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Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America
A warm, intimate portrait of Jackie Robinson, America's sports icon, told from the unique perspective of a unique his only daughter. Sharon Robinson shares memories of her famous father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. The author explores the fascinating circumstances surrounding Jackie Robinson's breakthrough. She also tells the off-the-field story of Robinson's hard-won victories and the inspiring effect he had on his family, his community. . . his country! Includes never-before-published letters by Jackie Robinson, as well as photos from the Robinson family archives.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 8, 2018
I read this book to my students to teach them about African-American history and the discrimination that happened.
"Sharon Robinson shares memories of her famous father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. The author explores the fascinating circumstances surrounding Jackie Robinson's breakthrough. She also tells the off-the-field story of Robinson's hard-won victories and the inspiring effect he had on his family, his community. . . his country! Includes never-before-published letters by Jackie Robinson, as well as photos from the Robinson family archives."
"Sharon Robinson shares memories of her famous father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. The author explores the fascinating circumstances surrounding Jackie Robinson's breakthrough. She also tells the off-the-field story of Robinson's hard-won victories and the inspiring effect he had on his family, his community. . . his country! Includes never-before-published letters by Jackie Robinson, as well as photos from the Robinson family archives."
April 17, 2023
4/5 stars
February 21, 2019
This book is a great read! Promises to Keep is a biography about Jackie Robinson, written by his daughter Sharon. It begins by talking about how Jackie was born into a segregated world and how his grandparents were slaves, and parents were sharecroppers. Then it gets into the main idea of the story, how Jackie Robinson changed the world of baseball by fighting segregation. He endured so much hate because of the color of his skin throughout his career and life. This book provides the reader with information about Jackie's life on and off of the baseball field. I really like how the author includes details about how Jackie not only made a change in the baseball league but in his community and our country. Due to the nature of a portion of the content that deals with segregation, I would use this in older grades, no lower than fifth.
I think this book would be great to integrate into a classroom because students could read a biography, learn about history and work on activities to improve their reading and writing skills. The book is broken up by main ideas so one activity that could be used would be a formative assessment such as a Sketchnote. Students could work together in groups or alone to create one of these that represent which topic they are reading about. A summative assessment that could be used with this book would be a writing essay. If students were to write an essay, we could also integrate skills such as creating a graphic organizer to guide their writing.
This book is a WOW book for me because of how it address segregation and gives viewpoints from Jackie's life as well as his daughters. I think it is important to have an awareness of what actually happened in the history of our country and this book portrays some of the good and bad aspects of it.
I think this book would be great to integrate into a classroom because students could read a biography, learn about history and work on activities to improve their reading and writing skills. The book is broken up by main ideas so one activity that could be used would be a formative assessment such as a Sketchnote. Students could work together in groups or alone to create one of these that represent which topic they are reading about. A summative assessment that could be used with this book would be a writing essay. If students were to write an essay, we could also integrate skills such as creating a graphic organizer to guide their writing.
This book is a WOW book for me because of how it address segregation and gives viewpoints from Jackie's life as well as his daughters. I think it is important to have an awareness of what actually happened in the history of our country and this book portrays some of the good and bad aspects of it.
February 20, 2020
This is a biography of Jack Roosevelt (Jackie) Robinson, written by his daughter Sharon Robinson. We read this book in my host classroom as part of Black History Month. I am a huge baseball fan, and have read other books and articles about Jackie Robinson, but this book included some things about Jackie Robinson's life and career that I never knew before. Sharon Robinson creates a timeline of her father's life, from his birth in January, 1919 to his death in October, 1972. Not only does the book highlight portions of Jackie's career and being the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, but she also talks about the many important things that he accomplished off the field, including serving in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant during World War II, as well as his contributions to the civil rights movement.
This book is a great read for young and old alike, and served as a very useful tool for us to use when discussing the horrendous treatment of minorities and their struggles to achieve equal rights. In addition, it can be used to demonstrate to children the importance of setting goals and overcoming diversity in order to achieve those goals. Not only is Promises to Keep a great story, but the book also includes historical photos of Jackie Robinson, his family, and many other civil rights icons.
This book is a great read for young and old alike, and served as a very useful tool for us to use when discussing the horrendous treatment of minorities and their struggles to achieve equal rights. In addition, it can be used to demonstrate to children the importance of setting goals and overcoming diversity in order to achieve those goals. Not only is Promises to Keep a great story, but the book also includes historical photos of Jackie Robinson, his family, and many other civil rights icons.
