Book Title: Henry Aaron’s Dream
Author(s): Matt Tavares
Illustrator/Photographer/Artist: Matt Tavares
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Copyright Date: 2010
Genre: Biography
Brief Annotation: Henry Aaron was an African American boy growing up in a time where Blacks and Whites were not allowed to do the same thing. For a boy who loved to play baseball, his dreams seemed out of reach to be able to play in the “big league”. Henry was determined though and never gave up on his dream to play. On April 15, 1947 Henry got a boost of hope from Jackie Robinson as he played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He began by playing in the Negro league and eventually; his superb athletic skills landed him a spot on the roster for the Braves. Henry “Hank” Aaron became one of the greatest batters in Major League Baseball and followed in his idol’s footsteps, Jackie Robinson, and began to speak out publicly about the racial injustice in baseball.
Your Rating (1-5) and why: 4 – The book is a little wordier than I would prefer for this book. I loved the pictured and thought the detail in those in relation to the text was done very well. It had a lot of detail and I found myself asking, “When will it end?” but that is not to say I didn’t like it. I think the story of Hank Aaron is reassuring and inspiring.
Readers who will like this book: Children who like sports, especially baseball, and the history of the influential players will find this book amusing. Anyone who enjoys learning about the Civil Rights Movement will like this book.
Question to ask about this book before a read aloud: Have you ever wanted to do something but were told that you weren’t allowed to do it? How did that make you feel? How did you react to it?
Optional, but noted as extra effort:
1. Interest Level (age): K – 2
2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 5.4
3. List awards: 2011 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
4. Does this book have a book trailer? No
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