About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the realization that the world isn't always fair, or when they need an example of how to handle hostility with quiet dignity. While it is ostensibly a sports biography, it is truly a study in emotional regulation and resilience. It follows Henry Aaron from his childhood in the segregated South to his barrier-breaking entry into the Major Leagues, never shying away from the systemic racism he faced. Parents will appreciate how it frames Aaron's success not just through his athletic talent, but through his refusal to let the hatred of others diminish his own sense of worth. It is an excellent tool for discussing American history and the character required to be a trailblazer.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book depicts instances of racism, Jim Crow laws, and segregation that cause the main character emotional distress and create obstacles for him. The approach is realistic and historical, depicting the harshness of the era (such as having to eat meals in the kitchen or on the bus while white teammates ate in restaurants) without being overly graphic. The resolution is hopeful and triumphant, grounded in Aaron's actual achievements.
