REVIEWS+

Jackie's Gift

by Sharon Robinson
32p. 978-0-67001-162-9.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—Jackie Robinson's daughter tells a story that takes place during the family's first Christmas in Brooklyn. Not everyone was happy to see a black family move in to the neighborhood. Young Steve Satlow, an avid Dodger fan, and his parents are exceptions; they welcome the Robinsons and become friends. On Christmas Eve, Steve is helping the Robinsons decorate their tree when Jackie learns that the Satlows don't have one. He shows up at their home with a tree for Steve, and his wife comes later with extra ornaments. They then learn that the Satlows are Jewish. What could have been an awkward moment becomes a lesson in tolerance and friendship. Lewis's lovely paintings do a fine job of conveying the time and place in this heartwarming story.—Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies
In this holiday book based on a true story, young baseball fan Steve Satlow is thrilled when Jackie Robinson moves into his 1940s Brooklyn neighborhood. When a misunderstanding arises over why Steve doesn't have a Christmas tree (the Satlows are Jewish), it results in a lasting friendship between the families. While the prose is labored, the story, accompanied by soft watercolors, is heartwarming.
Reviewed by Virginia Walter , Oct 01, 2010

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?