Jackie Robinson (On My Own Biography)
Yo Solo: Biografías Series
What’s inside...
When one of his watermelons grows so big that it blocks the door of his house, Willie Wilson and his neighbors make a tunnel through the watermelon by eating as much as they can. The first African American to break the color barrier in modern major league baseball, Jackie Robinson was one of the greatest players of all time. Forced to put up with angry, hateful fans and players when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson's strength of character and perseverance allowed him to set the standard for all future players.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
49 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jackie Robinson
Branch Rickey
Mallie Robinson
Discussion points
What challenges did Jackie Robinson face and how did he overcome them?
Why is it important to stand up for what you believe in, like Jackie did?
How did Jackie Robinson's actions change the way people think about sports and equality?
What qualities do you admire most about Jackie Robinson and why?
If you were Jackie, how would you have handled the situations he faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those faced by Jackie Robinson, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Highlight the historical context of Jackie Robinson’s achievements and discuss how societal attitudes have changed since his time.
Point out moments of courage and resilience in the story, and ask your child about times they've had to demonstrate these qualities.
After reading, consider watching a documentary or visiting a museum about Jackie Robinson to deepen the engagement with the topic.
Use the book as a springboard to discuss broader topics of fairness, justice, and equality, and how they can contribute positively in their own community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Determination
Explanation: The story of Jackie Robinson highlights his relentless pursuit to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball despite facing significant opposition.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of persisting through challenges and not giving up on their dreams, whether in sports, academics, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Equality and Respect
Explanation: Jackie Robinson's journey underscores the importance of treating everyone with respect and advocating for equality, regardless of their background or race.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and embrace diversity, fostering a more inclusive attitude towards classmates and friends from different cultures or backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Robinson's story demonstrates immense bravery as he stood up against racism and prejudice, becoming a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to stand up for what is right and defend others who are being treated unfairly, promoting moral courage in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous threats and challenges, Jackie Robinson's resilience shines through as he continued to excel and maintain his integrity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to bounce back from setbacks and maintain their focus on their goals, applying this resilience to overcoming obstacles in their own lives.