Time For Kids: Jackie Robinson: Strong Inside and Out (Time For Kids Biographies)
Time For Kids Biographies Series
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
Offers a detailed biography of the first African American baseball player to play professional baseball, describing the hardships and racial barriers he had to overcome to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play baseball in the modern major leagues. That may not seem like a big deal today -- but in 1947 it was a very big deal. Until Jackie stepped up to the plate, African Americans couldn't play on most professional sports teams.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Jackie Robinson face, and how did he overcome them?
Why do you think it was important for Jackie Robinson to play baseball despite the difficulties?
How did Jackie Robinson's actions help change people's opinions and behaviors?
What qualities do you admire most in Jackie Robinson and why?
If you were Jackie Robinson, what would you have done differently and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Jackie Robinson’s shoes, prompting empathy and a deeper understanding.
Discuss the concept of perseverance and how it played a key role in Robinson's life, relating it to challenges your child may face.
Highlight the historical context of Robinson’s achievements to provide a broader understanding of the era and its challenges.
Ask your child to think of a time they had to be brave, discussing similarities and differences with Robinson's experiences.
Use examples from the book to discuss the impact of teamwork and supporting one another in achieving goals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Jackie Robinson's journey exemplifies perseverance as he faced numerous obstacles but never gave up on his dream to play in the major leagues.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to work towards their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, despite challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Robinson showed immense courage by becoming the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era, breaking the color barrier in a deeply segregated society.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to stand up for what is right and embrace opportunities to lead change, even when it might be frightening or challenging.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Through Robinson's story, readers see the value of inclusion and the negative impacts of racial segregation and discrimination.
Real-World Application: Children can practice inclusivity, respecting people's differences and learning from diverse perspectives in their classrooms and communities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Jackie Robinson's baseball career highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as he worked with his teammates to win games and championships.
Real-World Application: This lesson is applicable in group projects at school, team sports, or family activities where working together is essential for success.