February 19, 2018
64 pages. This is an incredible book! The daughter of Jackie Robinson tells his story and more. What a great book to celebrate Black History month! Filled with photos, heart-warming stories and history, this book is a treasure. What a great resource for schools! I would buy for my school and suggest it for middle school, high school and adults. I learned a lot! Well-done! Highly recommended.
October 31, 2019
Promises to Keep is the story of the life of Jackie Robinson, written by his daughter Sharon. This nonfiction book covers Robinson’s early life, his role in desegregating baseball, and his work after he retired from the game. Readers get to see a full picture of Jackie Robinson due to the inclusion of his family life and the perspective that provides. The book also discusses many aspects of the civil rights movement. I believe this book would work well in a fourth or fifth grade classroom.
Many students are interested in sports or have historical figures that they are impressed by. I think this book could be used with an activity where students can have a go at creating their own biographical text about someone that has accomplished something amazing. This book would also pair nicely with a social studies unit about civil rights or desegregation. There are many mentions of other notable black history figures in this book, and that could provide an opportunity to research other historic icons.
This was a WOW book for me because of how much I learned. I knew of Jackie Robinson, but this book taught me so much more. His family background and activist work after retirement really let me see the whole picture. Along with that, his life was very interesting and makes for a good story. I think kids would be drawn into the story as much as I was, and I’m sure they would learn a lot of new things by reading this book!
Many students are interested in sports or have historical figures that they are impressed by. I think this book could be used with an activity where students can have a go at creating their own biographical text about someone that has accomplished something amazing. This book would also pair nicely with a social studies unit about civil rights or desegregation. There are many mentions of other notable black history figures in this book, and that could provide an opportunity to research other historic icons.
This was a WOW book for me because of how much I learned. I knew of Jackie Robinson, but this book taught me so much more. His family background and activist work after retirement really let me see the whole picture. Along with that, his life was very interesting and makes for a good story. I think kids would be drawn into the story as much as I was, and I’m sure they would learn a lot of new things by reading this book!
April 9, 2020
Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America is an emotional retelling of Jackie's life told by his daughter Sharon Robinson. In the book readers learn not only about his baseball career but also about how he broke boundaries in the civil rights movement. It is a great way to get students learning about social studies through reading. This book could be used as a informational read aloud in a 5th grade classroom and the teacher could guide the students through the story by stopping and thinking throughout it, supporting students comprehension. Concept maps could also be used to have students summarize the main ideas of the text, since there is so much information in it. Another way the text could further be used in the classroom is through a research project. Students would pick another influential person from the civil rights movement and read about them, still incorporating social studies and reading. They would then present their research to the class so that everyone is learning about many influential people during the civil rights. This book was a WOW book for me because it tells Jackies true struggles and battles he had to face to simply play baseball. It is an encouraging and emotional story motivating readers to break barriers like Jackie Robison did.
Informational Text
Informational Text
July 19, 2012
Sharon Robinson has done a wonderful job celebrating the life of her father. She has amazing photographs to chronicle his life. The photographs are courtesy of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Library of Congress, and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
I was unaware of Jackie Robinson’s involvement as the chair of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Freedom Fund Campaign. He traveled around raising money for the association.
I was unaware of Jackie Robinson’s involvement as the chair of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Freedom Fund Campaign. He traveled around raising money for the association.
April 30, 2009
This book is of course about Jackie Robinson and it goes through his life story. The interesting thing about this story is that his daughter wrote it when she was older, so the reader gets to feel her emotions that she expresses throughtout the book. It is a very good book and has a lot of great information about the great baseball player!!
May 9, 2013
"Is there a medal anywhere which is worth a man's dignity?" - Jackie Robinson
Everybody knows how great Jackie Robinson was on the field, and people know that he broke the color barrier in major league baseball. But he was about so much more, and who better to tell that story than someone who grew up in his home?
Everybody knows how great Jackie Robinson was on the field, and people know that he broke the color barrier in major league baseball. But he was about so much more, and who better to tell that story than someone who grew up in his home?
February 21, 2019
Sharon Robinson does an amazing job of sharing her memories and her father's incredible story of breaking the color barrier in baseball. The biography starts with a little bit of history and perspective on what life was like for black people in the United States from the mid 1800's through 1945, giving the reader an understanding of what Jackie had to face and overcome. Sharon pays tribute to many famous African-Americans and notes their accomplishments as she takes us along the journey. One of those people, it turns out, was her uncle. Jackie was not the only athlete in his family. His older brother, Mack, ran for the US Olympic track-and-field team and won a silver medal. Inspired by his brother, Jackie joined the track team in college. He broke his bother's broad jump record and began showing the world he would be a force to be reckoned with.
