Big League Dreams: Baseball Hall of Fame's First African-Canadian, Fergie Jenkins

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Big League Dreams: Baseball Hall of Fame's First African-Canadian, Fergie Jenkins

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Overview

A history of black major league baseball players and the crumbling of the colour barrier in sport.

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About the Author

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781552774861
Publisher:	Lorimer, James & Company, Limited
Publication date:	09/01/2010
Series:	Lorimer Recordbooks Series
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	4.20(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	770L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Richard Brignall has written multiple books for young readers and adults and has contributed hundreds of articles to magazines. His books have been nominated for a number of young-adult literature awards.

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Editorial Reviews

"As well as telling Jenkins' story, Brignall has given readers a snapshot of American social history. The attention to both achievements and social climate makes a compelling read. Recommended."

CM Magazine

"An easy to read format which will appeal to both young readers and reluctant reader teens alike. Information boxes included in the text assist readers by explaining terminology, concepts, and by providing interesting facts related to the biography of this athlete. In addition, the values, positive attitude and determination of successful goal achievement despite social adversity are proudly displayed through Fergie Jenkins, making him a role model for children and an icon in character education. An excellent addition to the library collection and as a companion book in the classroom for character education, values education, biographical study, Black History and recreational reading."

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Die-hard baseball fans are always looking for a new hero to read about. The story of Fergie Jenkins' rise to pitching fame in the major leagues will satisfy their curiosity with the compelling story of a black Canadian athlete who kept his "eyes on the prize." Young Jenkins was something of an anomaly in Canada in that he focused on baseball instead of hockey, the Canadian national sport. Students who know about the Negro Leagues will also be interested to learn that Jenkins never encountered racial prejudice in his hometown of Chatham, Ontario. Only when he was signed in the United States and sent to training camp in the South in the early 1960s did he encounter racial slurs and "colored only" signs. From the beginning, Jenkins had the full love and support of his parents who made every effort to encourage him and make sure he had opportunities to explore his talents and dreams. Jenkins' career path proved to be his prowess in pitching, but the path was not always easy. However, despite the ups and down, eventually Leo Durocher recognized Jenkins' talents and signed him to the Chicago Cubs. Jenkins became the first African-Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame star. This biography is an easy read and the book's teen-appealing design makes this an appropriate choice for upper elementary readers and could be used as a hi/low title for older readers. A glossary, index, and annotated bibliography are included, but no websites are suggested for further inquiry. A few black and white photographs are sprinkled through the text, as are factoid boxes which call out additional information. It would have been nice to read more about Jenkins' personal life; the omission of more personal detail makes it seems as though Jenkins lived only for baseball. The truth is that he suffered many personal tragedies in real life, but overcame them. The organization he created, the Fergie Jenkins Foundation, supports many laudable charitable causes. This is a good addition to all collections serving young adult readers who want to know more about the baseball heroes of past decades. Reviewer: Shari Shaw

Children's Literature - Shari Shaw

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