Sharon Robinson’s engaging, child-centered reminiscence recalls events after her family moved to Stamford, Connecticut, in 1955. She and her brothers were thrilled to make new friends, and throughout the summer, all of the kids swam in the lake on the property. “But no matter how much we begged, my dad would never come into the water.” It was also a thrill to have their friends over to play, and everyone loved when her father, Jackie Robinson, would talk about breaking into major league baseball. After his retirement, Jackie was home more, but he still wouldn’t swim in the lake. Then one cold winter day when the kids were eager to skate, he tested the ice for them, despite his inability to swim. “My dad is the bravest man alive.” Sharon’s sentiment has taken on a deeper significance for her as an adult. “Dad showed the same courage on the ice that day as he did when he broke the color barrier in baseball.” Kadir Nelson’s paintings enhance the emotional tenor of Robinson’s storytelling, whether capturing the gravity of Jackie Robinson’s discussion with Branch Rickey about integrating the major leagues, or the awe on the faces of the children listening to Jackie tell that story. (Ages 6–10)

Sharon Robinson, the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, has crafted a hearwarming, true story about growing up with her father.

When Jackie Robinson retires from baseball and moves his family to Connecticut, the beautiful lake on their property is the center of everyone's fun. The neighborhood children join the Robinson kids for swimming and boating. But oddly, Jackie never goes near the water.
In a dramatic episode that first winter, the children beg to go ice skating on the lake. Jackie says they can go--but only after he tests the ice to make sure it's safe. The children prod and push to get Jackie outside, until hesitantly, he finally goes. Like a blind man with a stick, (contd.)