The United States v. Jackie Robinson
A moving and inspiring nonfiction picture book about Jackie Robinson’s court martial trial—an important lesser-known moment in his lifetime of fighting prejudice with strength and grace.
Jackie Robinson broke boundaries as the first African American player in Major League Baseball. But long before Jackie changed the world in a Dodger uniform, he did it in an army uniform. As a soldier during World War II, Jackie experienced segregation every day. When the army outlawed segregation on military posts and buses, things were supposed to change. So when Jackie was ordered by a white bus driver to move to the back of a military bus, he refused. Instead of defending Jackie’s rights, the military police took him to trial. But Jackie would stand up for what was right, even when it was difficult to do.
Honors
CCBC Choices 2019 Choice: Historical People, Places, and Events
Junior Library Guild
2019 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
Praise
"Powerfully illustrates that this groundbreaking American icon’s commitment to equality did not begin or end with baseball—his courage was a lifelong trait."
- Kirkus, starred review
“It’s nice to have an athlete celebrated for personal integrity over physical prowess, and R. Gregory Christie’s pictures bolster this, evoking a Robinson who is strong and sure, but also smiling, warm, and ultimately, triumphant.”
- New York Times Book Review
“A story that will appeal to both baseball fans and those looking for an interesting way to highlight lesser-known aspects of the fight for civil rights.”
- Booklist
“A worthy addition.”- School Library Journal
“[A] well-told biography…complemented by Christie’s dramatic expressionistic…illustrations”
- The Horn Book
Buy Now