Sharon recounts her father's time in college where he proved his greatness as an athlete across several different sports, but perhaps the single most significant event of Jackie's college career was meeting Rachel, his future wife. Sharon takes us through her father's ordeal with World War II and eventually introduces us to Branch Rickey, the man responsible for opening the door to the world of baseball for Jackie. Sharon goes on to explain why Jackie was chosen as the first Negro League player to enter Major League Baseball and chronicles both his hardships and his successes.
This book is filled with personal photos and letters written by Jackie, himself. Sharon shares a perspective of Jackie that can only be given by someone who knew him intimately. The book not only tells about Jackie and his athletic career, but also shares how Jackie participated in the fight for Civil Rights.
I highly recommend this book for fourth, fifth and sixth grade as a whole-class read. I also suggest that you read the book prior to sharing with the class so that you will have time to think about how to answer the many questions that will arise. This book has so many teaching moments attached to it! It can be used for a biographical study, tied into a social studies unit related to discrimination or Civil Rights or Black History month. Sharon acknowledges many famous African-Americans in the book, including the Tuskegee Airmen, Ida B. Wells, William Edward Burghart DuBois, Madame CJ Walker and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few. Students can do a biography study or research report on one of the people mentioned in the book. Another idea could be to have students investigate other famous African American athletes and write about their challenges or contributions.
Sharon recounts her father's time in college where he proved his greatness as an athlete across several different sports, but perhaps the single most significant event of Jackie's college career was meeting Rachel, his future wife. Sharon takes us through her father's ordeal with World War II and eventually introduces us to Branch Rickey, the man responsible for opening the door to the world of baseball for Jackie. Sharon goes on to explain why Jackie was chosen as the first Negro League player to enter Major League Baseball and chronicles both his hardships and his successes.
This book is filled with personal photos and letters written by Jackie, himself. Sharon shares a perspective of Jackie that can only be given by someone who knew him intimately. The book not only tells about Jackie and his athletic career, but also shares how Jackie participated in the fight for Civil Rights.
I highly recommend this book for fourth, fifth and sixth grade as a whole-class read. I also suggest that you read the book prior to sharing with the class so that you will have time to think about how to answer the many questions that will arise. This book has so many teaching moments attached to it! It can be used for a biographical study, tied into a social studies unit related to discrimination or Civil Rights or Black History month. Sharon acknowledges many famous African-Americans in the book, including the Tuskegee Airmen, Ida B. Wells, William Edward Burghart DuBois, Madame CJ Walker and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few. Students can do a biography study or research report on one of the people mentioned in the book. Another idea could be to have students investigate other famous African American athletes and write about their challenges or contributions.
May 1, 2023
*** SPOILER WARNING ***
Title: Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America
Author: Sharon Robinson
Genre: Biography
Horn Book Guide Rating: Not available
Grade Level: 7th - 9th grade
Quotations:
"It's not about the color of your skin; it's about the quality of your work." - Jackie Robinson
This quote highlights Jackie's belief in meritocracy and the idea that individuals should be judged based on their abilities and character, rather than their skin color or other external factors. This quote could be used to prompt discussions about fairness, equality, and the importance of working hard and striving for excellence.
"I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect." - Jackie Robinson
This quote reveals Jackie's commitment to standing up for himself and his principles, even in the face of discrimination and hostility. It underscores the idea that respect is earned, rather than given, and that individuals should strive to earn respect through their actions and their character. This quote could be used to prompt discussions about integrity, self-respect, and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.
Summary:
Spoiler Alert: "Promises to Keep" is a biography of Jackie Robinson, written by his daughter, Sharon Robinson. The book covers Jackie's childhood, his time as a student-athlete, his time in the military, and his groundbreaking career as the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. Throughout the book, the reader gets an inside look at the struggles Jackie faced as he worked to break down racial barriers in sports and in society as a whole. The book also provides a glimpse into Jackie's personal life and his dedication to civil rights and social justice.
Connections:
This book would be an excellent addition to any classroom or library looking to teach about the civil rights movement or the history of baseball. "Promises to Keep" could be compared to other biographies or memoirs of civil rights leaders, such as "Becoming" by Michelle Obama or "My Life" by Bill Clinton. In addition, the book could be used to facilitate text-to-self connections by encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences with racism and social justice. Finally, "Promises to Keep" could be used as a text-to-society connection by prompting discussions about the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in America.
