EF

Independent Reading Level: preK - 2
Awards: Schneider Family Book Award ( )

"Dad, Jackie, and Me", set in 1947, is the story of a boy who loves the Brooklyn Dodgers. His father is a deaf man, who hasn't always been interested in baseball, but is thrilled that Jackie Robinson has joined the team. Together, the boy and his dad begin attending Dodgers games. The boy teaches his dad all about baseball using sign language. During the last game of the season, Jackie Robinson throws a ball to the boy's dad. In his author's note, Myron Uhlberg explains that this book is based on true events from his childhood.
This is a wonderful story about a boy and his father bonding over baseball and their admiration of Jackie Robinson. The author explains that his father identified with Jackie Robinson because they were both discriminated against for being different. It is a story about prejudice, belonging, and love. I would recommend this book to elementary school teachers, especially those teaching social studies. ( )

I am not a baseball fan, but fans of baseball will enjoy this book. The relationship between a son who is hearing and a Father who is deaf is priceless, although the son seems a tiny bit patronizing, as if he pities his Dad. He teacher his Dad about baseball-lingo, facts and catching a ball..In the end, his Dad becomes a hero, and his son looks up to him. ( )