Genre 4-LS 5603 Book review-Orbis Pictus

Book Review of Orbis Pictus/ Sibert Award book
1.Bibligraphy: Nelson,Kadir. We are the Ship, the story of Negro League Baseball. New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children, 2008.
2. Plot Summary: This book is a history of the struggles and triumphs of the Negro Baseball League. The book leads the reader through the beginnings in the 1920s’ to the decline after the great Jackie Robinson crossed over to play with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
3. Critical Analysis: The book is written in a style that makes the reader want to know more about the organization of the Negro Baseball League. It is organized in sequential chapters, each describing the certain aspects of life in the league. The author uses the term innings instead of chapters. The sources cited at the end of the book thoroughly show the information was carefully researched and organized. The design of the book is inviting with each illustration including the most intricate of details, such as the muscles in the arms of Josh Gibson( pg. 41, 5th inning). Each illustration enhances the story helping the reader to make a connection with the player mentioned in the history. Kadir Nelson is an accomplished artist and has illustrated many childrens’ books and has been honored for his work.
4. Awards won and review excerpts:
-Orbis Pictus Honor book-2009
-Texas Bluebonnet Nominee 2009-2010
-Coretta Scott King author award winner-2009
-School Library Journal starred review: A lost piece of American history comes to life in Kadir Nelson's elegant and eloquent history (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun, 2008) of the Negro Leagues and its gifted baseball players. The history of the Leagues echoes the social and political struggles of black America during the first half of the 20th century.
-Booklist review- The narrative showcases the pride and comradery of the Negro Leagues, celebrates triumphing on one’s own terms and embracing adversity, even as it clearly shows the “us” and “them” mentality bred by segregation.
5. Connections:
Other books about the Negro Baseball League:
-Morelli, Jack. Heroes of the Negro Leagues. Illustr. Mark Chiarello. ISBN-10: 0810994348
-Peterson, Robert. Only the Ball Was White: A History of Legendary Black Players and All-Black Professional Teams. ISBN-10: 0195076370
-Lanctot, Neil. Negro League Baseball: The Rise and Ruin of a Black Institution. ISBN-10: 0812220277
- Hogan, Lawrence D. Shades of Glory: The Negro Leagues and the Story of African-American Baseball. ISBN-10: 079225306X