Title: Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America
Author: Sharon Robinson
Genre: Biography
Horn Book Guide Rating: Not available
Grade Level: 7th - 9th grade
Quotations:
"It's not about the color of your skin; it's about the quality of your work." - Jackie Robinson
This quote highlights Jackie's belief in meritocracy and the idea that individuals should be judged based on their abilities and character, rather than their skin color or other external factors. This quote could be used to prompt discussions about fairness, equality, and the importance of working hard and striving for excellence.
"I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect." - Jackie Robinson
This quote reveals Jackie's commitment to standing up for himself and his principles, even in the face of discrimination and hostility. It underscores the idea that respect is earned, rather than given, and that individuals should strive to earn respect through their actions and their character. This quote could be used to prompt discussions about integrity, self-respect, and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.
Summary:
Spoiler Alert: "Promises to Keep" is a biography of Jackie Robinson, written by his daughter, Sharon Robinson. The book covers Jackie's childhood, his time as a student-athlete, his time in the military, and his groundbreaking career as the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. Throughout the book, the reader gets an inside look at the struggles Jackie faced as he worked to break down racial barriers in sports and in society as a whole. The book also provides a glimpse into Jackie's personal life and his dedication to civil rights and social justice.
Connections:
This book would be an excellent addition to any classroom or library looking to teach about the civil rights movement or the history of baseball. "Promises to Keep" could be compared to other biographies or memoirs of civil rights leaders, such as "Becoming" by Michelle Obama or "My Life" by Bill Clinton. In addition, the book could be used to facilitate text-to-self connections by encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences with racism and social justice. Finally, "Promises to Keep" could be used as a text-to-society connection by prompting discussions about the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in America.
April 2, 2021
Promises to keep is a book that I would highly encourage that every elementary student reads. This book is a biography on Jackie Robinson written from a viewpoint like no other, his daughter Sharon Robinson. Sharon shares stories from her point of view about Jackie Robinson's life as a father, an athlete, and most importantly a social activist. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in professional sports and paved the way not only for many athletes but for minority groups. This book is broken up into different sections that explain the world that Jackie grew up in, his college athletics career, his professional career, and his role in advocating for change.
This is a WOW book for many different reasons. First of all, with this book being a biography written by his daughter, it is a whole new perspective compared to other books about Jackie Robinson. This book is more personal and provides more details than what other books provide. Secondly, I think this is a WOW book because of the layout and different features it has. There are letters by Jackie Robinson, pictures from his family archives, and different text features (paragraphs, timelines, captions). Lastly, this book is a WOW book because of the message that it displays. Many people have heard about Jackie Robinson and the role that he played as a professional baseball player. This book goes on to explain that his life was more than just baseball. That he fought for his family, his community, and what he thought was right. This alone should be inspiring for all readers.
I would use this book in an upper elementary class, fourth or fifth grade. The story of Jackie Robinson is something that can be taught in lower elementary classes as well, but the reading level of this book would be more appropriate for fourth or fifth graders. There are some pretty advanced vocabulary words and concepts that are found in this book. As I have already mentioned, this book includes different text features. This is one way I would want to incorporate it into my future classroom. It is important that students can identify these different features while reading and use them to better comprehend a text. I would also use this book for social studies content. Students need to learn about important historical figures who advocated for change and made a difference.
This is a WOW book for many different reasons. First of all, with this book being a biography written by his daughter, it is a whole new perspective compared to other books about Jackie Robinson. This book is more personal and provides more details than what other books provide. Secondly, I think this is a WOW book because of the layout and different features it has. There are letters by Jackie Robinson, pictures from his family archives, and different text features (paragraphs, timelines, captions). Lastly, this book is a WOW book because of the message that it displays. Many people have heard about Jackie Robinson and the role that he played as a professional baseball player. This book goes on to explain that his life was more than just baseball. That he fought for his family, his community, and what he thought was right. This alone should be inspiring for all readers.
I would use this book in an upper elementary class, fourth or fifth grade. The story of Jackie Robinson is something that can be taught in lower elementary classes as well, but the reading level of this book would be more appropriate for fourth or fifth graders. There are some pretty advanced vocabulary words and concepts that are found in this book. As I have already mentioned, this book includes different text features. This is one way I would want to incorporate it into my future classroom. It is important that students can identify these different features while reading and use them to better comprehend a text. I would also use this book for social studies content. Students need to learn about important historical figures who advocated for change and made a difference.
