We are the Ship : the Story of Negro League Baseball

Nelson, Kadir. We Are the Ship The Story of Negro League Baseball. New york: Jump At The Sun, 2008.

Children's Literature Annotation:

Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through the decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947.

Awards and Honors:

• Coretta Scott King Book Award, 2009 Winner Author United States
• Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2009 Winner United States
• New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books, 2008 Winner United States
• Society of Illustrators' Award, 2008 Silver Medal United States

Review:

Ian Chipman (Booklist, Feb. 1, 2008 (Vol. 104, No. 11))

Starred Review* Award-winning illustrator and first-time author Nelson’s history of the Negro Leagues, told from the vantage point of an unnamed narrator, reads like an old-timer regaling his grandchildren with tales of baseball greats Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and others who forged the path toward breaking the race barrier before Jackie Robinson made his historic debut. The narrative showcases the pride and comradery of the Negro Leagues, celebrates triumphing on one’s own terms and embracing adversity, even as it clearly shows the “us” and “them” mentality bred by segregation. If the story is the pitch, though, it’s the artwork that blasts the book into the stands. Nelson often works from a straight-on vantage point, as if the players took time out of the action to peer at the viewer from history, eyes leveled and challenging, before turning back to the field of play. With enormous blue skies and jam-packed grandstands backing them, these players look like the giants they are. The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball’s history shelves. For students and fans (and those even older than the suggested grade level), this is the book to accomplish just that. Grades 5-8

Collection Suggestion:

This book is definitely geared to a middle school audience but it such an under-told and interesting part of America's cultural history that it would also be good for reluctant readers or special education students at the high school level. I also think that Nelson's award winning art would really appeal to students of all ages. I would recommend middle school librarians to add this to their collection and high school librarians who need more books for students with IEPs.