Dad, Jackie, and Me

I read Mr. Uhlberg's memoir of his childhood and his deaf parents. That inspired me to look into Uhlberg's children's books. This is one of the stories touched on in the adult memoir. I think it is a beautifully told and illustrated story of a different time in America. Perhaps today, with Barack Obama as president, it is relevant to look back at the breaking of another barrier in American Life. This fictionalized story of a moment in Uhlberg's youth covers the thrills and the willfulness of 60 years ago. Beautifully told. Realistically illustrated.

Dad, Jackie, And Me It's 1947 and a boy and his dad are excitedly following the fortunes of the Brooklyn Dodgers and their star player Jackie Robinson, the first African-American player in major league baseball. This book is a bit long for younger children, but it mixes the story of Jackie Robinson, a young boy's love of baseball, life in Brooklyn in the 40's, and the experience of growing up with a father who is deaf (and can't play baseball besides). The Author's Note at the end explains the true parts of the story and explores the idea of overcoming prejudice.

This is my new favorite book. Myron Uhlberg's beautiful picture book connects the plight of suffering racial discrimination with being subjected to prejudice for having a disability. It connects the famous with the common. It will tear at your heart, and hopefully open it to know that change is possible; although often slow and painful. The inside cover is filled with primary resource news clippings from Jackie Robinson's career, making the historical piece all the more tangible to grasp. The author's note at the back of the book pulls it all together, and reveals why this was a book that had to be written. I recommend it for ages 8 to 108.

"Dad, Jackie, and Me" is a fabulous story about a father and a son, about prejudice and triumph. Myron Uhlberg subtly creates a parallel between the unfair discrimination against his father for being deaf and Jackie Robinson for being African-American. This is a touching book with lovely illustrations...not to mention so many dimensions for a classroom teacher to explore with students! Plus, I met Myron today, and he is one of THE most warm, friendly, wonderful authors I have ever met. I give him and his works my most glowing praise!

Myron Uhlberg is a prolific author, having published 7 books after his 65th birthday. He has many others in the works. He choses his words carefully and meaningfully. Most of the storyline is based on some aspect of his life, having been raised by 2 deaf parents. He builds a sense of deep, caring for the characters which will connect you to them. The illustrator has done an excellent job of capturing the essence of the storyline.