Genre 4 Book 1 - Nonfiction

1. Bibliography
Nelson, Kadir.2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE SWTORY OF THE NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE. New York: Jump at the Sun Hyperion.
ISBN 0786808322

2. Plot Summary
Segregation affected many aspects of life in our history. Colored and whites did not eat in the same restaurants, sit together in theatres or even drink from the same water fountains. How did it affect baseball? In this intriguing book, Nelson takes the readers through an inspirational journey through the lives of the Negro baseball league and its players. We learn of players who did not make it to the Hall of Fame but probably deserved to be there.

Hank Aaron sets the stage for honoring those people of the past that help black players make it to the major leagues. The struggles that Negro players had to overcome just to play baseball are huge. In the beginning, even when they were allowed to play, they were given the wrong directions and became targets for the other team. Keep in mind that in those days protective gear was not worn; therefore, this type of mistreatment was dangerous. They slept cramped 8 to a car and played games the next day for little or no money. These Negro baseball players truly played for the love of the game.

3. Critical Analysis
Written from the point of view of a player remembering the past and telling the story, Nelson draws the reader’s attention immediately. Keeping in the theme of baseball, chapters are titled by innings, and a caption written by an important person to the Negro baseball league is featured.

By far what stands out the most in this novel are the extremely beautiful and authentic oil paintings. Nelson in addition to writing the book also illustrated it. The paintings depict the players’ emotions vividly. The determination that Raleigh “Biz” Mackey is feeling as he is squatted behind home plate waiting the pitch is etched in his face. Satchel Paige was such an incredible ball player and his larger than life attitude is evident in each portrait he is featured in. In addition, illustrations of stadiums, managers, and tickets are included to give a full rounded view of the Negro baseball league.

At the end, an author’s note gives the reader’s an insight into how important this topic is to Nelson. The endnotes are a great informational resource of information found in the book.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The history of the Leagues echoes the social and political struggles of black America during the first half of the 20th century.”
BOOKLIST: “The narrative showcases the pride and comradery of the Negro Leagues…”
Kadir Nelson is the winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King Award

5. Connections
This is a great book to share with students during African American history month. The illustrations alone tell a story. Have the students look at a picture and write about what they “see”, and then share.