also 2 of my 16 great grandparents are recorded as being married that year. It's a blessing to be able to connect with history and the graceful works of the people who lived in the past. Thank You also for publishing in the two languages - Spanish and English.

Graphic Library en espanol. Eleanor Roosevelt Primera Dama del mundo.
Gracias Ryan Jacobson y los ilustradores Gordon Purcell y Barbara Schulz por este colorido e inspirador relato de Eleanor Roosevelt. El libro comienza en el año 1892. Un edificio cerca de donde estoy leyendo está inscrito con este número, también 2 de mis 16 bisabuelos se registran como casados ​​ese año. Es una bendición poder conectar con la historia y las obras elegantes de las personas que vivieron en el pasado. Gracias también por publicar en los dos idiomas: español e inglés. ~ a google translate

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of two co-reads with my nephew.

I was struck with how honest it was in its depiction of the racism and difficulties Robinson faced (it was not sugar coated). It also showed a bit of the despair and anger on Robinson's part, along with the grace he displayed under that pressure and the foresight to know the impact of any negative reaction or behavior. There were many lessons and discussion points that the book allowed for me to address with my nephew.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and well depicted!

[Jaybandz]

It Was A Pretty Interesting Book I Enjoyed It !

[Terri Stuart]

Glaser, Jason. Jackie Robinson, Baseball's Great Pioneer. (2006) This is a factual graphic novel that chronicles Jackie Robinsons life from his childhood in Cairo, Georgia continuing through his baseball career. Much of the book records his sporting career/achievements beginning with his baseball, track, and football achievements at Pasadena Junior college to his professional career as a baseball player making this a particularly interesting read for boys of all ages. The short novel discusses his difficulties with segregation and the related difficulty in the army and on the baseball field. Finishing off the graphic novel is statistical information about his baseball career and life. The 32 page graphic novel is packed with information. The colorful illustrations depicting real life situations aid in understanding both the trials and tribulations of this black athlete coming of age and popularity during the 1950's and 60's. This high interest low reading level book would appeal to a Target Audience: 6 to 16