Shadow Ball : The History of the Negro Leagues (Baseball : the American Epic)
Baseball: The American Epic Series
What’s inside...
The book tells the story of the Black baseball teams that played throughout the country before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. It features over forty archival photographs, accompanied by a fast-paced, readable text, chronicling the history of the Negro Leagues and profiling some of the finest players of the era. The book also has a TV tie-in.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
79 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings do you think the players in the Negro Leagues experienced during their games?
How did the challenges faced by the Negro Leagues players shape their stories and achievements?
Why is it important to learn about the history of the Negro Leagues?
How can we apply the lessons learned from the Negro Leagues to today's world?
What role did teamwork and community play in the success of the Negro Leagues?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the stories and struggles of the Negro Leagues players. Highlight the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and equality emphasized in the book. Share personal anecdotes where you've faced challenges to make the conversation relatable. Ask additional questions based on your child's responses, to deepen the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book details the challenges and triumphs of the Negro Leagues, showcasing how players displayed resilience despite racial segregation and inequality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain persistence and determination when facing difficulties in their own lives, whether in school, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of equality and inclusivity
Explanation: Through the story of the Negro Leagues, children learn about the historical struggles for racial equality and the importance of inclusivity in sports and society.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and advocate for fairness and equality among their peers, and appreciate diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The book emphasizes how players worked together despite numerous obstacles, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing cooperation and mutual support in group projects at school, during team sports, or in community activities.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and appreciation
Explanation: By learning about the Negro Leagues, children gain insight into a significant yet often underrepresented part of American history.
Real-World Application: This awareness can encourage children to explore and respect diverse historical narratives and cultural contributions, enriching their understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Perseverance towards achieving one's goals
Explanation: Players in the Negro Leagues were passionate about baseball and tirelessly pursued their dreams despite societal barriers.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to pursue their own passions and not give up on their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they might face.