Testing The Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
Title: Testing the Ice A True Story About Jackie RobinsonAuthor: Sharon Robinson; illustrated by Kadir NelsonDate of Publication: 2009Genre: Biography/Picture BookAnnotations: In this book, Sharon Robinson tells a short tale of growing up with her father, Jackie Robinson. From describing what it was like where they lived, telling a story from her father’s point of view of what it was like breaking the color barrier in baseball, and how her father tested the ice for her siblings, friends, and herself one cold day when their lake froze over. She connects the courage it took for her father to test the ice to breaking the color barrier in baseball. This is a heart felt story. I think this is a phenomenal book. It goes into the life of Jackie Robinson and a bit of the history African-Americans went through. People can also relate to their own childhood and looking up to their father or other male elder. It’s the personal nature of it, the way it was written, that makes it easy to relate to. Discussion and Comprehension Questions for children: Is this story something that happened in real life or is it imaginary?Who is the main character of the story?What are some hardships Jackie Robinson had to go through? Why do you think he put himself through those hardships? How do you think he felt about those times?How do you think the author felt about her father? How do you know?Has there ever been a time when you were afraid to do something, but did it anyways? What made you try doing it? How did you feel afterwards?After reading this story, how do you feel about Jackie Robinson? How would you describe him? Do you think he is a hero? Is there anything in this book you can connect to that hasn't been mentioned? Audience: PrimaryGenre: NonfictionAward: Golden Sower Nominee 2013-2014Twin Text: Jackie and Me by Dan Gutman is a historical fiction book. I chose both of these books because I teach third grade and in our reading curriculum we have a story on Jackie Robinson. I would love to use these books to enhance our discussion on Jackie Robinson. The twin text Jackie and Me is about a boy named Joe who collects baseball cards. He is assigned a book report on an African American who has made a different in society. Joe has a special talent, he is able to travel back in time to meet Jackie Robinson and learn firsthand how he overcame the barrier of race in baseball! I feel this book will help the students have a text to world connection and they will really enjoy reading it!
What do You think about Testing The Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson (2009)?
A random pull from the library shelves. Kiddo likes it a lot.
—Oksi