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April 29, 2020NONFICTION 4-6
Title: Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America
Author: Sharon Robinson
How would you describe the plot? This biography paints a warm picture of Jackie Robinson. We was an American sports icon, told from the unique perspective of a unique insider: his only daughter. Sharon Robinson shares memories of her famous father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist.
How would you describe the characters? Jackie Robinson - written as a biography of his life
What is the main conflict?
What is the main theme? To learn and be more informative about Jackie Robinson and the events that took place in his life.
How would you describe the author’s style? Biography, the store was written by his daughter.
What point of view does the author use? Third person
What lessons could you teach with this text?
RF.5.4.A: Read grade level text with purpose and understanding
RF. 5.4.C: Use context in grade-level text to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary.
What is your overall assessment of the book? Personal, informative, and paints a good picture for the reader of what his life was like.
Title: Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America
Author: Sharon Robinson
How would you describe the plot? This biography paints a warm picture of Jackie Robinson. We was an American sports icon, told from the unique perspective of a unique insider: his only daughter. Sharon Robinson shares memories of her famous father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist.
How would you describe the characters? Jackie Robinson - written as a biography of his life
What is the main conflict?
What is the main theme? To learn and be more informative about Jackie Robinson and the events that took place in his life.
How would you describe the author’s style? Biography, the store was written by his daughter.
What point of view does the author use? Third person
What lessons could you teach with this text?
RF.5.4.A: Read grade level text with purpose and understanding
RF. 5.4.C: Use context in grade-level text to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary.
What is your overall assessment of the book? Personal, informative, and paints a good picture for the reader of what his life was like.
June 21, 2023
This is a very strong nonfiction book.
It starts by covering a lot of African American history from the end of slavery through the Harlem Renaissance. This provides essential background for Robinson's story. It's a bit dizzying considering the amount of material covered, but I think a more detailed approach would have bogged the book down. As with all areas of the book, the plentiful and well-chosen illustrations do a great job of adding detail to the text.
The portion on Robinson's life is great. Everything I've ever read about him focuses so much on his baseball career that I really had no idea what his life was like before that. Sharon Robinson did a great job of presenting his whole life as a narrative.
The famous "Jackie's Nine" traits come through in an interesting way. Often, they are presented as things that Robinson had because he was just a great guy, but this book presents them as traits he chose when presented with obstacles in his life.
Again, great illustrations, including pictures of pre-baseball Robinson and the letters that he wrote his wife. This is a very well-crafted book.
It starts by covering a lot of African American history from the end of slavery through the Harlem Renaissance. This provides essential background for Robinson's story. It's a bit dizzying considering the amount of material covered, but I think a more detailed approach would have bogged the book down. As with all areas of the book, the plentiful and well-chosen illustrations do a great job of adding detail to the text.
The portion on Robinson's life is great. Everything I've ever read about him focuses so much on his baseball career that I really had no idea what his life was like before that. Sharon Robinson did a great job of presenting his whole life as a narrative.
The famous "Jackie's Nine" traits come through in an interesting way. Often, they are presented as things that Robinson had because he was just a great guy, but this book presents them as traits he chose when presented with obstacles in his life.
Again, great illustrations, including pictures of pre-baseball Robinson and the letters that he wrote his wife. This is a very well-crafted book.
January 24, 2024
Sharon Robinson’s writing is lyrical and beautiful. It imparts history without being stuffy or boring, focusing on legacy and impact. While meant for children, this book does not shy away from racism, segregation, or heavy themes. There are images of hate mail alongside pictures of family celebrations, honors Robinson received, and activism. Sharon writes as his daughter about Jackie Robinson as an athlete, father, and activist. With this lens, we have many primary sources of photos, letters, etc.
This book is a great resource for students about the history of race and systems of oppression in our country: it defines sharecropping, shows a timeline of the civil war, and contextualizes what it meant for Jackie Robinson to “break the color barrier” in baseball. The style and tone makes me want to read Sharon Robinson’s other books. I have recommended this to my elementary librarian mother, and have seen firsthand how engaging it is for 5th grade students. I read it in 2 short sittings, but the 5th grade classes with whom I work only read a few pages each day so that they can dive into the vocabulary, history, emotions, and main ideas.
This book is a great resource for students about the history of race and systems of oppression in our country: it defines sharecropping, shows a timeline of the civil war, and contextualizes what it meant for Jackie Robinson to “break the color barrier” in baseball. The style and tone makes me want to read Sharon Robinson’s other books. I have recommended this to my elementary librarian mother, and have seen firsthand how engaging it is for 5th grade students. I read it in 2 short sittings, but the 5th grade classes with whom I work only read a few pages each day so that they can dive into the vocabulary, history, emotions, and main ideas.
