Dad, Jackie, and Me

Overview

Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award

A young boy and his deaf father bond over baseball as they root for Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers to win the pennant.

It was Opening Day, 1947. And every kid in Brooklyn knew this was our year. The Dodgers were going to go all the way!

In the summer of 1947, a highly charged baseball season is underway. The new first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson, is the first Black player in Major League Baseball— and it looks like the team might have what it takes to get to the World Series.

A young boy listens eagerly to the games on the radio, using sign language to tell his deaf father about every new development. Getting into the spirit, his father begins to keep a scrapbook, clipping newspaper articles and photos about Jackie.

One day, the father has big news: they’re going to Ebbets field to watch Jackie play in person! As the team draws closer to victory, the boy and his dad become more and more excited, going to every game they can– and becoming closer themselves through their shared love of the game.

Inspired by memories of watching baseball with his own deaf father, Myron Uhlberg’s story touches on the strength and determination needed to overcome prejudice, and the joy of a shared victory. Colin Bootman’s realistic watercolor illustrations bring 1940s Brooklyn to life, alternating between the drama of Jackie Robinson’s games and tender moments a father and son share.

In a moving Author’s Note, Uhlberg explains why his father identified with Robinson and how both men worked to overcome thoughtless prejudice and to prove themselves every day of their lives.

A perfect gift for baseball lovers, readers with deaf family members, and devoted Brooklynites, wherever they may live.

“…an affecting tribute to Robinson, to a dedicated son and to a thoughtful, deep-feeling father. And, of course, to baseball.”–Publishers Weekly