Lives+to+Learn+From+(February)

February's theme is "Lives to Learn From."

**Testing the Ice: A True Story about Jackie Robinson** by Sharon Robinson

Even though he couldn't skate, Jackie Robinson tests the ice before he allows his children to go skating. A glimpse into the private life of a great American hero and role model.

**Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters** by Barack Obama

In a series of questions to his daughters in which he highlights their personal qualities and behaviors, President Obama describes the contributions of many great Americans including Helen Keller, Cesar Chavez, Sitting Bull, and many others.

**Clemente!** by Willie Perdomo

Roberto Clemente was a hero on the baseball field and off. He was one of the greatest players of all time whose hard work and dedication were evident in every area of his game. His death was a great tragedy yet also symbolic of the humanitarian and role model that he was/is.


 * Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins** by Carole Boston Weatherford

This fictionalized account of the Greensboro sit-ins brings to life the courageous efforts of the college students, both black and white, who sat down in the face of vicious racism.


 * A Land of Big Dreamers: Voices of Courage in America** by Neil Waldman

This title includes very brief coverage (just a few paragraphs long) of thirteen American men and women who have had an impact on American history and lives. Each individual is introduced by a meaningful quotation from their own words which is briefly put into historical context.


 * First in the Field: Baseball Hero Jackie Robinson** by Derek T. Dingle

Whether you are a baseball fan or not, you cannot help but be awed by what Jackie Robinson had to endure in his lifetime as he became the first African American player in the major leagues. Throughout his life, Robinson continuously stood up for justice in the face of vicious racism. Keep in mind that he integrated baseball years before legal and social action began to successfully challenge existing laws and codes of behavior. This is a non-fiction text with a large amount of text, full of details about Robinson's life. A motivated 4th or 5th grader could gain a lot from this book. As Robinson himself said, "A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives." A timeline of "Milestones in Black Sports" is included.

See also: **Bonyo Bonyo** under Diligence.