May 14, 2017
Scholastic INC 2004
# Of Pages: 64
Summary:
Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. The author explores the fascinating circumstances surrounding Jackie Robinson's breakthrough. She also tells the off-the-field story of Robinson's hard-won victories and the inspiring effect he had on his family, his community, and his country. Includes never-before-published letters by Jackie Robinson, as well as photos from the Robinson family archives.
5 stars
Genre: Non-fiction
Grade Level:6-8
Lexil: 940
Guided Reading: W
CCS/Teaching IdeaCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.8
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
Jackie Robinson faced many challenges. In this book there are multiple claims and evidence that shows what he had gone through. Students will go back into the text to identify these claims and share their proof with the class along with valid reasoning.
# Of Pages: 64
Summary:
Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. The author explores the fascinating circumstances surrounding Jackie Robinson's breakthrough. She also tells the off-the-field story of Robinson's hard-won victories and the inspiring effect he had on his family, his community, and his country. Includes never-before-published letters by Jackie Robinson, as well as photos from the Robinson family archives.
5 stars
Genre: Non-fiction
Grade Level:6-8
Lexil: 940
Guided Reading: W
CCS/Teaching IdeaCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.8
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
Jackie Robinson faced many challenges. In this book there are multiple claims and evidence that shows what he had gone through. Students will go back into the text to identify these claims and share their proof with the class along with valid reasoning.
May 20, 2022
This book "Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America" is a book that I found really interesting it gives you insight on the famous Jackie Robinson. I never knew that one of his main drives during his career was breaking the color barrier for African Americans and how much he focused on equality and not just baseball. And this is what his daughter Sharon Robinson does in the book give you more insight on Jackie Robinson from his passions, to his role models, and goals. This book doesn't only tell you about his passion with the rise for African Americans but also gives history on my people as well as an African American and how things were in general as well. I really would recommend this to African Americans for that reason but this book overall is really good and for anybody who is curious to learn. Enjoy the book.
November 26, 2023
This has been on my TBR list since 2018, and I finally read it. It fulfilled a prompt from a 2023 reading challenge, the shortest book on my TBR list. It was excellent, and I actually did learn a few things about Jackie Robinson. It was lovely that the story was told by his daughter, it made it more poignant and meaningful. The only cringe moment was a photo spread with Bill Cosby, but it was published in 2004.
October 22, 2020
This was a nice quick read that gave me a new perspective on the civil rights movement in the mid-1900s. I don't know what was different, but I felt a more personal understanding of what it must have been like to live under the Jim Crow laws. I got an idea of what kinds of prejudices must have been around even among white allies of the time.
April 29, 2018
This book is a good whole class study one for fourth /fifth grade- it contains many photographs, newspaper cuttings, and letters not just from his life but on how his actions and those of others helped bring change to America.
March 12, 2019
Spectacular. This is a wonderful photo biography that really shows how Jackie Robinson changed American History rather than just having been a terrific athlete. My fifth graders have spent good times accessing this text.
August 4, 2019
Spending today reading about a courageous civil rights leader made a perfect antidote to the madness of two mass shootings in less than 24 hours. Sharon Robinson tells her father's story and reminds us of the importance of action in seeking justice.
April 10, 2022
Jackie's daughter Sharon is the author of this juvenile biography of Jackie Robinson. Family photos and personal antidotes add intimacy to this retelling. This book balances the public figure with private family man.
July 14, 2022
Sharon Robinson shares her insights and memories of her father Jackie Robinson, and the impact he had on the world, and on hers as she continues to provide future generations of what her father meant to her, and his everlasting contributions.
February 15, 2018
This biography was really good!
April 8, 2018
Jackie Robinson was an extraordinary person who didn’t just break baseball’s color barrier, but also broke many other barriers throughout his life. Jackie Robinson was the first black player to play professional baseball. He led the way for other people to play baseball despite their race. He also became a second lieutenant in the army during WWII. The book is written from Sharon Robinson’s (Jackie’s daughter) perspective. It is not a lot of dialogue. It really gave me a sense about his past before baseball and his life after baseball.
June 13, 2018
MY - Advanced MY. Full of color photos and information about Jacki's life.
September 4, 2018
This is an absolutely fabulous biography for children about Jackie Robinson and his many contributions to America.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews